WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks coach Tim Gainey says his young players can expect a hostile reception at Shepparton on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The eighth-ranked Seahawks will travel to face the fourth-ranked Gators with youngsters Matt Rea, Michael Barnes, Jack Patterson and Dailin Toone.
Gainey said the Shepparton crowd "would be interesting for them".
"It's really good, they have sponsors and a fair few kids who come to the games," he said. "It's loud and they're vocal, we have to try and block it out."
Gainey said the quartet would take to the court but their minutes would depend on the game situation.
"It's hard to read, they could play a lot or a little," he said.
"If there's a chance for them to be on court, they'll definitely be playing."
MORE SPORT:
Gainey is aware of the ramifications facing the undermanned Seahawks on the run home.
But he is confident their best is good enough, even with starters missing, to finish in sixth and play finals.
"The top-five is set, I can't see anyone falling off the face of the planet," he said.
"There are five teams vying for sixth spot and we all have relatively hard games on the run home.
"The next four weeks will solidify the top six but it could come down to the last game and depend on head-to-head and percentage."
The bottom-placed Mermaids (0-13) host second-placed Hume City Broncos (10-3) at the Arc at 6pm Saturday night in the women's championship grade.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.