The Gators and Lady Gators - both playing in the North East division of their respective men and women's competitions - will flood Shepparton Sports Stadium with CBL action tonight and tomorrow as they take part in double-header opening rounds at The Swamp.
It gives fans plenty of chances to get out to the local stadium and cheer on the Shepparton squads against Benalla (tonight) and Wallan (tomorrow).
The Lady Gators have plenty riding on the opener against the Breakers - who are on debut as the club's first women's team - and coach Chris Judd was looking forward to the challenge.
“You're always excited to start the season,” Judd said.
“We're somewhat under done this season, we haven't had much time together, but we have quite a few players who were with us last season.
“We've also got an injection of younger talent to complement the experience.
“Hopefully we'll get over Benalla and have a good hard look at Wallan.”
Marni Sharp will captain Shepparton this season, with familiar faces like Kior Zito, Briana Moon, Maddi Rijs and Sarah Down joining her on the roster.
Up-and-coming talents Jordyn Commadeur and Alex Marshall are also back on court, with the likes of Caitlyn Toohey, Tonysia Turner and Mikayla Keck looking to make the step up to women's basketball.
“We don't really know what to expect from Benalla being their first game, but we're keen to do well,” Judd said.
“We're very, very young and we're looking for the kids to really come to the fore, have fun with their basketball and give it a red hot crack.
“We've put in a completely new system to complement the players we've got, it's more of a running game, and we're really, really keen to get away to a winning start.”
Tonight's match starts at 6 pm, before the Panthers come to town for a noon tip-off tomorrow.
“It will be a really good hitout to see where we're at, Benalla will be looking to make a good impression in their first game,” Judd said.
“We're hoping for a really good season, we're putting a lot of faith in our kids and this is a really great opportunity for them.”
Meanwhile, the men's Gators will be coached by Brett Bathman this summer.
Shepparton fell at the semi-final hurdle for the second consecutive campaign last season and will be looking to go at least one better this year.
The Gators face Benalla at 8 pm tonight, before tackling Wallan at 2 pm tomorrow.
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