STAND-IN coach Craig McLeod expects Warrnambool Seahawks to produce a fierce response to their first home loss of the Big V season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Seahawks, coming off a disappointing effort against Geelong Supercats, host winless Altona Gators at the Arc tonight and face in-form Casey Cavaliers on the road tomorrow.
McLeod will fill in for coach Bobby Cunningham who is recovering after a health scare. Cunningham was flown to a Geelong hospital last weekend but is now recuperating at home in Warrnambool.
McLeod said the Seahawks had banded together in what was a tough week for the club.
“Bobby Cunningham’s presence is something no one else can give in these parts,” he said.
“Tim Gainey has been super at training in Bobby’s absence.
“On and off the court, he’s a leader of our team.”
McLeod said Warrnambool was desperate to atone for its sluggish effort against Geelong.
He is wary of an Altona outfit anchored to the foot of the ladder after 10 consecutive losses.
“We can’t think it is going to be easy for us,” McLeod said.
“They probably haven’t got the size we have but they do run the floor quickly and like to shoot the ball. We need to execute and need to make the right plays.
“Bobby is not there but the game plan is not going to change.”
McLeod said Casey, one of the competition’s in-form combinations, would be a big test.
“They are 7-4 and have won four of their past five,” he said. “They were lacking a point guard but have picked up one who is six foot two or six foot three and it looks like they’ve kicked on a bit.
“I believe we are one of the biggest teams in the league and they are going to come close to matching us with strength and height.”
Warrnambool expects shooting guard Leigh Saffin to play a greater role this weekend.
The US college student suited up for his first game of the season last weekend after returning home to the south-west.
“He is a very good shooter and we have to work him into the rotations,” McLeod said.
“He didn’t have a great game last week but we trained really good.
“We’ll let him get a feel for the team. I believe Leigh will be an asset for us in the next four or five games.”
Meanwhile, bottom-placed Warrnambool meets Casey in division two youth league tonight at the Arc.
The Cavaliers sit second with an imposing 8-2 record.
The youth league match tips off at 6pm with the division one contest scheduled for an 8pm start.