Prior to a seventh round loss the Horsham Saints had held onto fifth position and the side will find it tough to return to the winners list against a Warrack Eagles outfit on top of its game.

Saints coach Shannon Reinheimer said the Warrack Eagles were certainly the side to beat at this point of the season.

“We just have to work hard to get in front, lead to the open spaces and play at our own pace,” she said.

“We can’t allow their defensive pressure to make us rush because that will lead to turnovers.”

Elly Barnett and Gabby O’Brien have continued to gel as a new defensive combination for the Saints but it will be at the other end of the court where the game could be won or lost.

“Warrack are so good defensively that we need to take all of our chances,” Reinheimer said.

“Abby Hallam has been amazingly accurate since coming into the side and she will have Lavinia Fox alongside her on Saturday.”

Dimboola moved into the top five on the back of a comfortable win against Nhill but will have the its work cut out for it against a in-form Southern Mallee Giants side that upset the Saints.

Minyip-Murtoa will continue to keep in touch with the top of the table with a game against Stawell which should fall its way.

In the final match of the round Ararat will look to continue its strong form against Nhill.

Ararat and Nhill have agreed to bring forward the starting times for senior grades of netball for this week only.