Potter ready to make her mark in WNBL

GEELONG United guard Gemma Potter is hoping for a good bill of health during the 2024-25 season as she looks to make her mark on the court with the town’s first ever WNBL side.

Potter, who signed during the free agency period from the Canberra Capitals, has played in the WNBL for six years, but has only been able to put two full seasons together during her career.

Two successive ACL injuries in an 18-month time frame had her contemplating stepping away from the game completely.

However, recent continuity on the court has her feeling optimistic for the future.

During the most recent 2024 NBL1 South season, Potter suited up in 15 matches, averaging 19.2 points, 3.2 assists and 7 rebounds a game for the Diamond Valley Eagles.

Potter said she is relishing being back in full fitness, particularly with plenty of excitement surrounding the first season at Geelong.

“To be fit, and to build throughout this first pre-season has been

so special.

“There was so many things to learn from being injured. I got a huge appreciation for things off the court.

“I definitely considered walking away, particularly after that second ACL. I really felt at my lowest.

“When you’re pretty vulnerable you wonder if its worth it, but it definitely is. I am so excited for what’s ahead.”

Potter said the opportunity to shape a club from the ground up was a key component of signing with Geelong’s maiden WNBL side.

“I’m really happy to be down here. I’m loving the people; the town and it’s already becoming a

second home.

“From a personal level, last year was all about getting confidence up and getting the trust back in my body again, but this season is taking a step forward.

“No team in the league really knows what we are going to do which is super cool.”

She said the Geelong community have already welcomed the WNBL’s newest expansion side with

open arms.

“It’s been fantastic. The love for women’s sport is super special, not only across basketball but

other sports.

“It’s going to be an exciting chapter ahead and we hope to spread the sport far and wide.”

Under the tutelage of esteemed coach Chris Lucas, Potter said she is confident the team can shoot for a championship.

“He’s been just awesome so far. The team’s he has coached in the past have been some of the hardest to play against during my time in the league.

“He can use his gameplan to get looks for every player on the team, and to be part of that has already been so exciting.”

Geelong United welcome the Southside Flyers to Geelong Arena for a Round 2 clash on Thursday, November 7.

The game will be broadcast live on 9Now from 7pm.