Co-coach Ruth Tuohy was not in a position to talk about mental scars her charges may carry more than six months since that defeat to Cavaliers.

"I know some of the girls will think differently, but as coaches we are saying whatever happens, happens and this game will not change the result of last year right now," Tuohy said ahead of the first clash since the grand final.

The State League rematch at the Silverdome can't come quick enough Friday evening for a team that has wanted to move on from the 65-59 loss despite scoring the first eight goals amid a lopsided start.

Tuohy, along with Kellie Woolnough, have had their charges in a positive mindset after two strong wins to open a new season last weekend.

"We have tried to talk this week that no matter what happens, because obviously we have some things unresolved from the grand final," she said, "that playing them early does not define us."

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The Hawks have passed Gemma Poke fit after the key defender seriously rolled her ankle before the first match.

Both Hawks and Cavaliers defeated last season's dual finalists AYC-Friends Arrows and Kingston to suggest that the Launceston clubs will be the early title contenders.

"It has been the perfect lead-up really because you go into those first few games not really knowing where you are at as a group," Cavaliers director of coaching Dannie Carstens said.

"To get some great wins, both us and Hawks, is a great little platform into this week in regard to the early-game nerves are out of the way."

The derby will also mark the first time Cavaliers recruit Zoe Claridge takes the court against former teammates in an additional sideshow to last season's epic decider.

"I think she will be pretty nervous before the game as she would be anyway if she was in the Hawks uniform. She made the move over, but she adds to any team a real poise and change of speed to a game," Carstens said.

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