The Pirates take on the reigning Twenty20 champion at J.J. College Oval on Saturday, before backing up against Merrivale at Harris Street Resereve on Sunday.

“It’s been a bit of a tough start to the year for us with our numbers due to the footy,” Graham said.

“But it just gives younger guys a chance to show what they’ve got.”

Graham said the shorter format would help his side, saying they would like their chances of being able to challenge Creek for 20 overs.

While Creek won last year’s title, Port Fairy won the summer prior and is a proven perform in T20 matches.

“Cam Williams at the top of order (is a tough prospect) … but right through their batting order, they’ve got four or five blokes that can take the game away from you,” Graham said.

“We’re not at full strength, but that’s what we’ve been preaching to the guys: it doesn’t matter who’s not playing once you get out there.

“If Aaron Williams gets going in any format of the game, he’s one of the top batsman, and Travis Parsons is in good form.

“Those two guys are probably our keys, that’s no secret.”

While Port Fairy is coming off an opening loss to Brierly-Chris Church, Russells Creek started in fine form with a 30-run win over Merrivale.

All teams will play T20 matches on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.