Hot start no surprise for Ballarat in Saturday Pennant

Ballarat, perhaps the least written about club thus far, is among them.

And if you ask Ballarat's Luke Cornish, the early success is no surprise.

WATCH VIDEO:

"I like to think we are a top four to five team and hopefully we can run home after Christmas," he said.

"It's very important to get those wins before the holidays, and right now that's what we're trying to do."

The club understands the importance of early wins after it was forced to rely on a lucky break to scrape its way into the finals last season.

Despite falling short of the ultimate prize, the club has adapted well to this season's new format which includes a shortened list and four new teams.

"It's going to be a challenging year for everyone and I foresee lots of close games," he said.

"Last weekend we played Mt Xavier and there was only five shots in it with ten ends to go.

"Every game is going to be like that and you've got to be on your game."

Ballarat has enjoyed impressive form, but it may face its toughest test yet when it takes on top-placed Victoria on Saturday.

Like Ballarat, the Vics have emerged as a team to beat in the early part of the season and will no doubt be motivated after suffering a one-shot loss Sebastopol in a top-of-the-table clash last weekend.

Cornish said everyone would need to play their role.

"Hopefully we can stick with them and edge them out at the end," he said.

Ballarat will be bolstered by the return of Shane Wilson and skipper Brad Fothergill. Cornish said Wilson would provide leadership to the team while Fothergill was unbeaten as a skipper this season.

Despite having one of the younger lists in the competition, Cornish said the team's sense of togetherness was what set them apart.

"We're a good family club, we've got great camaraderie and I like to think we all play for the club," he said.

"The shirt is what means most to everyone."