Symes Motors Bendigo Braves coach Ben Harvey believes Frankston will be worried ahead of tomorrow night’s elimination final at Bendigo Stadium.
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Bendigo and Frankston have a win each from their SEABL meetings this year, but Harvey said the Blues haven’t seen his team at its best.
The Braves lost by two points in Frankston in round one after an injury-interrupted pre-season meant the full squad was yet to train together.
Daniel Horton, a former NBA player, was still on the sidelines with a groin strain and Tom Garlepp was yet to arrive due to his NBL commitments.
The Braves won the return clash against Frankston 72-64 despite working their way through some serious team chemistry issues.
It culminated in the sacking of Horton and the revival of the Braves’ fortunes to its current record of six wins from seven games, including victory in its past four matches.
“No disrespect to Horton, but we don’t talk about him now – it’s done and dusted. The big question mark was can we fill the gap (he left and) the guys have stepped up,” Harvey said.
“(Chris) Hogan the last eight games he’s averaged 14 points a game, before that he was averaging five.
“Kevin Probert was averaging three points a game, now he’s averaging nine-and-a-half a game.
“They’ve all bridged the gap, they’ve all taken ownership.”
Harvey said Bendigo was in its best form for the season right now, but remains wary of Frankston.
“Frankston are a quality team,” Harvey said. “They’ve got the most experienced coach in SEABL history, Bill Runchey, when it comes to finals he knows what it’s about.
“He’s got a well-balanced team, they’ve got some old heads on there that get the job done for him – not statistically – but playing their role.
“They’ve got some very experienced players, Grant Dennis has played 300 games for the club, he’s a physical guy. They play hard, we need to be ready for that.”
Having said that Harvey said his team is primed for the must-win clash.
“I don’t think we played them at the right times, I’m sure they’ll be a little bit worried the way we’re playing at the moment,” he said.
“I’m sure if we play to our strengths we’ll come out winning the basketball game. We’re ready there’s no doubt about it, we just can’t wait to get to this game.”
The Braves’ match tips off at 8pm tomorrow night, following the Lady Braves’ elimination final versus Sandringham from 6pm.
