Davis, who played in the Lions first and only Warrnambool and District premiership in 2011, returned to the club this year after six seasons away.

"I'm loving it," she said.

"It's been a while since I've loved my netball as much as I am at the moment."

The goal shooter, who also coaches South Rovers A reserve team, said she had enjoyed mentoring young players at the club.

On Saturday the Lions meet Merrivale, which is the same team they defeated to claim their maiden premiership in 2011.

The Tigers are in hot form after staging a stunning comeback against league powerhouse Dennington in round four.

Davis said her team would need to bring full-court defensive pressure to the clash.

"We're always expecting a tight and physical contest against Merrivale," she said.

"Last week we played with the best defensive pressure I've seen us play all season.

"If we keep up the defensive pressure we showed against Kolora-Noorat we'll be right in there."

South Rovers enjoyed their first victory of the season last Saturday with a 55-31 win over the Power at Walter Oval.

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The Lions assistant coach said the triumph was good for her group's confidence.

"It's boosted morale in the side," he said.

South Rovers had previously faced Dennington and Nirranda who Davis regards as "the benchmarks" of the competition.

In the opening rounds of the season, the Lions coaches have been working closely with their players.

Davis said she and A grade coach Jess Rohan had been undertaking specific drills with defenders and attackers at training.

Davis has been working with attacking players and Rohan with the defenders.

The premiership Lion said she and young goal attack Abby Sheehan had been gelling well under the ring.

Meanwhile, Davis praised the effort of youngster Georgia White who has been playing at wing defence.

White switched to the club from South Warrnambool during the off-season.

But she said White and Hannah Garner would be unavailable for the Tigers clash on Saturday.

Davis said the top side would draw on players from A reserve and under 17s to bolster its line up.

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