Despite being up against the odds, coach Marc Greig said the Roosters were taking a positive frame of mind into the match.

“We won’t be planting numbers behind the ball.

“We’ll be taking the game on. It’s the best way to learn,” he said 

Second-placed Williamstown will provide North Ballarat with one of its biggest challenges of the season, but it could not have come at a better time with the Selkirk Roosters buoyed by their second win of the year over Frankston.

The success could hardly have come at a better time – ending an extended run of defeats.

Lachie Cassidy was on standby on Friday for a possible call-up with Jono Lanyon in doubt with an ankle injury.

North already has four changes, with experienced forward Andrew Hooper the biggest loss with a knee problem and Luke Kiel being rested.

With Williamstown boasting a much more physically mature line-up, missing the likes of Hooper and Kiel will not help North Ballarat’s cause.