WELCOME TO GEELONG UNITED BASKETBALL’S WEEKLY UPDATE.
IN THIS EDITION:
WNBL Update:
Our squad hit the court on Saturday afternoon for our final game of the WNBL 26 season.
In a tough battle against a the UC Capitals in a packed AIS arena, the fairytale end to the season of 3 straight wins was not to be – Our squad eventually falling to the Caps by 9 points.
The result see’s us finish the season in 6th place overall, one position higher than our debut season last year.
Up next, we look towards our Geelong Venom awards night this Wednesday evening. Keep an eye on our socials to see who takes out the following awards:
- Most Valuable Player
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Community Impact Award
- Players’ Player
- Coaches Award
NBL1 Update:
More signings have been named as we boost our rosters ahead of the NBL1 season, kicking off on March 28.
Liam Herbert is back for another year, adding defensive pressure, and a team-first mindset to the group. Known for his work rate and consistency, he continues to add value on both ends of the floor and within the team environment.
Meanwhile, our women’s roster receives another significant boost with the return of Dakota Crichton. A versatile and high-energy player, Dakota brings strong competitiveness and defensive intensity to the group. Returning with added confidence and experience after a season with the WNBL’s Townsville Fire, Dakota continues to grow as a reliable presence on both ends of the floor.
You also have the chance to get up close to the action in an official club role!
We’re currently seeking expressions of interest for a new Geelong United NBL1 Women’s Team Manager.
Your role will be to provide support and assistance to the players and coaching staff of the team. It is a volunteer position, but will give you a courtside view to each GUB NBL1 game of the season!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Attend all games (home & away) and assist the coaches and players on the bench.
– Assist with injuries and issues during the game, including obtaining ice for immediate first aid when required.
– Maintain the team’s First Aid kit and ensure it is present for all trainings and matches.
– Provide assistance (when required) to the Senior Pathways Teams Operations Coordinator, Team Physio and/or other GUB/NBL1 Staff.
– Handing out drink bottles and towels to players during the games.
REQUIREMENTS:
– WWCC
– First Aid & CPR not required but preferred
– Required NBL1 Integrity & Accreditation
Click/tap here to apply now!
BigV Youth League Update:
GUB is excited to announce that both our Men’s and Women’s Big V Basketball Youth League squads are locked in for this years Youth Championship Division!
Our Women’s squad earned their promotion after a perfect 2 from 2 wins in grading over the weekend.
FIXTURES COMING SOON!
U18 Vic Country State Team Representatives:
Congratulations to our GUB players who have been selected in the U18 Vic Country State teams.
Wishing you the very best of luck at the Footlocker National Championships.
Coach Development Sessions:
We’re excited to launch our 2026 Coach Development Sessions!
These FREE sessions focus on leadership, culture, confidence, and wellbeing, giving coaches practical tools they can apply immediately in their teams and programs.
Whether you’re new to coaching or highly experienced, these sessions are about learning, sharing, and continuing to grow as coaches.
Building Team Culture & Leadership
Monday, February 24 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Presenter: Mark Neeld
Mark Neeld is the current CEO of Geelong United Basketball and brings extensive experience in high-performance sport, including time as an AFL Head Coach. In this session, Mark will share lessons from his coaching and leadership journey, focusing on how strong team cultures are built and sustained, and what true leadership looks like in practice. Coaches will gain insight into creating environments built on connection, accountability, and shared purpose.
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Coaches: Own Your Voice, Own Your Future
Tuesday, March 3 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Presenter: Megan Moody
Megan Moody is the Geelong United NBL1 Women’s Head Coach, General Manager of Pathways, and a multiple championship-winning coach. This session is designed specifically for female coaches and will focus on building confidence, owning your voice as a leader, and developing a clear pathway in coaching. Megan will share her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, with a focus on leadership, growth, and empowering others along the way.
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Mental Health Toolkit For Coaches
Sunday, March 29 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Presenter: Chris Lytas – Right Mate
Chris Lytas is the founder of Right Mate, a men’s mental health charity. Chris will lead a practical workshop focused on mental health awareness in young people. Coaches will learn key signs to look out for, how to approach conversations with individuals who may be struggling, and how to best support players, staff, and themselves in a safe and meaningful way.
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Registrations are now open, so get in quick to reserve your spot here.
GUB New Balance Apparel Store:
The GUB New Balance Apparel Store is back open for a short time only!
All winter items are available, and will be dispatched mid March.
Get your orders in now here.
Community Development Program:
Looking to build your skills and get an extra training session in each week?
The Community Development Program is a great opportunity for players in the GUB Community Competitions to grow their game in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each session focuses on:
- Skill development
- Game IQ
- Confidence building
Led by Program Coordinator Courtney Burke, the program offers a fun and engaging space for players to learn, improve, and enjoy basketball even more.
Full details here.
Future United Stars:
Do you want to be a star of the future?
The Future United Stars program is a skill development program that will teach players how to be able to play competitively.
This program will be coordinated by GUB’s Coach & Athlete Development Manager, Simon Nicholson and coached by GUB’s U12 VJBL Coaches.
Find out more here.
Shooting School:
Want to take your game to the next level? Our Shooting School is designed for junior players in the Geelong United Community Competition who are looking for an extra session focused on improving shooting skills through game-like activities.
- Learn proper shooting technique
- Practice in real-game scenarios
- Build confidence and consistency
Each session will be made up of a mix of high-volume repetitions with focused skill development and game-like scenarios.
Find out more here.
Step Above Skills Sessions:
Take your game to the next level!
Geelong United Basketball’s Step Above Skills Sessions are all about stepping up your game and learning the skills that will help you get ahead of the pack.
TOPIC: Life in the Fast Lane – mastering success in the full court.
These sessions are for VJBL athletes and others wanting to improves their skills by attending one or both sessions. Hosted by special guest Geelong United NBL1 players, each session will be focused on specific skills based development that will help all athletes better their game.
Find out more here.
Our mailing address is:
Geelong United Basketball
Beyond Bank Stadium
20 Crows Road
Belmont, Victoria 3216
Australia
