POSTER: Gold Coast Rollers ready to end premiership drought when they take on USC Rip City on Friday night

The Gold Coast Rollers are looking to take down USC Rip City in the NBL1 finals on Friday night. DOWNLOAD OUR SOUVENIR POSTER

The Gold Coast Rollers in action on August 20. Picture: Mike Batterham

The Gold Coast Rollers are ready to break a 34 year premiership drought on Friday night when they take on USC Rip City in the opening game of the NBL1 finals.

Head coach Anthony Petrie said his team knew the weight of that number, with the Gold Coast last bringing home a premiership in 1988 and 1987.

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“At the start of the season we got together in the offices which were built in 1989 after their success, and since that building’s been in existence we haven’t won one,” Petrie said.

“We’ve spoken about walking into other associations and you see the banners hanging down, and we’d like to add one not just for us, but for the Gold Coast.”

The Rollers earned their spot in the final after a season best win against the Northside Wizards on Saturday night.

Devon Sullivan playing for the Gold Coast Rollers.

“I think last Saturday night was our most complete performance, we dialled in to our defence and offence. It was a great time for us to have our best game of the season.”

While they’ll have a fortress of supporters behind them at Carrara on Friday, the Rollers only home-game defeat all season was to Rip City.

“The thing for us has been the crowd. You can actually feel how much it matters to the people, whether you play in our under twelves rep team or in one of our local clubs, you can feel the genuine care and passion for the club.

Petrie said while last time they went down to Rip City, finals were different.

“We had some guys out (in that game) and we were trying to integrate new guys into the team at that point.

“Going back to that game we played really well and did some good things, but it was a while ago now. Both teams have changed since then.”

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The Rollers will have three chances to get the job done, with games on Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday day if needed.

“First to two; it’s the magic number. But we’re prepared either way.”