ARARAT faces a must-win clash against Minyip-Murtoa if the side wants to keep its 2016 Wimmera Football League finals hopes alive on Saturday.
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The Rats are out of the top five on percentage only as they head into the match at Murtoa.
Both teams won in round 14 and with percentage all-important in the tussle for fifth spot, coach David Hosking said it is important the Rats remain competitive.
“It’s vital, we have to try and win obviously,” he said.
“If we can’t we have to lose by not much.
“We’ll try and play what we think is our natural game, and we’ll certainly be going all out to win it.”
Hosking said his side will have a few changes from the side that beat Dimboola on Saturday.
“Last week we lost Jake Strafehl in the pre-game warm-up, Peter Thompson has a broken leg and Stephen Phillips has torn his hammy,” he said.
“Andrew Pickles will be back this week in the ruck, along with Daniel Mendes.”
Hosking said the game is a challenge they will embrace head-on.
“Regardless of ladder position we will be approaching it with a positive mindset,” he said.
“We’d definitely prefer to control our own destiny.
“And the only way we can completely control that this year is if we win.”
Minyip-Murtoa coach Jaye Macumber said the Burras are hoping to build on their round 14 performance.
“We had a down day last week and this week we know what we need to do,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge to play against the Rats.
“If they want to play finals, they’ve gotta win.
“We are expecting them to come out and play finals type intensity, which is exactly what we need this time of year.”
Macumber said there might be a few changes ahead of the game but expects any replacements to fill the holes.
“Kieran Delahunty and Blake Young will have fitness tests,” he said
“If they don’t come up, then we’ll expect the players who come up to contribute and play their roles.
“We’ve set ourselves to treat the last two games as finals like intensity.”
Macumber said the league’s announcement that Murtoa will host the qualifying final is a boost for the club.
“I think it’s great Murtoa get a final, it’s fantastic for the town and they’re really looking forward to it,” he said.
