The second-placed Tigers face the third-placed Dogs in the Warrnambool and District league match of the round.

Pulling, who plays goal keeper, will be part of the Tigers' defensive combination trying to stop the shooting ace.

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"All over the court they've got a pretty well-balanced side," she said.

"Lana Keane is a massive target for them.

"She's a hard one to try and stop.

"We've got to stop the ball before it gets in the ring."

Keane, who has played 11 games this season, has shot 269 goals at an average of 24.5 a match.

Merrivale captain Nicole Ferguson will be by Pulling's side as they try to stop the Zoe Fleming, Jess Haberfield and Keane shooting trio.

Pulling said the skipper proved pivotal in the Tigers' one-goal win over the Dogs in round four.

Both Ferguson and Pulling, who missed last season to have children, have been crucial to the Tigers' revival this year.

Pulling started the season at goal defence but has since moved to goal keeper.

They won't be the only weapons in the Tigers' arsenal on Saturday at Merrivale Recreation Reserve.

Pulling said sister and coach Carly Peake, who has stepped on court a few times this season, may play some minutes.

Mid-season recruit Mahni Wright, who has played open grade for Warrnambool in the Hampden league, will be a fresh face for Dennington to deal with at wing attack.

Pulling said the quality mid-courter had also been playing under the goals.

"She's pretty versatile and can play anywhere," she said.

Pulling said Wright, who played juniors with Merrivale, moved back from Queensland this year and had family ties to the club.

Pulling, who coached the A grade side in 2017, is the Tigers' under 17s mentor this season.

She said she and her sister had been working hard on keeping the message consistent between the under 17s and A grade teams.

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