Coach Eric Hayes said he was expecting a better display against Frankston on Saturday night in the round seven South East Australian Basketball League clash, after working on team defence, general fitness and working hard for each other this week. 

“I felt like people have not gotten that same experience the last couple of (home) games, so we have some stuff we need to get out there and do,” he said. “And that’s for ourselves, for our enjoyment and to get a win, but also for those people that come and watch us play to see that it is a talented group of girls and they are working hard.”

While the Blues are yet to win a game this season, Hayes said the team was not to be underestimated.

“Their record isn’t flattering, but they’re super competitive, they get off to good starts, and they’ve got a couple of players that really can do some damage,” he said.

“They have some imports with some size that are really strong around the basket, hey work well together and complement each other. 

“I think the imports have only been here for a couple of weeks so they’re getting better and better as they get more used to each other.”

With experienced Rush player Ashleigh Spencer still out with injury, Hayes said the onus was still on his team to earn the extra minutes. He praised captain Kristy Rinaldi’s efforts last week. 

“I made a few changes that gave her a few more opportunities to have an impact so her response to that was really good,” he said.

The only change for the Rush line-up is the return of young gun Georgia Amoore.