United women looking to avenge heartbreaking 2025 defeat

AS the NBL1 South season returns this weekend, Geelong United will look to avenge a shattering grand final loss last year.

United finished the home and away season at a perfect 22-0 in 2025 and continued their undefeated run all the way to the grand final, where they went down to Knox by 20 points.

2026 will see a host of familiar faces return for revenge, including speedy guard Lilly Rotunno, who enjoyed a breakout 2025/26 season with the Geelong Venom in the WNBL and looks set to be a key facilitator for the team.

Two-way gun Dakota Crichton will also suit up again for United after playing a role in Townsville’s WNBL championship roster.

US import Regan Bass signed in the offseason to bolster their front court stocks, with the strong and skilled forward spending time with Purdue University in the NCAA.

Versatile forward Jordan Vasquez will also join Geelong this season, bringing further inside strength and impact across from Penrith in the NBL1 East.

United will be without fan favourite star Jaz Shelley, who signed with the North Bears in the NBL1 East.

Forward Taylor Mole has also moved on to Ringwood in the NBL1 South, while Gemma Potter will likely miss the entirety of the season as she recovers from an ACL injury.

Local young guns such as Grace Spehar and Poppy Stevens will split their time between the NBL1 and Youth League sides.

Simon Nicholson is set to lead the team as coach to start the season, as Megan Moody takes a medical leave of absence. Nicholson is also the Youth League Girls interim coach and club coach and athlete development manager.

Geelong will open their season tomorrow (Saturday 28 March) with a home clash at the Geelong Arena against Kilsyth. The match will tip off at 5pm.