Ground: Davis Park, Nhill, Saturday, 2.20pm.
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Last time they met: Round one, 2014. Ararat 20.14 (134) d Nhill 10.16 (76).
ARARAT will look to turn the tables tomorrow when it faces Nhill.
The Rats surprised many by jumping away to a 4-0 start to the season, but were brought back to the pack with losses to Horsham, Warrack Eagles and Dimboola in their past three matches.
The Rats need to win otherwise they face the risk of slipping outside the top five for the first time this season.
Ararat coach David Hosking said his side would not go in with any preconceived ideas after its 10-goal round one win against the Tigers.
"We're not going in thinking because we had a comfortable win last time we'll do the same this time that's just not going to happen," he said.
"It was a long time ago and personnel for both teams has changed.
"We'll show them a lot of respect and try to play some good consistent footy."
Rats full-forward Beau Cosson has been in superb touch, with 13 goals in his past three matches, as have midfielders Dan Mendes and Aaron Searle.
Hosking said his side would need to go back to basics and find its consistency.
"We were disappointed with our lack of a four-quarter effort last round," he said.
"We need to concentrate on quick ball movement, being quick with the footy and applying pressure when they have the footy."
The Rats have lost Mick Fratin, hamstring, but could regain defenders Jake Williamson, James Laidlaw and Will Bell.
Nhill will chase its first victory of the season, with coach Shane Grover confident his side can keep improving.
"If we can keep up that same pressure we had against Horsham, we're confident we can put in a good performance," he said.
"The players' attitudes have been great and we're more confident than we were a few weeks ago.
"A bit of belief can go a long way."
The Tigers will need to shut down the Rats on the outside to muster a winning score.
Forwards Dan McEldrew, Tim Seymour and Sam Turmine will be important to the Tigers' cause.
But they will be without Aaron Beer, suspension, and midfielder Mat Jones, who will play out the season for Eastern Football League side Noble Park.