One of the biggest improvers of the season, Warrack Eagles, are in sixth position, while Horsham Demons, with just two wins but just four points away from the top five, are in seventh.
In this weekend’s round eight matches, ladder-leader Horsham Saints – who have won five out of their six games this season – will no doubt add to its win tally against Dimboola.
Reid Kuller and Mitch Martin have been standouts for the Saints this season – with Kuller averaging 27 disposals, including 13 contested possessions, while leading the competition in tackles, with nine per game.
Martin has also been sensational for the Saints – averaging 25 disposals, and leading by example as co-captain in key moments this season.
According to Premier Data statistics, intercept possessions have been a feature of the Saints’ game in season 2026.
The Saints lead the competition for intercepted possessions just ahead of the Eagles, and they are sure to use this to their advantage against Dimboola at Coughlin Park on Saturday.
For the Roos, coach Andrew Moore has led the way this season, averaging 36 possessions and seven tackles a game.
The former SANFL player leads the competition for disposals, contested possessions and clearances, and is sure to play a key role for Dimboola this weekend, as his side tries to find its first win of the season.
At Minyip on Saturday, the Burras will host Ararat.
Minyip-Murtoa will look to consistent performers Hamish McRae, Sam Griffiths and coach Luke Fisher to lead the way – all three players average 20-plus possessions, as well as being integral around the clearances and kicking inside 50.
But the Burras will need to stop the might of the Rats – this season affected by injuries, but still a force.
Ararat coach Tom Williamson is always dangerous, and along with last year’s Tuohey medallist Ben Taylor, are crucial to the Rats’ game-plan.
Both average 30-plus possessions, are elite around the clearances and instrumental in the Rats’ attacking game going forward inside 50.
Taylor’s contested possession game is among the competition’s best, while Williamson is dangerous up forward – both will be a handful for the Burras.
A key part of the Rats’ recent success is their depth across the ground, and the contributions of Brody Griffin and Harry Ganley this season have been noticeable.
It will be a big game at Davis Park, Nhill, as the fifth-placed Tigers host the sixth-placed Warrack Eagles.
Nhill has played a high-disposal game, particularly by foot, in season 2026 – and while they lead the competition in kicking efficiency, their kicking for goal has been at times inaccurate.
Co-coach Jake McQueen has played a key role up forward for the Tigers, kicking 17 goals, with eight goal assists. In a surprising statistic this season, McQueen also leads the competition for marks, with 49.
Gun players Lachlan Gill and Lucas Dahlenburg have also performed well this season, averaging about 30 possessions, with Dahlenburg particularly crucial at the clearances. For the Eagles, key players to watch out for are Sam Collins, Billy Stokes and Ben Hanna, who have all been magnificent this season.
The Eagles, particularly efficient by handball, use the ball well with a contested-marking game, and are one of the most accurate in terms of goal accuracy, but everything will need to go their way to match the Tigers.
The Thunder will go into its match against Horsham Demons at Rainbow on Saturday as favourites.
After losing to Warrack in round seven, the home side will be looking to bounce back, and no doubt captain Billy Lloyd and brother Matty – both prolific ball-winners and disposal kings – will again be important for the Thunder, and be too classy for the Demons.
Stawell has the bye in round eight.
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