A couple of close losses, the latest being in overtime to Hobart, have not helped the Harvey Norman Rush’s cause and it is not about to get any easier. With only three wins in the women’s east conference, finals are now out of the question, but Rush still has plenty to play for.

It is imperative the Peter Cunningham-coached youthful outfit salvages something out of this campaign. The best possible way get this going is beating Geelong Supercats at the Minerdome on Wednesday night.

Ballarat lost by just two points to Geelong early in the season, but the Supercats have picked up momentum since then and sit in second position on 11 wins and four losses, and well a truly a championship contender.

Rush is now investing heavily in homegrown youngsters and the next eight games – no matter what the results – will provide invaluable experience as minutes are not only put into individuals but into a developing combination.

Going so close to Hobart confirms significant progress is already being made with the growth of the likes Abby Wehrung, Bronte Clark, Molly Mathews and Kasey Burton, and gradual exposure to this level of Eliza Roughead and Ryleigh Haire, who have excelled in the Big V.

They are also sure to get a lift from playing in front of a big midweek home crowd.