Both sides will be looking to find some early season form against strong Werribee outfits.

Mermaids coach Peter Davis is returning to the position of head coach after a three-year break and is excited about facing last year’s finalists in the first round. “In the first two games we have last year’s two finalists,” said Davis.

“I’m kind of pleased for the team because we can use them as a yardstick. The first two teams don’t really drop away too much from year to year.

“We’ve got some road trips early on so it will be good to get them out of the way,” Davis said.

Bendigo Spirit WNBL player Louise McLean will once again line up for the Mermaids and despite some injury concerns, Davis hopes to have her on the court for round one.

“Louise finished the WNBL season with an ankle injury. There are still four weeks until the season so we hope she will get back up.”

The Mermaids will also welcome back former WNBL player Katie Davis. Davis was the star of the Mermaids’ 2006 championship side and will add valuable experience to the team.

“Katie was the co-winner of the MVP in 2006. She was the leading scorer and probably led the league in assists as well.”

Seahawks coach Tim Gainey has also welcomed the prospect of starting the season at home. “This year we are definitely going to have a lot more competitive team” Gainey said.

“Starting off at home sits very well. Last year we had a lot of double-headers on the road and the boys would play well one night but then struggle to back it up. This year we have one-game road trips so this will help.”

The Seahawks have been very active both on and off the court over summer, recruiting 205cm import Chad Yates. Yates will add balance to the young Seahawks team which Gainey said had the potential to make finals.

“We’ve recruited Chad Yates who is 6’ 9” so he should fill the void in the middle. We also have young boys like Dion Miles coming along who should have big seasons.

“Our goal is the finals. You never want to say it too early on but that is definitely an achieveable goal.”

The double-header starts with the Mermaids at 6pm, followed by the Seahawks at 8pm.