The Braves women have not played since their 92-65 opening night win against Diamond Valley Eagles in Melbourne on April 6.

But coach Megan Moody’s side has been anything but idle in the meantime, continuing to hone their game on the practice court.

Tessari, who arrived at the Braves via Bendigo’s WNBL team the Spirit, felt the 14-day gap between games would have no bearing on the Braves women heading into their home season opener against the Chargers.

“This should be a good match-up and test for us and hopefully the community gets behind us and helps gets us over the line,” she said.

“We have had that week off, (but) that might work in our advantage.”

The Braves women’s win over Diamond Valley was achieved without star centre Gabe Richards and back-up guard Tahnee Cannan due to injuries.

The status of both heading into Saturday is unknown at this point.

Tessari, who is in his first season in the SEABL, said she was immediately impressed with the standard and simply saw the Chargers game as the next in a season full of challenges.

“Every team in this competition is going to be very hard to beat – there will never be a week off in that regard,” she said.

“It’s a step forward for me coming from Big V (Bulleen). I wasn’t disappointed with how the first game went.

“It’s a reasonably new team – there is a few of us who have come down from the Spirit to play, but I think we have gelled very well and the chemistry is great.

“It was a good first hit-out, to come away with a win was a bonus.”

The Chargers head to Bendigo at 1-1 following a one-point win over Launceston Tornadoes last week.

Boom recruit Brittany Smart has missed both of Hobart’s matches this season, but Tessari indicated the Braves would prepare for her to play.

“She’s a great player, we have to really make sure that if she doe splay we lock down on her,” Tshe said.

“She’s a great attacker and a great scorer.

“We’ll need to limit her scoring and she would be a great ‘in’ for them if she does play.”