Bruce fractured his collarbone in the opening minutes against McKinnon last Saturday.

He will miss the remaining three regular-season matches and the semi- finals but will return if the Hornets make the grand final.

The Hornets play a Melbourne double- header against Mornington tomorrow night and Melton on Sunday.

Hornets coach Barry McTaggart said he would use the matches to decide on a replacement for Bruce.

"When you lose your point guard it is a big loss," McTaggart said.

"It will be hard to replace Cam because most of our other guards are shooters and don't pass the ball as well as Cam does."

McTaggart said Rhys Hughan and teenager Shaun Bruce would probably fill the void.

"Rhys is very unselfish and will share the ball around, but he can't play all game so Shaun will play that position as well," he said.

The Hornets expect leading scorer Liam Norton to return this week after missing the last match with flu.

Captain Tim Pickert has been ill this week but will be given until the last- minute to prove his fitness.

McTaggart said the Hornets faced two tough games.

"Both of these sides are in a three-way battle for fourth place, so they will be playing desperate basketball and we will have to be ready to play," he said.

"It is an ideal way to get ready for the finals to play tough matches."

McTaggart said the Hornets had already posted two solid wins over Mornington this season.

"Last time we played them they ran a press which troubled us a bit, but this time we will be ready for it," he said.

The Hornets will have to watch the Breakers' leading scorer Daniel Christian who averages 18 points and nine rebounds a game.

Melton is led by guard Matt Deppeler who averages 20 points per game.

The Hornets play their last game before the play-offs against Craigieburn at Horsham Basketball Stadium on July 26.

•Wimmera basketball export Aaron Bruce weighs up offers - page 81.