CLAY McMath returns to the Albury-Wodonga Bandits’ line-up this week ahead of a crucial road double.
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The former Townswille Crocs big-man will be a valuable inclusion against Sandringham and Kilsyth, however a question mark hangs over vital sixth man Darcy Harding.
Harding was knocked out during last weekend’s clash with Geelong and didn’t play in Sunday’s inspirational win over Nunawading.
The versatile shooter’s availability is subject to a fitness test on Saturday morning.
Harding or no Harding, coach Brad Chalmers said the Bandits had to maintain the standard they set in the three-point win over the Spectres last week.
“Sandringham and Kilsyth are both around the mark with us,” he said.
“They’ve been reasonably consistent without setting the world on fire.
“We’re looking forward to getting a couple of bodies back on the court.
“We need to try and build a bit of a win streak, we’ve gone win-loss-win-loss for a little while.
“If we can split this trip or win both we’ll start to have a bit of momentum behind us.
“Now is certainly the time for us to be making a move.”
Harding isn’t the only injury concern for the Bandits.
Co-captain Jack Duck is managing a knee complaint he picked up a fortnight ago against the BA Centre of Excellence, but is expected to play.
Sawyer Dearborn is also at least one week away from returning to the court, after injuring his ankle.
Despite this, Chalmers felt the squad was ready to capitalise on the Nunawading win.
“We've only really had light sessions this week, but I think the boys are feeling confident,” he said.
“Actions speak louder than words though, they understand that they have to come out and deliver again.”
The Bandits will need another big contribution from starting guard Ben Kearins, after he played his best game for his new club in last Sunday's win.
With Duck managing his knee and Harding no certainty, Kearins will need to maintain the impressive standard he set last weekend.
The return of McMath adds an important extra rotation, easing the load on youngster Jessy Wilson.
Import duo Donte Nicholas and Greg Mays have been consistent over the last month, with Mays’ 10-point burst in the fourth quarter arguably turning the tide against Nunawading last week.
The Bandits will take the court at 7pm in Sandringham on Saturday night, before backing up against Kilsyth on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
