MILDURA may have got the better of Melton three times during the home-and-away season, but a 15-point Thoroughbred lead in game one sticks in coach Kyle Slack's mind as proof the Heat can be beaten.
Mildura overturned the deficit in that May 29 match to win 89-84 and has since recorded 109-68 and 87-74 wins against the Thoroughbreds.
Dominant American import Kevin Smith has put up the numbers in points and rebounds as Mildura took control of Big V men's division 3, but Slack believes it's his team that Mildura needs to prepare for.
"We know they're beatable. Our advantage is we have the depth and they've got to man up on us," Slack said. "We go one-through-11, there's nobody we're scared to put on the
court. We've got guys coming off the bench who could start in most other teams."
Melton's speed covering the court and setting up open shooters will be the two big strengths it can draw on.
Jordan Kirk and Luke Cavanagh are the likely players to man up on Smith.
"We know he's going to get his points so we have to make it hard for him," Slack said. "Limit everyone else's production and make Smith work."
Game one of the best-of-three grand final series tips off at 7pm on Saturday night at Melton Indoor Recreation Centre.
Game two will be played in Mildura the weekend after, as will game three if the series is tied 1-1.
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