Ararat Redbacks opens its 2019-20 CBL campaign on Saturday night.
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Hosting Millicent Magic at the Ararat Fitness Centre, the Redbacks will go into the game in the unknown, never lining up against the travelling team before.
Millicent joined the South West conference for the upcoming season.
It will be the first time the Redbacks will take the court without the experience of Zac Dunmore, Jayden Wright and Toby Smith, all influential in the 2018-19 season.
In the new season, 18-year-old Baydn Cosgriff has moved into a leadership role, both on and off the court and said he was excited for the season to begin.
"There is a bit of self-doubt within the team but I think it's going to be a big year for all of us and a really good opportunity for players to step up," he said.
"Roles have changed within the team and we'll be out there to prove we can be competitive.
"With some of our dominate players not returning, it gives an opportunity for players to take on new roles and responsibilities."
Cosgriff has played basketball for more than 10 years, a career including squad basketball for Ararat.
"I find basketball is a good way to keep fit during the off-season of football and it's another sport I can play with my mates," he said.
"During the summer training is not as intense as training than in football season.
"I still try and do some of my own training in the gym and go for runs to keep my fitness level up."
The small forward is a "bit of an all-rounder" and will go into the new season with the opportunity to take more control of the offence play.
"I can also shoot and I can go inside," he said.
"I generally go to where I am needed and run the pick and roll."It will form more of my game this season. I've never had to play a bigger role before, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Defensively, Cosgriff changed roles last year and has worked on his skills of shutting down key opposition players.
"If someone is killing us it's either myself or DJ Woods going to shut them down," Cosgriff said.
"I started doing that role last year in my first CBL season.
"Marcus (coach) made the move and I think it improved my game immensely."
Cosgriff is eager to get onto the court after missing the round-robin practice matches on Sunday.
"I'm looking forward to the start of the season," he said.
"Now football is finished it will be good to get out there."
Tip-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 7pm.
In other games across the region Millicent will travel to Horsham on Sunday for the Hornets season opener.
The newly re-formed Stawell Wildcats will have a bye in round one.
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