Last time they met: Round two, 2014. Warrack Eagles 19.14 (128) d Nhill 16.7 (103).

WARRACK Eagles have the opportunity to claim top spot on the ladder when they host Nhill at Brim on Saturday.

The second-placed Eagles extended their 2014 winning streak to seven matches against ladder-leader Horsham at the weekend, and will fancy their chances of continuing their strong run against the winless Tigers.

The Tigers have struggled in the past month, going down by an average margin of 93 points, and have not defeated the Eagles since the 2010 preliminary final.

However, the Tigers’ most competitive performance this season was against the Eagles in round two, when they led at three-quarter-time before being overwhelmed in the final term.

Eagles coach Tim Inkster said he was expecting the Tigers to be competitive.

“It will be interesting to see how the boys approach it this week,” he said.

“They’ve had a couple of heavy losses, but against us they played well and heading into the split round we want to get the right result.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, it’s about how we turn up – last week was certainly an improvement, but consistency is something we’re looking for.  

“We’re certainly not taking them lightly.”

Inkster said his side was likely have to a couple of changes, with Clayton Hinkley one player set to miss.

The hosts have been well served by in-form defenders Ben Harrison and Jacob Cheney and midfielder Jake Peters this season, while forward Jae McGrath will be a focal point up forward after his six goals at the weekend.

Inkster kicked four goals against the Tigers in their previous meeting and has been handy in front of goal since returning from a hamstring injury, kicking six goals in the past fortnight.

Nhill coach Shane Grover said his side would take positives out of its previous match against the Eagles and recent performances against top-three teams Horsham and Ararat.

“It’s going to be a big ask – they’re in good form – but if we put the pressure on like we did against Horsham and for three quarters against Ararat you never know,” he said.

 “We’re pretty confident we can give a good account of ourselves and take the game up to them. Last time we played them we were really competitive.”

Grover said consistent pressure and capitalising in front of goal would be focal points for his side.

Grover said the Tigers would be without Tyren Liebel, but would otherwise be near full strength.