The McDonalds Reds will square off against the Knights in a late afternoon match at Morshead Park on Saturday.

O’Donnell, centre-back, missed last week’s draw against Bentleigh with a calf injury, but Red Devils player manager James Robinson says he has recovered enough to be a consideration for selection.

Robinson will have a full squad to pick from for the encounter against the newly crowned Dockerty Cup champions, with David King pulling up well after playing more than half of last week’s match.

“We’ve had a bit of a light week to get the freshness back in the legs,” he said.

“It’s a big push for the last two games and we’re pushing for safety, really.

“They’ll be on a bit of a high and they’re a good team. You don’t win the Docherty Cup and beat Oakleigh (Cannons) without being a good team.”

However, the encounter against Ballarat will mark the visitors’ third game in six days, and Robinson admits the door remains ajar for his side to get the early upper hand.

“We’re focusing on starting positively and coming out of the blocks,” he said.

“We understand the situation they’re in and we’ll be going hard.”

Ballarat remains five points behind Werribee City, Dandenong Thunder and Port Melbourne Sharks on the NPLV ladder.

BALLARAT v melbourne

at Morshead Park on Saturday, 5.45pm

Under-20s: 3.45pm