United backing local talent after challenging NBL1 campaigns

GEELONG United’s NBL1 coaches believe both programs laid important foundations for the future despite missing the playoffs with identical 7–15 records.

The women finished 15th, with coach Megan Moody saying the season’s progress could not be measured by wins and losses alone.

“Honestly, if we look at it from the wins and losses record, it’s probably not what we wanted to achieve,” she said.

“But there has been some really positive steps forward for our program in the terms of the development of some of our younger players, which has been amazing.”

Youth League players Aleks Connolly, Mackenzie Drew and Ameir Majur were among those to impress throughout the season, while the group also showed resilience after captain Lilly Rotunno suffered a season-ending injury in May.

 

 

With Rotunno sidelined, Indiah Bowyer shifted into the unfamiliar point guard role, while experienced players Dakota Crichton, Jordan Vasquez and Reagan Bass took on greater leadership responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Moody said retaining the core playing group would be a priority heading into next season.

“The goal is always to try and keep some consistency each season, because you want to start ahead of the pack with that cohesion and culture,” she said.

On the men’s side, coach Grant Wallace said too many narrow defeats ultimately proved the difference in his side’s bid for a finals berth.

Despite falling short, Wallace said the club’s commitment to developing local players remained one of the season’s biggest positives. Seven Youth League players earned valuable NBL1 opportunities, while Jackson Talbot continued to emerge as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

“We’re one of the very few clubs in the league who develop within,” Wallace said. “We don’t go and actively recruit from other NBL1 clubs.

“We want to develop local Geelong players and give them the opportunity to succeed in the pathway.”

 

 

Veteran import Demarcus Gatlin also capped another outstanding season by claiming the NBL1 South Defensive Player of the Year award, while celebrating his 200th game for the club.

Wallace said the accolade reflected only part of Gatlin’s impact on the program.

“He sets our tone at training, he sets our tone in the locker room and he sets the standard of the way we go about things,” Wallace said.

“He’s a great leader and he’s a great basketball mind too, but I think his value is more so away from the basketball court.

“He’s just a great human to be around the club – a leader and mentor for everybody.”