Warrandyte's Big V women head north this weekend to take on Mildura Heat in an important double-header. After an opening round 51-58 loss to Hawthorn, the Venom will be keen to strike back.

Mildura, who had the opening round off, will be hitting the court for the first time and Venom coach Justin Nelson is expecting a tough contest.

"Playing the Heat up on their home court is always a tough assignment, and then when you have to back it up and play them the following day, well that makes it twice as tough," said Nelson.

For the first time in Warrandyte's three years in the Big V, the team is licking its wounds after losing in week one, a scenario they have never encountered before, but one the coach is hoping will provide his outfit with a boost ahead of this week's trip.

"It was a tough contest against Hawthorn and while we're disappointed with our final few minutes, in which seven turnovers cost us, the fact is the game was up for grabs with two minutes to go and we blew it.

"I've got no doubt the team will respond this week, they were hurting after the loss and will be keen to live the tempo," added Nelson.

Expecting the likes of Elise Strachan and Amanda Hederics to be Mildura's focal points, the Venom will also be prepared for a number of youngsters the Heat has added to their squad this season.

"Mildura's actually a bit like us in that they have some very good players with solid experience, but they also boast a number of rising juniors who on any given night can get under your guard, so we'll be very mindful of that."

The Venom plays the Heat at 8pm on Saturday, followed by a second game at 12noon on Sunday. Supporters can watch the games live by visiting the Big V website and clicking on Livestats.