Defeating the top southern conference team is as good a way as any to recapture form – replicating that form is another thing.

With their finals hopes potentially coming down to the last round of the regular season, this weekend’s road double against Mt Gambier and Nunawading simply couldn't be more important.

You don’t have to tell head coach Brad Chalmers twice.

“It is what it is,” he said.

“It's a matter of knowing that the competition is going to be higher than what it was last week.

“For us, it's a good opportunity to test ourselves against the two best teams on the road.”

The Bandits worked their way back into the eastern conference top four last week, but face an uphill battle to stay there.

Mt Gambier are unbeaten at home this season, while Chalmers said the Border club haven't beaten the Pioneers on home court in more than 10 years.

But with the enigmatic JT Terrell in hot form and Darcy Harding looking good after a spell with injury, Chalmers was optimistic about their chances.

“We'll see if we can push some buttons, get after them and try and be in the game late,” he said.

“There's a noticeable difference when JT is on and off, and last week was a prime example of what he's capable of on his night.

“He's a very hard cover, he's unique in the league in terms of what he can do.

“When you combine that with guys like Deba (George), TJ (Robinson) and Darcy, we're a dangerous side.”

The Pioneers bested the Bandits in Albury by just three points back in round one, while the Spectres nabbed a nine-point victory back in round two.

Splitting the road trip is a must to keep ahead of the fifth-placed Sandringham Sabres, who will enjoy a slightly softer draw on the run home.

Tip-off against the Pioneers is at 8pm on Friday night, with the Spectres at 7.30pm on Saturday.