The Ararat Eagles are soaring, unbeaten and in second place on the ladder but they'll face a tricky challenger in sixth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld, who downed the SMW Rovers in round seven.

The Eagles are fresh off a 238-point mauling of Moyston-Willaura, with Zachary Jenkins booted six goals and Ben Robertson was bullish in the midfield, finishing with three majors of his own.

Third-placed Lismore-Derrinallum host seventh-placed Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in another clash of top six aspirants.

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If the Magpies can upset the Demons, the ladder would open up greatly and fourth-placed Penshurst, who host the eighth-placed Rovers, can capitalise on the change.

However the Rovers will be looking to assert their finals credentials and get back in the winner's book.

Fifth-placed Woorndoo-Mortlake could make it two wins in two rounds if they can overcome a wayward Great Western side still searching for its second win of the season.

Meanwhile, eleventh-placed Caramut travel to Macarthur to challenge nineth-placed Hawkesdale-Macarthur to a fierce duel, the winner of which will keep their faint finals hopes alive.

Caramut are on the hunt for the second win of the season after defeating Moyston-Willaura in round 6, while Hawkesdale-Macarthur have scored big wins over Moyston-Willaura and Great Western.

Last but not least, winless Moyston-Willaura face unbeaten, top of the table Tatyoon and will hope to pull off the upset of the year.

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In the netball, fourth-placed Penshurst will have thier hands full with sixth-placed SMW Rovers, with both sides enjoying moments of brilliance this season.

Similarly, third-placed Hawksdale-Macarthur will look to break away from the pack when they take on Caramut.

Currently, Hawksdale-Macarthur, Penshurst and fifth-placed Lismore-Derrinallum are seperated only by percentage.

Second-placed Ararat Eagles have a chance to further secure second place on the ladder when they host nineth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkled, however with two wins in the bank, the Rams could be a tricky proposition.

Meanwhile, Woorndoo-Mortlake host Great Western, with the Lions on the prowl for their first win, and the Tigers eager to claw their way into the top six.

Finally, Moyston-Willaura host the top of the table Hawks in what shapes to be another fascinating clash.

All in all, another exciting round awaits in the Mininera and District League.

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