It was all in the toss of the coin at the MCG last weekend, when Crazy John’s South Dragons star Shane Heal kick-started proceedings for one of the greatest showdowns in the AFL.

Now just seven weeks out from the start to the NBL season, Heal is working hard to ensure his team’s chances are far more certain than the flip of a coin when the action heats up on September 22.

And with star imports Cortez Groves and Nick Horvath quick to hit top gear on the practice court, Heal knows the US duo, at least, are a sure bet in season 2007/08.

“Cortez Groves is somebody I’ve always admired as a player,” he said.

“He’s very difficult to play against, very difficult to be able to coach against. He’s a player who can score and defend, but more importantly than anything else, he makes the players around him better.

“I think the fans are going to love him, it’s going to be great playing with him and he’s a great guy as well.”

Horvath, too, is tipped to establish a loyal following amongst the club’s supporters, with big things expected from the 208cm giant.

“Nick Horvath is somebody who had a fantastic college career for Duke University and he’s played for West Sydney and Adelaide here in Australia,” Heal said.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet and that’s obviously why we recruited him.

“I think he’s the best post player in the league and I think he’s going to be somebody that scores a lot for us and gives us a lot of consistency in the paint.”

But the addition of Groves and Horvath to the Crazy John’s South Dragons’ roster will not only excite the fans; it will ignite the team.

“Having two Americans on the team is going to be great for the Australians,” Heal said.

“I think they’ll be able to give our guys a lot of easy baskets to make our team better.”

The full squad will hit the court for the first time next Tuesday, following the return of Joe Ingles from the Boomers’ tour of Europe.

Catch Groves, Horvath and all the stars of the new-season line-up on Thursday, August 16, when the team takes on the Gold Coast Blaze at Knox Stadium.

Tickets for the clash are just $10 for adults and $5 for children – phone 9762 1298 to secure your seat!