The Rats went down to their Wimmera Netball Association rival by 19 goals, but again showed signs of improvement by matching it with the home side for three of the four quarters.

Megan Shea took another step forward in her return from hip surgery by playing a half, while captain Kate Bligh also stepped back on court after time on the sidelines.

"Kate played three quarters and it was nice to have her leadership back on the court and we got a half out of Megan, which was good too," Rats' co-coach Olivia West said.

"Megan is building on more court time. It is sometimes hard to get into a game when you are only playing a half, but she was a welcomed return into the goal circle and adds much needed height."

Ararat was without regular shooter Lee-Anne Moana for the match, but West said Lauri Williamson stepped up well and had her eye in by the second quarter.

The Burras held a buffer of three goals at halftime, but were able to move ahead during the third term courtesy of a 17 to six goal return.

"It was a more competitive performance than we've seen from previous weeks. It was only really that they had a good third quarter and that's where they ran away with it," West said.

The hard working Jacqui Scott was named the Rats' best for her versatile performance at both wing attack and defence, while West said goal keeper Harmony Newman continues to impress with her 'never give up attitude'.

With Ararat having played each team once now after seven rounds, the side is currently sitting second last with just one victory.

West said there is still plenty of work to do, but can see the Rats being able to climb up the ladder as the season progresses.

"We weren't hoping to be this low on the ladder (at this stage), but we always knew that we had a totally different team and that it was going to take some time to gel," she said.

"The aim for the second half of the season is to improve. There are a number of teams we think we could have performed a bit better against and potentially won that's going to be our aim this time around."

Minyip/Murtoa's height and shooting accuracy allowed it to claim the B grade match, 39 to 28.

Ararat battled injuries this week with Hannah Miller leaving the court in the second quarter and not returning until the final five minutes of the match.

The Rats' game was disrupted and unsettled due to changes being made.

Georgia Fleming stepped up through the midcourt in a performance that saw her earn best player honours, while Kara Cunningham shot 19 goals at a high conversion rate to also receive an award.

Coach Petrina Williamson said the final margin did not indicate the depth of the contest.

"The game was hard and fast but my girls were outplayed on the day," she said.

"The team is versatile, but is still adjusting to playing in positions that they have never played before. I can see improvement every week and I am pleased with their determination every time they step onto the court."

Ararat's C grade played out a thrilling draw with the Burras neither team could be separated by the final whistle, 28 to 28.

The home side started the better of the two, with Minyip/Murtoa holding a three goal buffer at the first change, before extending that to five at halftime.

Breeanne Fratin, through the midcourt, led the revival during the second half. The centre player provided plenty of drive into the attacking end, which saw the Rats claw their way back into the match.

A massive eight goal to three third term got Ararat back on a level playing field at the final change and despite the determination during the final quarter as both teams battled to gain the upper hand, the Rats and Burras went goal-for-goal to remain locked on the same score at the conclusion.

Grace Molloy was a key contributor in defence for the Rats to be named among the best players.

Ararat has moved to outright third on the 17 and under ladder following its 16-goal win over the Burras.

Chelsea Wilson got the Rats off to strong start, reading the ball well in the attacking third and helping the visitors to a six goal quarter time lead, while it was a flawless second term performance where Ararat put the result beyond doubt.

The game opened up with Maddi Batchelor on fire shooting 12 of the Rats' 17 goals for the quarter, while Alli Lewis' midcourt drive was pivotal.

The Burras were able to match it with their opposition in the second half, but couldn't peg back the deficit, going down 48 to 32.

Ararat's 15 and under A team got back on the winner's list with a strong 55 to 14 victory.

The Rats built a lead at every change, with Katelin Mcdonald, Ella Carlyle and Karly Griffits the standout performers.

In the 15 and under B match, Ararat's second win of the season saw it jump two ladder positions into fourth.

The Rats overcame a slow start to lead by eight at the main break.

The team continued to work hard in the second half of the game to create a gap on the scoreboard and eventually secure a 39 to 17 win.

Ararat's top contributors were Briony Cann and Hannah Bahl.

The Rats put in one of their most impressive performances in the 13 and under clash, defeating Minyip/Murtoa by 74 goals.

Delaney McLoughlan was on song from the first whistle in the attacking end, with her high accuracy of 88 per cent seeing her finish with 53 goals.

At the other end of the court Olivia Carr dominated her opponent and repelled the ball on numerous occasions, while Ebony Segedinski deflected many passes and followed up her efforts to take possession.