NBL1: Frankston Blues set to blast off in play-offs after excellent season

Frankston Blues coach Andrew Harms hopes a hostile environment at Frankston Stadium on Saturday night will help his side.

Frankston Blues coach Andrew Harms looks calm while his players get excited against Melbourne Tigers earlier this month at Frankston Stadium. Picture: Peter Knight/Ian Knight Photography/NBL1

Get excited, Frankston.

The Blues are back in the play-offs after an almost decade-long absence.

They will host Nunawading in the NBL1 qualifying final at Frankston Stadium on Saturday night.

A win would put them on the cusp of a grand final appearance.

Frankston Blues coach Andrew Harms is calling for the local community to get behind his star-studded side.

“We want so many there that Nunawading can’t get out of their locker room,” Harms said.

“Our fans have been great all year, they’ve been like the sixth man.

Igor Hadziomerovic on the move for the Frankston Blues.

“Their energy and passion really lifts our boys, so we’re looking for more of the same.”

Frankston and Nunawading finished the regular season with the same record and Harms is expecting a tense tussle.

“We’re expecting a tough game, they’ve got a lot of experience in finals and they’ve played a lot of finals as that core group, so we will be expecting a really big challenge on Saturday,” he said.

“They’ve got some real match winners in their squad so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

NBL1: FRANKSTON BLUES MOVE INTO FINALS CONTENTION

The Blues haven’t won a play-off game since 2009.

Frankston has a strong blend of talent, with Majok Majok, Dan Trist, Damon Bozeman, Najeal Young and Igor Hadziomerovic all having excellent campaigns.

*Frankston hosts Nunawading in the second NBL1 Qualifying Final at the Frankston Basketball Stadium on Saturday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.