Stawell Wildcats will open its 2019-20 South West CBL campaign on Saturday against last years premiers Mt Gambier.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The game will prove to be a tough matchup for the newly re-formed club, having entered the competition after a two-season hiatus.
Players and supporters will travel to take on the opposition, after having a bye in round one.
First-year player Brodie Collins said he was looking forward to "getting out onto the court" and settling the nerves which were starting to bubble away.
"This is my first year of playing basketball ever," he said.
"I joined the domestic competition here in Stawell about 12 months ago.
"From there I was invited to the try-outs for Wildcats."
Never playing basketball competitively as a junior, Collins said it had taken some time to learn the "lingo".
"I had only ever played with my mates at school and had a shoot around," he said.
"I was pretty nervous at the tryouts and wasn't too sure what would be required from me.
"But once I got into it, it was fine. I think it makes a difference when you have a good bunch of blokes around."
Collins played football during his schooling years, surgery forcing him into an early "retirement".
"I missed playing team sport so thought I would give basketball a try," he said.
"We train once a week and play in the local competition.
"A few other nights a week my mates and I might go and have some shooting practise.
"I really enjoy the sport and have really enjoyed being back within a team atmosphere. It's different to footy - I think it's a closer-knit group."
Stepping onto the court for the first time in a CBL competition, Collins said he was excited for the season to commence.
"I'm not going in with any expectations," he said.
"I just want to go in and have a good crack and try my hardest and see what I can do.
"I want to perform well for the team - I guess that's where the nerves come into it.
"I'm playing with a great bunch of blokes who have played a lot of basketball in the past."
Collins said he didn't feel too much extra pressure being the newcomers back into the competition.
"There are some pressures and excitement there, proving that we can be competitive," he said.
"But on the other hand, we are just starting back again and don't have the advantage of playing altogether for a long time.
"I think there will be some good competitive games during the season and can't wait to play in our first home game."
In other South West CBL games, Ararat Redback will have the bye after the first round win against Millicent Magic.
Horsham Hornets also defeated Millicent Magic in round one and will travel this week to take on Bellarine Storm.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.