It’s only early in the SEABL season, but the Bendigo Braves and Lady Braves have a golden opportunity to stamp themselves as championship contenders this weekend.
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The Braves (1-1) play Nunawading (2-1) away on Saturday night and North West Tasmania (1-1) at home on Sunday.
The Lady Braves (1-0) also tackle Nunawading (3-1) away on Saturday night before hosting Launceston (2-0) on Sunday.
Two wins for both clubs would firmly place them in the top two on their respective east conference ladders.
After losing to reigning champions Mt Gambier last week, the Braves have had a big week on the training court.
“We need to make sure we put our best foot forward and continue that momentum from practice to this weekend to ensure getting two big results,” Braves coach Ben Harvey said.
“We’re really looking forward to having a home game, it’s always great playing in front of your home crowd.”
Lady Braves coach Jonathan Goodman expects two tough games.
“Nunawading are always tough especially with the return of Bec Cole,’’ Goodman said.
“If we can concentrate on what we do and do that well I’m hoping for a good outcome. We need to make sure we take care of it at one step at a time. Launceston are tough, the most positive thing about that is we have them at home.”
The Lady Braves game on Sunday tips-off at 11.45am at Bendigo Stadium, with the men to follow at 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, the Braves and Lady Braves have announced their captains for 2016 and two club greats have been appointed to take charge of the Bendigo Young Braves.
Taylor Bell and Chris Hogan are co-captains of the Braves, while Kelly Wilson is skipper of the Lady Braves.
David Beks is head coach of of the Young Braves in the Big V competition, with Justin Cass his assistant coach.
Beks played 187 games for the Braves during his eleven-year career, including the Braves’ first championship win in 1988.
“I am happy to be given the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of Braves superstars,” Beks said.
Cass retired from the club in 2003 after 306 games and one of the most decorated careers in club history.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to get back involved with a higher level of basketball,’’ Cass, who previously coached the Junior Braves under-18 team, said.
“I am very excited for the season ahead, both Dave and I have a style of play that allows the boys to showcase their talent and play the game they know.”
