The Warriors have played just one game in the last seven weeks, with Saturday's contests against the Saints important as Stawell prepare for WFNL finals action.

In the netball, Stawell sit four points and and 14 per cent inside the top five, and almost assured of a finals berth unless some incredible results occur on Saturday.

If results go the Warriors way in round 18, they could climb as high as third, earning them a second chance.

But for the Warriors A Grade coach Courtney McIlvride, she was focused on ensuring her team control what they can.

"In my head we are looking at it like it is our first week of finals," she said.

"We really need to play every week as though it is our last game and have that intensity through the whole game.

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"We just want to focus on our game and do everything we possibly can."

The Saints sit seventh on the WFNL ladder and last time the two sides met in round nine, the Saints scored a thrilling two-goal win at Coughlin Park.

When the Saints and the Warriors clashed on the football field earlier in 2021 there was an equaling dramatic finish, as Horsham held on to win by five points.

After an interrupted preparation Warriors football department manager Blair Hart said their round 18 match-up against the Saints will be challenging preparation for the WFNL finals series.

"We just want to get back out there and play, that's what we all want to do," he said.

"We have had good commitment from our senior players, and every weekend we have tried to get together and do some running sets when they could.

"It feels like your first game back, so we just have to get back and do the basics right.

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"Stick tight to our game plan, which is what we have been trying to do all year.

"We lost to the Horsham Saints last time by a kick, so it is going to be a good challenge for us."

In particular, Hart said the Warriors will need to battle against the Saints' strong defence.

"They are a young side who will be full of confidence after having a few good wins. They have had a strong second half to the season so it will be a really good challenge for us," he said.

"They are a really, really good defensive team. They set up really well and play in a defend first mindset.

"We have to work out how to get through their defence, so that is the main thing we will have to look at.

"They have a couple of good talls who got a hold of us last time, so we need to keep an eye on them."

The Warriors are third on the WFNL senior football ladder, four points and 18 per cent above the Saints, meaning only a big loss for the Warriors could see them lose their double chance.

The Giants, who are in second place face the Rats in round 18, where an upset loss would open the door for the Warriors to snatch second spot.

WFNL Round 18 fixtures

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