Having lost Lydia Holz (broken ankle) in the win over Longford, the Saints will regain Letitia Hancock, who last played in round three.

One of Scottsdale's best in last year's NTFAW Shield flag, Hancock looms as a key inclusion for the seventh-versus-eighth clash.

"Every game from now is almost a must-win for us to keep in touch with the top five," coach Dave Marshall said.

"Our goal is to hopefully make the finals, but at the end of the day we're pretty happy we've had a few wins so far this year - it's a big step up from last season."

READ MORE: Northern Hawks and Cavaliers on course to clash in final

Ali De Winter and Greg Shipperd lead Tasmanian Tigers in interim

When and where to watch Tasmanian athletes in the Olympics

The Saints enter the clash full of confidence following last round's 109-point victory - their biggest in the NTFAW.

Taylar Marshall and "tireless" ruck Eileen Blyth both had great games, but Jodie Clifford's nine-goal haul stole the show.

"The conditions were pretty average but the girls managed to kick a rather large score, they're playing really well at the moment," Marshall said.

"We've been playing Jodie forward a bit now and she's kicked a few goals - it was a great effort to kick nine."

Two points behind George Town, Mark Prior's Old Launcestonians are equally desperate to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Blues are set to make a few forced changes after a hard-fought loss at the hands of Bridgenorth.

"I enjoyed playing them - the whole point of this game is to play against strong opposition," Prior said.

"It improves your game and concentration and brings out the best in you."

RELATED: Bridgenorth breaks OLs hoodoo in NTFAW

Fifth-placed HILLWOOD faces a nervous week off with South Launceston and George Town both in striking distance.

With just two on the bench, the Sharks gave flag fancy Old Scotch a real shake last week and still appear a good chance to make finals.

"For a first-year club we're rapt," coach Dwayne Beeton said.

"[Scotch] had a few girls from Tassie represent them and there was only a goal in it most of the day - the last eight minutes they banged on three quick goals.

"But it was pleasing to see where we're at - hopefully we can hang on and play in the finals.

"When the grounds dry out we might surprise a few - we haven't got a lot of strength or height, but we move the ball very quickly. At the moment the weather's not helping us, but we'll hang in there."

The game of the round sees third-placed Scottsdale host second-placed OLD SCOTCH at 2pm.

Cabel Hall's Magpies made a statement with a convincing win over South Launceston before sitting out with the bye last round.

"To be sitting in third position - you've got to respect the opposition," Thistles coach Deb Reynolds said.

"They've been doing really well and had a couple of important wins in the last few round so they're starting to put the right things together at the right time of the year."

A 3.10pm clash with Meander Valley at Westbury stands in the way of SOUTH LAUNCESTON reclaiming its top-five spot.

Caroline Williamson's first-ever game and Cassie Blair's first game of 2021 were highlights of last round's win over Evandale, with Lucy Sulzberger, Hayley Breward and Chelsea Ryan all continuing their good form.

"It's getting pretty tight at the top," South coach Lenny Towns said of the finals equation.

"While you've got your big eyes on the finals - you sort of just want to worry about this week."

Elsewhere this round, reigning TSLW premier LAUNCESTON will host newcomer Longford at 11am, while DELORAINE will chase its first win in a 4pm clash at Evandale.