Sandringham has lost its past three games.

All that does though is make the Melbourne-aligned Zebras more dangerous.

This will be at the heart of North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald's message to his players in the Roosters' build up to another important clash at AUSTAR Arena in Ballarat tomorrow.

Sandringham has had a roller coaster ride through inconsistency this season, but what stands out most is the Zebras' ability to kick massive scores when on song _ topping 150 points on three occasions.

But at the other end of the scale, goals have been hard to come by over the past four rounds.

Expect North Ballarat to do the same to Sandringham.

Although the Selkirk Roosters have been more potent in attack through the addition of Lake Wendouree recruit Paul McMahon, and North Melbourne duo Josh Smith and Michael Wundke this year,

defence remains the cornerstone of their success.

Shut down and then cut loose.

It is a method which has North Ballarat sitting third, and with a chance tomorrow to consolidate a spot in the top four and the double chance that goes with that.

The Roosters have only allowed opposition teams to kick 16 goals or more three times.

This occurred against Williamstown first time around, Northern Bullants and Port Melbourne.

Each was away and each was a loss _ North Ballarat's only defeats for the season.

FitzGerald has worked hard to ensure stability in defence and Shaune Moloney, Michael Searl, Marc Greig, Dan Feery and Matt Sharkey are the backbone to providing just that.

It works especially well at home, where visitors consistently struggle under the pressure exerted by North Ballarat.

The authority with which North Ballarat defeated Williamstown by 47 points a week ago has given the Roosters added confidence.

All the right signs are there.

But on paper Sandringham poses potentially a tougher assignment.

The Zebras have loads of experience and with thei position in the top eight far from secure, North Ballarat will be on guard to ensure its unbeaten run at home continues.