An injury-ravaged Merrivale outfit was cast aside by the Warrnambool and District league's top side Nirranda 62-34 last week, but coach Carly Peake said the result was by no means a blow to her side's confidence.

The Tigers started without Nicole Ferguson and Tatum Cassidy before losing Cloe Pulling (ankle) in the second quarter, while Elisha Carter and Chantelle Moloney were unavailable.

"It wasn't a tough loss, because we were very depleted," Peake said.

"I think there were lots of positives from our side. I know the scoreline doesn't look great, but the feeling after the game was really upbeat."

Part of the upside for Merrivale, Peake said, was the chance to get top flight experience into Layla Wilson, in her first senior game, as well as Tiffany Gill (B Grade) and Jennifer Corbett-Netherlay (A Reserve).

"We looked at different combinations and gave them a chance before we cement players into the side," Peake said.

"I think we're definitely in the mix. There's lots of improvement to be had, but it's good to see things implemented at training each week. I'm really happy with how we're going."

Merrivale, ranked fourth on the WDFNL table, will regain Carter and Moloney for its clash with 10th-placed Kolora-Noorat on Saturday.

"I don't know anything about the Power, but we'll just go out there and worry about our own game," Peake said.

Kolora-Noorat, currently with a 1-4 record, have a very different side from the one that finished eighth last season.

Former players Jocelyn McDonald, Holly Richardson and Stacey Hillmut returned to the club while Lauren Williams, Sarah Davis and Claire Templeton were recruited, leaving only playing-coach Kym Goonan and Ash Holmes from 2018's A Grade side.

"We're lucky in that everyone has clicked really well and is having fun," Goonan said.

"But we need to stay composed and talk our way down the court. That's important as a new team, because we didn't grow up playing juniors together.

"I think we can definitely compete with the top sides though. And winning a few games over the next few weeks would really boost morale."

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