Supercats reach critical juncture ahead of bumper NAIDOC Week games

THE biggest night of the year for the Geelong United Supercats returns this weekend with the NBL1 club meeting its regional rival in North Geelong to celebrate First Nations culture.

Geelong United’s NAIDOC Week game on Saturday night against the Ballarat Miners is expected to sell out once again at Geelong Arena.

Supercats player Ella Tofaeono said Saturday’s NAIDOC game is a great opportunity to acknowledge the importance of Indigenous culture.

“Supporting organisations such as the Wathaurong Co-Op and the work that they do behind the scenes is what this weekend is all about,” Tofaeono said.

“The co-op has a whole bunch of tickets that it will give out to its supporters, so this week is going to huge not just for our women’s side but also the men’s side as we approach finals.”

Wadawurrung representatives will conduct a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony prior to the men’s tip-off at 7pm, with dance performances to be held at halftime of the women’s and men’s matchups.

Over 2,000 spectators filed into Geelong Arena in 2022 for the Supercats’ NAIDOC Week game against Waverley.

Tofaeono is hopeful for a similar turnout as both women’s and men’s squads are keen to climb the NBL1 South standings with just over a week to go in the season.

The women’s side came off back-to-back wins against Melbourne and Frankston last weekend, claiming a spot in the top four with two rounds to play in the regular season.

The men’s side split its weekend double-header with a one point loss to Melbourne and a one-point win over Frankston, placing them two wins outside the top eight

“For the women’s team, everybody is super pumped right now and everybody’s pretty optimistic about our season, despite some key members of our squad missing time due to international opportunities,” Tofaeono said.

“It’s a massive game this weekend and we’d love to see as many faces in the stands as possible.”

Geelong United and Ballarat will also compete for the Mark Leader Shield.

Leader, who passed away in January, made a significant contribution to basketball in both cities.

During his impressive NBL career, he spent two seasons (1986-87) with the Geelong Cats.

He returned to Geelong in 2002 as coach of the SEABL Supercats, guiding the club to three consecutive conference titles between 2005-07, and the 2006 ABA National Championship.

In Ballarat, he coached the Miners in the SEABL from 1997-2000.

Geelong United will also pay tribute to former Supercat Cecil Exum, who passed away from lung complications earlier this week.