BigV VYC Coaches Weekend Rundown – Saturday May 16
In the lead up to every BigV 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!
BigV VYC Women: Head Coach, Simon Nicholson
What were your takeaways from your previous game, and who were your standout performers?
A couple of tough outings last weekend with a Dandeong double and NBL1 clash on Sunday, but there were real patches where we showed what we’re capable of. It was also really exciting to see Ava Stonehouse from our U16 VJBL girls team play her first BigV game.
How has the teams preparation been in the lead up to the game?
Really positive. Good energy, good execution. We are in the middle of a really heavy game load, so training has been pointed and short and sharp.
What are some of the key matchups for the game?
Sandringham are a well rounded team, so our focus is trying to take them out of their groove and attack some areas we feel we can control.
What are some other key areas you’ll be looking to control in the game?
Really looking to limit their ability to get hot from 3 and attack them from the inside with our post presence, and look to go at them in Pick and Rolls.
What’s your final message for the fans?
Come out and support our girls in the first of 4 big games. We’ve got a host of local current juniors hitting the floor who are all proud to represent Geelong and are looking to keep trending in the right direction and do you proud.
BigV VYC Men: Head Coach, Luke Beard
What were your takeaways from your previous game, and who were your standout performers?
Our captains Josh Norling and Ryan Drinkwater led the team well. It was also great to see debutant Ayden Kenshole have an impact when he hit the court. Our key takeaway was that our consistency of effort needs to improve.
How has the teams preparation been in the lead up to the game?
Trainings have been strong. We’ve had some good energy among the group this week and the team are locked in for a massive double header.
What are some of the key matchups for the game?
With Sandringham on Saturday, it will be won and lost in the paint – Our ability to stop penetration will be crucial. On Sunday against Melbourne, it will be our ability to play four quarters of basketball.
What are some other key areas you’ll be looking to control in the game?
As above it will be our ability to keep Sandringham out of the paint and with Melbourne it will be playing the game on our terms.
What’s your final message for the fans?
This Saturday is a huge day of basketball on Saturday at The Arena – Please come down and support generation next before the NBL1 games, it’s always great to have the home crown behind us.
Geelong United’s VYC Women’s & Men’s squads take Sandringham tomorrow from 1pm at the Geelong Arena.
***PLEASE NOTE***
As this game is part of a NBL1 game day, you must have a valid NBL1 ticket to enter – Tickets available here.
View the Game Day booklet here.
