Following a first round encounter against Diamond Valley Eagles in Greensborough and a round two bye, the Braves make their long awaited home-season debut at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday night.

And what a way to tip it off, with the Braves running head first into a pair of Hobart Chargers teams expected to challenge for titles in their respective men’s and women’s divisions.

Braves men’s coach Ben Harvey has urged his players to capitalise on what is a rare home game early in their season.

“We need to be two and zip – looking forward, of our first 11 games we have just four at home,” he said.

“So every home game is important at this point of the season.

“But it will be tough, Hobart is a really good group. Craig Moller played in the Melbourne United (NBL) championship team, he’s a quality player.

“Mathiang Muo played in the NBL as well and Anthony Stewart has been around a long-time as a coach.

“We’ll come out playing hard and are really looking forward to the challenge.”

New Chargers import Tre Nicholls looms as another threat to the Braves following the point guard’s 32 point game in a win last weekend against North West Tasmania.

Harvey backed newcomer Indiana Faithfull to bounce back from a quiet outing, off a limited preparation, against Diamond Valley.

“Not that he made excuses for that, but you will see a different player this Saturday night,” he said,

I’m really looking forward to him stepping up,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Braves women’s will look to back-up an impressive 92-65 opening round win against Diamond Valley, earned without centre Gabe Richards and guard Tahnee Cannan.

Nadeen Payne had a Braves debut to remember with 37 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.

Her Braves and Bendigo Spirit teammate Kara Tessari was confident Payne’s player of the week-winning effort was only the start of better things to come for the 24-year-forward.

“She’s great to play with – her leadership has come a long way,” she said.

“Her direction with the ball, where she wants it and her chemistry with the rest of the team are really great.”

Brittany Smart, who has signed with WNBL club Sydney Uni Flames following three season with Melbourne Boomers, is tipped to make her debut for the Chargers after missing their opening two games.

The women’s game starts at 6pm, with the men’s game tipping off at 8pm.