HORSHAM Hornets duo Tim Picket and Robbie Fry have known each other since they were in prep.

Tomorrow night they will play in their first Big V division two final together when the Hornets travel to play Mildura in an elimination final.

Pickert, 25, and Fry, 25, went to Horsham North Primary School and Horsham College together, playing alongside each other in basketball and football teams during that time.

"Wherever he's been I've been and wherever I've been he's been," Pickert said.

The pair first played basketball together at under-10 level and have played in many representative teams alongside one another.

"I am seven months younger than him. So every year I was bottom age and he was top age," Pickert said.

When Pickert took on the coaching role of the Hornets at the start of this season, he asked his old friend to play.

Fry had played one game for the Hornets the previous season and was more than happy to join the team permanently, as long as he could still pull on the boots for Edenhope-Apsley in Horsham District Football League.

Pickert played all 22 home and away matches for the Hornets, while Fry has played 12.

Fry expects to have more game time tomorrow with centre Matt Copping to miss.

"If they are a little bit bigger it might play into my hands," Fry said.

Despite their close relationship, Fry said Pickert had remained professional.

"One good thing is he hasn't been playing any favourites. He's a coach first and mate second which is good for the team," Fry said.

"Coming from a small town, small community, everyone knows everyone but it's good he hasn't played favourites."

Pickert, who has played football at Horsham with him in the past, said Fry was one of the most gifted sportsmen he'd seen.

"Whatever sport he plays, basketball, football, or tennis, he's so natural," Pickert said.

"I've never seen someone so natural without training as hard as you can.

"With him running around on the court, it has to be hands up or you might cop one on the nose," he joked.

Fry said his main aim on the basketball court was to help out his team-mates.

"I have a pretty solid inside game and I get the boys open for some shots and set some good screens on them," Fry said.

"I am pretty strong inside the paint, and use bit of muscle if need be."

Both players are excited about tomorrow night's final, a reward for hard work.

Pickert believes a deeper playing roster was the catalyst for the Hornets' turnaround following a winless 2010 season.

"Last year our starting five was good but when we went to the bench it dropped off in a big way," Pickert said.

"This year when we go to the bench it tapers off a little bit but we don't really lose anything when the guys come off the bench.

"That's a big plus because when it drops down teams just run over you."

Pickert is yet to decide whether he'll coach the Hornets for a second season.

He said he would take time after the season to weigh up his options.

"It's been a challenge but I've enjoyed it so I can't see why I wouldn't go around again," Pickert said.