FINALS basketball is Warrnambool Seahawks' dream.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The obstacle? A seven and eight record with a month to play.
The mindset? A five-week mini-season with their destiny still in their own hands.
The Seahawks will host Coburg Giants at The Arc on Saturday night without crowds as a result of COVID-19 guidelines.
Warrnambool coach Alex Gynes said his side had bought into the idea of a season-defining five-week block and was ready to pursue success.
"We had a good session on Thursday night and narrowed it down. Given how stop-start things have been (due to COVID-19), the five-week mindset is one we've adopted," he said.
"We've still got that chance of finals and we've bought into that. We've got that time to try to rattle the cage and try to sneak into finals which is great, as difficult as it's been.
"The finals series will be four teams instead of six due to the COVID layoff and that means it's going to be an uphill battle. But we'll just take care of what we can and hope to grab that fourth spot."
Gynes said his side was prepared for a physical Coburg outfit. The Giants have endured a torrid season, clocking just three wins from 16 outings.
"They play hard and tough. If we play the way we want to and know we can, it's a gettable game for us," he said.
"They beat us earlier in the season when we were short four or five guys for various reasons and it's definitely a game we want to rectify."
The first-year coach said defense was a high priority for his men as they pursued a finals berth.
"It always is. In the games we've won, I think we've set the tone on the defensive end," he said.
"It'll be a big focus for us again across the next five weeks.