Fresh faced Gators gear up for Country Basketball League season

Both squads tip off their seasons away from the Swamp for a few games, with the women retaking the court on Saturday, October 7 against the Albury Cougars.

The next day, the men will play the Wangaratta Warriors.

Due to the pandemic and floods, it’s been a few years since both the men’s and women’s sides had a CBL team.

But everyone is keen to get the ball bouncing again.

For men’s player-coach Dylan Wayman, the CBL season isn’t just about winning and nurturing talent.

“It’s a great chance for those young guys to break into the senior program, whether through this or as a development player for Big V,” he said.

“The most exciting thing is the age range. We’ve got some under-18s trying to get better, playing against bigger bodies and getting all the experience they can.”

He added that the Gators’ mix of young talent and seasoned veterans promised an electrifying season.

“The older guys know how to get things done, and they teach them how to work smarter and not harder, a little bit of old-school stuff,” he said.

First-time player Tyson Coonerty’s enthusiasm for the season is infectious.

“Very excited, something I’d been working all off-season for, so very keen to get into it,” he said.

“It’s a good group of guys with great energy around the club.”

He’s eager to bring his high-energy game to the court, emphasising the importance of fan support.

“Energy is what I’m all about, and that’s one thing I can add to this club: energy,” he said.

“So to see a lot of people at the games would mean a lot, so get around it, guys.”

Women’s player-coach Madeleine “Bev” Rijs, a Tatura native, embodies the Gators’ rich basketball legacy.

“I’ve played juniors here, grew up watching people like Jodie Danaher play,” she said.

“It’s (playing and coaching the Gators) one of those things you can’t believe is really happening.”

Bev sees this season as an opportunity to showcase local talent.

“It’s an exciting time for girls in Shepp,” she said.

“I’d love for us to be competitive and work hard and show that this is something you can do.”

She believes inspiring young female players is essential and encourages anyone, particularly parents with daughters, to get out and see them play.

“The men are a great inspiration, and what they’ve been able to accomplish is unreal,” Bev said.

“But the girls need their own role models.

“I reckon we’ve got some of those future role models in the players here.”

Janaya Pettie, who’s entering her second year in the CBL, is excited about the fresh energy in the team.

She said many of the squad are freshly out of 18s, and their chances should be decent.

Pettie has observed the emergence of fresh opportunities for women’s sports in recent years.

She said the nationwide enthusiasm generated by the Matildas during the World Cup was a significant inspiration for aspiring female athletes.

“The high-level sport for women is getting a lot more media coverage, which is really good to see,” she said.

“Just get out and see us, there’s going to be some good games.”