Chargers and Heat to turn it up in Mildura

THE Surf Coast Chargers senior men have a chance to make history with a win away in Mildura tomorrow (Saturday, August 3) in its first qualifying final of the Division 2 season.

Chargers head coach Dave Scott said he emphasised the notion of teamwork this week in the lead up to this week’s double-chance encounter, against a side it had split the season series with.

“Mildura’s home venue is always a tough encounter, but if we stay together and work together, then all the other distractions go away because we act as one unit,” Scott said.

“We also take the confidence of knowing we can win in that venue considering we did it earlier in the season.

“Both clubs have a lot of pride and have a lot of skill on both sides, so we’re excited to test our mettle and potentially get the win.”

In both encounters with Mildura, the away team in those matchups walked away with win, which bodes well for the Chargers.

However, Scott stressed earning a win on the trip up north would be no easy task, but he had been proud of how his side has gelled together in recent months.

“We look at the season as a whole and we needed to improve this season, one of the measures of that is making finals, which we have done and are extremely proud of,” Scott said.

“We’ve made a lot of progress this year and also achieved a double chance, which is a first for this program and it just adds to the excitement of how far we think we can take this season.”

Scott confirmed the returns of Tyler Erard and Kevin Brandariz to the line-up, both recovering from foot injuries that has limited their play in recent weeks.

Dexter Graham has also built up solid form heading into the postseason, most recently collecting 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals his last time out.

A win for the Chargers would mean an away second qualifying final next weekend against Craigieburn for a spot in the grand final, meanwhile a loss means Surf Coast would host a semi-final against either Sherbrooke or Southern Peninsula.

Head to the Big V website to watch the action live tomorrow from 7.30pm.