Mandurah Magic 2019: Optimism aplenty as men look to climb standings

It's a feel of confidence, hope and a desire to climb the ladder after spending the last few years languishing at the depths of the standings.

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The side has been biding it's time developing a young core of players while sitting at the foot of the ladder in recent seasons, but 2019 looms as the year to put more wins on the board according to coach Aaron Trahair.

"Personally, I'm very optimistic about our chances this year," Trahair said ahead of his third season at the helm.

"It's a little bit of an unknown, but I think we're a far more balanced team than we've been in my first two years."

That optimism stems from an injection of talent and another year of progression put into those youngsters that have received valuable minutes over the past two seasons.

The team has added 2018 SBL most improved player Travis Durnin from the South West Slammers and American import Marvin Smith, while retaining all-star guard Shaun Stewart.

Meanwhile the likes Cousteau Kyle, Chad Miegel, Akau Deng and young gun Riley Parker make up a formidable supporting cast, with Damon Ballantyne to join the team in a month's time following his stint in America.

It's a mix of experience and youth that has raised Trahair's expectations of his side.

"Getting Shaun [Stewart] back was a big thing for us. We saw what he could do last year and to have him back with Travis and a few more shooters by his side is a huge plus," he said.

"Then we've got young guys who can run the ball up the court quickly and move it around quite well.

"In terms of wins and losses it's hard to put a pass mark on our side, but I genuinely think we can double our win tally from last year."

Doubling last year's tally would net the Magic 10 wins this season, enough to see them floating around the mark for a playoff berth.

Their campaign kicks off on the road against Lakeside this Friday night, with tip off scheduled for 8.30pm before the side returns to Mandurah for their home opener at 8pm, Saturday.

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