Late challenger Horsham kept its tilt for the top spot alive with a resounding 12-goal win against Ararat.

The Demons took to the court with the knowledge that any points dropped would see them gift Minyip-Murtoa the minor premiership.

Emma Buwalda quickly went to work building an unassailable lead, collecting 10 goals in the first term for her Demons.

The Rats returned to the court for the second term determined but were quickly struck by injury.

Coach Taylor Mason went down with an apparent groin injury midway through the term, forcing a re-shuffle of the Ararat lineup.

Racquel Scott moved back into defence, and Tayla Borrelli came off the bench and straight into the middle of the court.

The Rats fought back to be only three goals behind at half-time.

Horsham drew away in the third term, dampening any hopes of an Ararat comeback.

Any slim hopes of a Rats resurgence left with goalie Megan Shea when she was forced from the court at the start of the final quarter.

Shea, with ice strapped to her calf, was left to watch on as the Demons' stars flexed their muscle.

Georgia Hiscock went head-to-head with Ararat's young attacker Delaney McLoughlan in an exciting matchup.

The two were named their side's best.

A limited Taylor Mason returned to the court at the attacking end but could do little to affect the final score.

Horsham was too strong, 50-38.

Ararat will next face minor premiership favourites, Minyip-Murtoa, who is fresh off a confidence-boosting win against Nhill.

A 52-goal haul to Kirby Knight pushed the Burras over the line, 68-39.

The Burras were barely troubled against the Tigers, as they rested several key figures.

A win against Ararat next weekend would keep Minyip-Murtoa's minor premiership hopes in its own control.

A loss would mean the Burras would need Horsham - who is four points behind, but with a higher percentage - to lose against the Warrack Eagles.

In the penultimate round's other contests, Stawell secured a 16-goal win against Dimboola.

Ebony Summers, with 31 goals, was the Warriors' best in the 56-40 win.

Elsewhere, the Horsham Saints coasted to victory against the Southern Mallee Giants, 64-39.

The Saints held a four-goal lead at the end of the first term before they drew away.

Maggie Caris returned to the Saints' lineup and collected 46 goals.