Last time they met: Round three, 2014. Horsham 9.15 (69) d Minyip-Murtoa 9.11 (65).

BOUNCING back from consecutive defeats will be the priority for Horsham when it takes on fellow finals contender Minyip-Murtoa on Saturday.

The Demons started the season with seven successive victories but have stalled against Warrack Eagles and Horsham Saints in their past two outings.

Coach Jordyn Burke said his side would go into its clash with the Burras with a must-win attitude.

“It doesn’t get any easier for us,” he said.

“The way the boys have attacked training this week, they really understand what’s on the line.”

The Demons will be coming off a five-day break – as compared to the Burras 12-day layoff – but Burke said it was not a focus.

“They’re obviously in good form,” he said.

“We’ve got a short week so we’re up against it but the simple fact is we’ve got to get the job done.” 

Fellow coach Brad Hartigan will look to pick up from where he left off at the weekend, as will Nick Pekin, who is enjoying a superb season.

Burke said shutting down a dangerous Burras forward line would be key to his side’s chances. 

Braydon Ison stepped up with four goals for the Burras’ before the break and will form a potent forward line with Blake Grant, Chris Delahunty and Kirsten Hunter.

Burras coach Scott Arnold said forward Clinton Midgley could return, while Declan Foott would play his first game in the black, blue and white this season.

However, skipper Adam Gerdtz is likely to miss again, and Xavier Kelly will miss the rest of the season after undergoing a shoulder operation.

“If we could get over the line it would open up our top three possibilities, so we are really excited by the challenge,” Arnold said.

“We’d like to think we’ve improved our footy since last time we played.”

Key talls Sean Christopher, groin, and Rhona Conboy, elbow, are set to miss again for the Demons, leaving midfielder-turned-defender Joel Geue as an important cog in their defence.

Burke said Alex Thomson and Aaron Barnett were possible inclusions for the Demons.