Ararat Redbacks will back up last weekend’s double header away with another this weekend at home.
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The Redbacks will take on Colac on Saturday night and Portland on Sunday.
All three teams look evenly matched on paper and should deliver some quality competition.
Coach Marcus Jenkins said the team's recovery sessions during the week has been going to plan.
“All the players have pulled up really well from the weekend. Toby Smith’s eye isn’t as bad as we first thought and there is some soreness in a couple of the older players, but that is something we can manage,” he said.
“They have been around the game a long time and know their body well. We managed it well last weekend and I’ll give them until the last minute to make sure they are right.”
During the week a big focus for Jenkins was confidence among the players.
“I spoke to some individual players about stepping up and taking on roles that they need to play. The Bellarine coach approached me after last week and said playing against us was the toughest game they have had all season,” he said.
Jenkins said that it was great to hear that feedback.
“Even though we were beaten on the scoreboard, for the players to hear about the physical aspects from the opposition would be a confidence builder within itself,” he said.
Colac Kookas will be the first matchup for the Redbacks.
The Kookas will be coming in after their first win of the season last weekend against the Warrnambool Seahawks.
It was a slow start to the season with the Kooka’s recording four losses.
The Redbacks will look to bounce back for Sunday against Portland Coasters.
The Coasters have only played three games this season, recording one win and two losses.
“Both of these games are going to be tough matchups,” Jenkins said.
“Realistically all three teams are all around the same mark. Our plan is to come out on Saturday night and set a precedent for Sunday.”
Jenkins said with a home crowd support, he hopes the stadium is filled to help get the players over the line.
“We encourage everyone to come along and support the players. It will be a great weekend of basketball and two very competitive games,” he said.
The team will go in with a full side of 12 players.
“It’s a great experience for some younger players to be among game day and be apart of the intensity for the whole weekend,” Jenkins said.
“One key focus is to continue our intensity for 100 per cent of the time on the court and continue to move forward in performances.”
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