‘Lady Cats’ reveal initial coach

Erin Pearson
GEELONG’S new national women’s basketball side had appointed a coach and signed eight players just weeks after winning the official go-ahead.
The team has named Paul O’Brien, who has previously coached state and national teams, as coach of the Supercats women’s squad.
O’Brien said the players were already “well-versed” on their opposition even though they had yet to play their first season in South East Australian Basketball League.
Many recruits to the “Lady Cats” had already played against the league’s big guns, he said.
“Candice Rogers was a great Melbourne player and has had senior experience, Anna Teague while studying in Bendigo was with the Bendigo Braves and Spirit programs and Maddy Taylor has been on Bendigo summer rosters.
“The core group is very experienced players at a number of levels.
“They’re certainly aware of the challenges involved to take them from a successful Big V team to a successful SEABL team.”
O’Brien said he was confident his side could contest finals within a few years.
“If we put our best 11 on the floor for the year then we’ll be a very competitive team from day one,” he said.
“We can only control our own destiny but we’re certainly in the mix to make finals.
“The last AFL coach that said he’d make the finals was sacked two years later, though, so I guess if we’re fortunate to make finals in our first year great or second year then fantastic.
“Of the 13 teams in the competition, with six finals sports we’re potentially a team that could finish around fifth to 10th next season.”
O’Brien’s coaching resume includes roles with Perth Lynx and Bendigo Spirit WNBL sides.
He works as a teacher in Melbourne and will remain in the state’s capital but denied the commuting would affect his ability to coach.
The women’s squad has so far signed Rogers, Teague, Taylor, Kylie Morrissy, Ellie Stevens, Jessica Watson, Chloe Little and Cortney Williamson for next season.
The side will play its first SEABL game at home on April 2.