MATT Alexander is two decades older than many of his Warrnambool Seahawks teammates but his influence on their Big V finals charge has stemmed beyond minutes off the bench.
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Alexander, 42 later this month, rejoined the Seahawks in 2014 for one last hurrah, eager to help the south-west club end its title drought.
He will line-up in a cut-throat quarter-final against Latrobe City Energy on Saturday night.
“It’s my John Farnham comeback,” he said of his decision to suit up this season.
“I don’t think I have I have any more comebacks in me.”
The former NBL journeyman said he’d relished the chance to play competitive basketball again.
Alexander has played 12 games and has overcome a back complaint which hindered his run to the play-offs.
“I am excited. Being nearly 42, you don’t get opportunities to play in finals series, so it’s kind of cool,” he said.
“I have played a small part and done a little bit of coaching, and being around a good group of guys has been fun.
“My body has told me I am old a couple of times.
“I have spent a lot of time in rehab – that’s why people don’t play sport in their 40s.”
Warrnambool coach Bobby Cunningham said Alexander had been crucial for the Seahawks – on and off the court.
He said the 198-centimetre centre made “instrumental plays” and was a “momentum builder”.
“Matt has brought a calming influence to everyone,” he said.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing this year with how he’s encouraged the boys.
“When he’s not on court, he’s loud and vocal.”
The pair are former Seahawks teammates.
Cunningham said they both had big personalities on court.
“To some naysayers throughout this year who said Matt and I wouldn’t get along, I think we’ve shown we’re both professional and have got the job done,” he said.
“When we played together we were two alpha dogs.
“We were both young and exuberant.
“He is 41 now and I am 45 and we know what it takes to get the job done.”
Alexander’s youngest teammate, 17-year-old Isaiah McLeod, will miss out on the Seahawks’ play-off campaign after falling one game short of qualification.
McLeod suited up in nine games but only hit the floor in eight.
“It is probably my fault,” Cunningham said.
“I suited him up in Shepparton and didn’t get him on the court so I am spewing.
“I am sad for the kid.
“In the main scheme of things he might have got on to give Josh (Dean) a break here and there but it would’ve been a chance for him to get some experience.”
Tip off against Latrobe is 7pm at the Arc.
