The road trip is one of Warrnambool’s five out of six games played in enemy territory to begin their 2015 campaign.

Describing their schedule as a “bit hectic”, head coach Bobby Cunningham said the team’s 3-1 record reflected a strong start to the year. 

“Any team going into any season, no matter what sport or what code, you want to win at home and split your games on the road,” he said.

“So far we’re doing that.”

With more young talent than veterans, Cunningham said he had to make sure the team stayed grounded as it faced several consecutive away games after last week’s loss.

“If we’re competing and we’re given ourselves a chance to win, that’s all you can ask for.

“Any road game is dreaded. 

“We need to keep the game close in the fourth quarter and not let it get away. We need to be ready to come in with some energy, which is something we lacked in the fourth quarter last week.

“We definitely go out to win every game, and even if we lose this game it’s not time to hit the panic button. There’s still a lot of time so if we lose four, five, six, in a row, that’s when we have to start to make changes.”

The Seahawks have struggled against Mildura in the past two seasons and Cunningham admitted the Heat had been a thorn in his side since he began coaching.

“They’ll be ready for the game.

“Since they’ve been in the league with us they have always had the wood on us.

“It would be nice to get a win on them because I haven’t since been involved with the Seahawks again.

“Damian Gray isn’t here now and most of our point guard duties are with Josh Dean, so there’s an opportunity to step up.

“He’ll have the opportunity to score if a play breaks down, but otherwise his job is to get the ball to the guys who need to take shots.

“If that can happen, we like our chance to win this weekend.”

As US import Alex Starling settles more into his scoring role, Cunningham said the Seahawks were finding a groove on offence.

“We brought (last year’s import Sai’Quon Stone) out as a wing player and wanted him to be a guy who could get 20 points every night.

“That wasn’t the case and he had more of a point guard mentality.

“Tim Gainey’s been that guy to lead the team in scoring since 2006, but with Alex we’re hoping he’ll be that guy and so far we think he is.

“That means Tim can definitely facilitate a lot more, but still get his looks.”

j.pech@fairfaxmedia.com.au