Dynamic goaler and five-time Hatcher Medallist Megan Shea has played the past two games for the Rats, who sit fifth on the ladder at the halfway point of the season.

The Demons are unbeaten after eight rounds. Coach Pauline Butler expects a fast and furious game at Horsham City Oval.

“Last time we played they gave us a run for our money up until half-time, and then we ran away with it a bit,” she said.

“I think it will be a tight clash and will come down to accuracy. They’ve had a few players come back in, so we’re not really sure what to expect in that regard.

“For us it will be about trying to nullify the whole attack end; Megan is just one component of that.”

Rats coach Lauren Armstrong is excited for the match.

“Last time our fitness and decision-making let us down a bit,” she said.

“We have been working on that since. Every week we’ve improved, and that’s really starting to show with the big wins we’ve had.

“Everything is really coming together, and now is when you want that to happen.”

TWO of the league’s best defenders will do battle at Murtoa on Saturday.

Eagle Penny Fisher and Burra Stevie Bibby are both league best and fairest winners, and have the ability to turn games with their impeccable timing and constant pressure.

Minyip-Murtoa posted a two-goal win the last time these teams met, and sit one win clear of the Eagles on the ladder.

The Eagles have conceded the fewest number of goals of any team this season, and another low-scoring affair could be on the cards this time around.

HISTORY suggests these teams will have a nail-biting encounter at Dimboola on Saturday.

In seven of the past 10 matches the Roos and Saints have played, a single-figure margin has separated them.

Earlier this season, the Roos prevailed by two points on the floorboards at Coughlin Park.

The Saints were up by one point at the final change, but Dimboola’s shooting accuracy of 100 per cent in the final quarter proved the difference. Accuracy and limiting turnovers are again likely to be major factors.

THE Warriors will want to turn the tables on the Tigers after a four-goal loss at Nhill in round two. Both teams have played passages of great netball this season, but have struggled for consistency over four quarters.

Nhill registered its second win of the season against Horsham Saints in round five, while the Warriors are still looking for their first victory.

An interesting battle looms between Nhill’s defence end and the Warrior goalies.