In the lead up to every NBL1 home game of the 2026 season, we’ll be checking in with the coaches to see how everything is shaping up for the game.
How are we expected to perform? Who should we be looking out for to fill the stat sheet? What are the keys to a big win?
It’s all answered here with the Coaches Weekend Rundown!
NBL1 Men: Head Coach, Grant Wallace
The wait is finally over and Geelong United tips off its 2026 NBL1 South campaign tonight with a home clash against the much fancied Kilsyth Cobras.
With a fresh season comes renewed optimism, and Round 1 presents an immediate test against a proven finals-calibre opponent, who like us have high expectations for the year ahead.
After a challenging 2025 campaign that saw us finish uncomfortably near the bottom of the ladder, losing eight games when we lead or were within a basket in the final quarters, the focus shifts to resetting our culture and climbing back into contention.
There’s been strong off-season activity, with new signings and vitally important internal strength and development of our local content, which is building great excitement ahead of Round 1.
We are still awaiting the arrival of our import centre as the club undertakes its administration, and we are pleased to warmly welcome to our Club; Deng Riak, Malang Athian, Paul Gakmar and after a stellar NBL season with the Cairns Taipans, Lachie Barker. All provide us with great basketball IQ, scoring options and all remarkable people who will represent us proudly. The growth of Marach Marach, Jackson Talbot is impressive and our Youth League players continue to grow and provide us great optimism. Importantly returning GU stars in Liam Herbert and Demarcus Gatlin are both fighting fit and leading the team from the front.
In 2026 we are striving for a stronger defensive identity, an improved consistency across four quarters and making our home court the fortress it once was. We need our loyal fans vocal support tonight, and every night, to help make the Geelong Arena as unpleasant an experience as possible for all visiting teams.
The Cobras come in as a dangerous opponent with a strong recent track record.
They were a top-three side in 2025, showing consistency and scoring power throughout the season. They have played much together over many years and provide numerous defensive challenges.
That is enough from me – let’s get started with Season 2026
NBL1 Women: Acting Head Coach, Simon Nicholson
It’s been a short lead-in, but a really positive one. With Jordan (Vasquez) arriving Wednesday morning, it’s been great to get a couple of sessions in with the full group. We’re still building our chemistry on and off the floor, but the group has bought into how we want to play and we’re starting to see that come together on both ends of the court and build great connections off the court. Our perimeter group with Lilly, Dax and Indi are beginning to find its rhythm, and we’re seeing that connection build with our bigs in Jordan and Reagan.
Kilsyth have a fresh look this season with a new coach and a number of new players, so there’s a bit of unknown there. Hayley Andrews is a key piece for them, she’s dynamic with the ball, really aggressive downhill and can shoot it when her feet are set. That matchup with Lilly should be a great one. They’ve also brought in Ariel Jenkins out of Georgetown, who gives them real presence inside at 6’3, so we’ll need to do a strong job of limiting her impact around the rim.
It’s still early and we’re continuing to build our identity, but Megan and I are clear on how we want to play and have recruited to that ID. Transition will be a big focus for us, playing at our pace and tempo. Defensively, we want to be disruptive and make things difficult, and we know winning the rebounding battle will be critical.
We’re really excited about the start of the season and this new-look women’s group. We want to play an exciting, up-tempo brand of basketball that’s great to watch. Our players are looking forward to connecting with the Geelong community and being strong role models for the next generation, so we’d love to see a big crowd out supporting us as we aim to go one better in 2026.
Geelong United’s Men’s & Women’s squad take on Kilsyth tomorrow night from 5pm at the Geelong Arena.
Get your tickets here.
