Saints coach Jason DeGraaf said his side had enjoyed the week off.

“There was a few sore blokes that probably really benefited from the break,” he said. “We were hoping they would be right to go again this week but it is likely they will need at least another week.”

It means more young players get an opportunity to step up for the side on Saturday.

“We are still shuffling things around and trying to fit everyone into their best positions at this point,” DeGraaf said.

“It is all about what works best for us as a team.”

St Arnaud was well and truly in the contest for the first half against the Tigers earlier in the season but got blown away to eventually lose by 55-points.

The young Saints side has shown improvement since the loss and the encounter will be a good chance to see how far they have come.

“We were right in that game,” DeGraaf said. “It is about stringing it to together for a full four quarters, it is easy to say but not as easy do.

“Our strength is in our contested football. 

“This game will probably be won and loss in the midfield contests.”

DONALD face a difficult task at home against Boort in round eight of the North Central Football League.

Roayl Blues coach Tom Bell said it is a big game where the ruck battle could prove pivotal. “How we move the footy will be critical,” he said. "We just need a good consistent performance.”

It was a comfortable win for the Royal Blues in round one, but since then Boort has worked its way into second position on the ladder. 

An upset win against Wycheproof-Narraport highlighted Boort’s potential in round six but the side comes into the game against Donald on the back of a loss to Brichip-Watchem.

Donald are positioned in the middle of the ladder after playing each team once but have given up multiple three-quarter-time leads.

The side needs to capitalise on opportunities in the coming rounds.