The Rats had just four of the same players on the court on Saturday that defeated Dimboola in round three this year.

Despite a cast of fresh faces, Ararat was able to run with the Roos on their home court early on, trailing by just three goals at quarter-time.

The second quarter was where all the damage was done, with Dimboola piling on 18 goals to extend the lead to 10 by half-time.

The Rats won the third term and were competitive in the last but could not keep up with the home team, suffering a 62-51 loss.

"We were missing key names like Krystal Fisher and Monique and Racquel Scott. I am confident if we had those girls playing we would have taken the four points," Ararat A Grade coach Taylor Mason said.

"Missing key names affects confidence and is something you think about as the game plays out.

"We had some girls we hadn't played with before. They did a great job but it is hard to fit them straight in and have that connection straight away. We will be back at full strength next week."

Mason said the second quarter was "pretty average" but she was pleased with how the rest of the game unfolded.

"There were still lots of positives. Delaney McLoughlin is still developing in goals. She did an awesome job (with 38 goals)," she said.

"Tayla Borrelli is also improving quite a lot in the midcourt."

The Rats are holding onto third spot after 12 rounds, sitting one game clear of Warrack Eagles and two from Horsham Saints.

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