Dennington captain Sarah Jacobs believes her team can challenge for the Warrnambool and District league premiership but admits it must improve its consistency.
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"I do think we have a team that could go all the way," she said.
Jacobs said injuries and unavailability had hampered her team's search for consistent performances.
Dennington, which has lost three matches, went down to top-placed Nirranda by 19 goals in round 12.
The Dogs' skipper said her side learnt plenty from that match.
"They were extremely strong defensive-wise, I don't think we switched into attacking mode quick enough," she said.
On Saturday the Dogs have the chance to take on another premiership contender, second-placed Merrivale.
Their chances have been bolstered with experienced goal attack Jess Haberfield to return to the court.
Haberfield missed the past month of netball with a knee injury and through unavailability.
"She brings speed and she's smart under the ring," Jacobs said.
"Her decision-making is spot on."
The Dogs will be near full-strength for the clash, something which has been hard to come by this season.
They will still be missing star recruit Ruby Wilson who is out for the season with a bad ankle injury.
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Jacobs is expecting a tough encounter with Merrivale.
She said her team was disappointed after the one-goal loss to the Tigers in round four.
The defender believes Mahni Wright, Elisha Carter, Carly Peake and Cloe Pulling will be among key players to stop.
"They have a lot of strength through the mid-court," she said.
Jacobs said the versatile Dogs would look to counteract the Tigers' mid-court strength by "using fresh legs" and rotating different combinations through the mid-court.
Haberfield's comeback means the Dogs will have three options under the ring.
Teenager Zoe Fleming has been playing goal attack in Haberfield's absence while Lana Keane has been goal shooter.
Jacobs said Fleming could play at both ends of the court.
The youngster has enjoyed an outstanding year since making her debut in the Dogs' first match of the season.
Jacobs, who played in the Dogs' 2015-16 premierships, said she had enjoyed swinging from wing attack to goal keeper this season.
The former Hampden league player is relishing the chance to play under the ring again, something she did as a defender when playing for North Warrnambool Eagles and South Warrnambool.
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