We may only be two rounds into the Big V division one men’s season, but for the Shepparton Gators this weekend shapes up as their biggest test yet.
The Gators face their first double-header of the campaign against two classy opponents.
Bellarine will make the trip up to the Goulburn Valley for a Saturday night stoush at the Shepparton Sports Stadium, while the Gators then hit the road for an away game on Sunday against ladder-leader Southern Peninsula.
With a split 1-1 record from two hit-outs, the Gators will be hopeful of improving on their fifth-placed position come Sunday afternoon.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge (double-header),” Gators’ coach Josh Waight said.
“We’ll look to continue to build on the performance from last weekend against Collingwood.
“We felt like last week was a better overall performance so hopefully we just take another step forward this week and no steps backward.”
The Gators walked away with a comfortable 10-point triumph over Collingwood in round two.
It was a strong showing from Waight’s charges as they continue to adjust to a new playing roster.
The Gators’ win was highlighted in their dominance on the glass, with 48 rebounds shadowing Collingwood’s 35.
US import Garrett Jefferson led the way with nine rebounds, with three of them coming from offensive rebounds.
Perhaps one of the Gators’ most impressive statistics from last week was the work done from the non-starting players.
The Gators had 20 points come off the bench — compared to Collingwood’s seven — which is an area that highlights the depth in the roster.
Waight will be hoping for more of the same this weekend as they prepare for a tough test against Bellarine and Southern Peninsula.
“We’re expecting a good challenge from Bellarine. They’ve got a number of players who have played at a high-level,” he said.
“(Southern Peninsula) are a well-rounded group and have got players that can really take the game away from you.
“We have to make sure we are locked in defensively and do the right things offensively to give ourselves the best chance.”
Saturday night’s clash against Bellarine kicks off at 7pm at the Shepparton Sports Stadium.