Wimmera-Mail Times | DIMBOOLA coach Stuart Farr believes his side has entered a crucial stage of the 2015 season.
He knows his charges must notch some wins if they are a chance to feature in September action.
The Roos have been hit by injuries and an extended form slump, which have seen them drop their past four matches.
Farr said his side knew it was capable of worrying the best sides in the Wimmera league - but he said it needed to give itself a chance to do so in finals.
"We're at the stage now where we must win games," he said,
Dimboola sits fifth on three wins for the season, but Nhill's back-to-back triumphs saw the Tigers close within four points of the Roos.
Saturday's match against Warrack Eagles looms as a must-win for the club.
The Roos have lost the services of big man Justin Chilver, who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
Farr said Ash Clugston was not 100 per cent, but the talented forward would continue to make himself available for selection.
"Something pretty major would have to happen to keep him out of the side," he said.
Farr said the Roos had to work on not leaking goals from stoppages.
"We've just got to defend a little better and be a bit better around the stoppages. There's been too many lapses," he said.
Farr hopes club stalwart Al McKinnon - who lines up for his 300th senior game on Saturday - can inspire his team-mates to victory.
"I was lucky enough to play against him when I was at Horsham Demons and he's one of the most respected players in the league," he said.
"It's only fitting the boys give a bit extra and hopefully we can celebrate a win for him."
Warrack Eagles coach Dan Krahe hopes the return of Jae McGrath and Jake Dalgliesh will help his side claim its first win of the season.
"We've got those couple of players back this week and things are hopefully looking positive," he said.
"We've got to be confident about it. Last time they won pretty convincingly, but things can change around pretty quickly."
Krahe said effort around the contests would be vital.
"Last time they were twice as hard as what we were," he said.
"It will be won around the stoppages and by whoever can put their head over the ball the best."