But it will be challenging for the fourth-placed side to achieve that today, as it has been forced to do some reshuffling due to unavailability. The rink most affected is Gill Phillips’, which recorded a huge 40-12 win last week, granting Port an overall victory against Timboon.

Gavin, who plays second in the in-form rink, said skipper Phillips and lead Anne Mallett would be unavailable today.

“We’ve been playing fairly well,” she said. “It’s disappointing that Gill and Anne won’t be playing, but that’s the way it is.

“We still have to try and play well.”

Port Fairy’s finals bid could hinge on today’s round 12 clash against third-ranked City Memorial Green.

The side from the seaside village is trying to hold off Terang, which sits just four points below it on the ladder in fifth position and has a winnable match against Timboon today. After today’s matches, Port Fairy and Terang have a similar run home, taking on a top-two side and a lower-ranked side.

Gavin said today’s encounter with City Green was crucial to her team’s finals hopes.

“We hope we can win,” she said. “We beat them last time but we have got players out this time.”

Jan Norton will take over skipper duties for Gavin’s rink today. In other matches, City Memorial Gold is expected to bounce back when it clashes with Warrnambool Blue, while ladder leader Warrnambool Gold will start favourite against City Memorial Blue.

After today, there are two home-and-away rounds remaining in Tuesday pennant.