Tripp's chance to put one over Canberra

Perth Heat outfielder Brandon Tripp says a strong away performance against defending champions Canberra this weekend would be a huge boost going into the play-offs.

The ladder-leading Heat are six wins ahead of a three-way logjam in second spot, which includes Canberra, with just two four-game series remaining in the regular season. They can sew up top spot and host next month's championship series if they win at least three games over the next two weeks after sweeping Brisbane at Barbagallo Ballpark last weekend.

But the Heat have had little success in Canberra, culminating in last season's championship loss to the Cavalry.

Tripp said they were keen to reverse that trend when the series starts tonight.

"When you can be in a position where your team finishes the regular season in first place, it builds a lot of momentum going into the play-offs so we're excited about it," he said.

"It's going to be a big weekend and a chance for us to separate ourselves going into the play-offs.

"Any time you can beat the team that won it last year is something you take pride in.

"It would give us a ton of confidence, especially with the season coming to an end here."

Tripp, who is a free agent in the US and expects to return to his independent league club next season, has been brilliant for the Heat since arriving at the start of the season.

The 28-year-old is in the top three of the majority of batting statistics in the league and has hit eight home runs.

"I have worked hard to this point to get here," Tripp said.

"I feel like a lot of it is contagious, when everyone is hitting good we all feed off that.

"Testing your abilities in the play-offs is what matters the most."