Geelong's pathway from grassroots through to the elite

Many WNBL teams have ties to NBL1 clubs, few are as deeply embedded as Geelong. Here, the connection isn't just complementary - it's foundational. From junior hoops to the WNBL, Geelong has created a true pathway all the way to one of the best women's leagues in the world.

In their inaugural WNBL season, the team played under the "United" banner - aligned with their junior association, senior programs and NBL1 club. Ahead of WNBL26, a bold new identity emerged: Geelong Venom.

Four current Venom players are competing with Geelong United in NBL1, led by Geelong's General Manager of Pathways, Megan Moody, serving as Head Coach for United.

Under Moody's leadership, United had a historic 22-0 regular season run - only the sixth team in the competition's sixth-year history to do so. Moody is a clear frontrunner for the conference's Coach of the Year, despite having a large time commitment to the club and her team.

Moody's alignment with WNBL Head Coach Chris Lucas to ensure a seamless transition for shared players with mirrored systems and philosophies. Improving overlapping players' progression transfers into WNBL26.

"To be able to have a pathway for female athletes to stay in Geelong and play across 12 months is amazing," Moody told WNBL Media.

"The ability to have Gemma (Potter), Jaz (Shelley), Taylor (Mole), and (formerly) Hannah (Hank) stay across the 12 months, it creates that extra chemistry... because the group is already intermingled. They know each other, they've already played and trained together for six months.

"I think from an athlete's development perspective, it's terrific... It's beneficial for any program and team."

Lucas echoed the sentiment, "It's been nothing but positive, and they've done particularly well. I think the players have worked their butts off and definitely improved," he said.

With United co-captain Jaz Shelley said the familiarity gave the group a distinct edge.

"We started with the upper hand in that respect just because we have been around each other for the past six months. We're running very similar plays to what we did during WNBL season," she said.

"We get coffee pretty much every day, I think it's just such a big difference to already have friends and people that feel like family going into a new season. Everything is pretty much just carried on from our WNBL season, plays are the same and training looks the same. It is really a benefit."

The shining example of the clubs' successful symbiosis is Lilly Rotunno. Once a development player under Lucas at the Melbourne Boomers, she was recommended to Moody without any guarantee of a WNBL spot. Now, she is one of the team's most impactful players.

"When I suggested to Megan that we grab Lilly, there was no guarantee she was going to get a WNBL spot," Lucas said.

"It was more to see how she went with the program, but more importantly, how she connected with her teammates. I had no doubt that was going to be a positive, and she's had a great impact across the board.

"That kid has worked her butt off, She was just waiting for her opportunity."

Lucas anecdotally explained he entrusted the offence to Rontunno when the Boomers had injuries in the backcourt. Having seen her prowess at the WNBL level, he put the wheels in motion with coach Moody.

"At the time, we thought it would be a great pick up for us. Having coached against her in 2024, I thought she'd be a great person within our team," Moody said.

"And the more I got to know Lily and her game on the court this season, when it came around to discussing WNBL rotations, we were putting her name straight back into the mix with Chris."

Rotunno herself called the experience unique and special.

"I didn't come in with any expectations other than signing with a really good group of people and being able to play a point guard position and run a team in that regard, she said.

"The fact that the basketball is so fun, that I'm with such an amazing group of people and that I did get the opportunity to stay with these girls and be here for WNBL was just a good outcome out of it - I'm grateful."

Beyond the wins and stats, Moody believes the biggest impact of this joint program will be the future of basketball, seeing the real impact it has on young girls each week.

"It's fantastic for any young female aspiring athlete to see. We've got little Aussie Hoopers (five to six-year-olds) running around with our community clubs here," she said.

"They can see it. And if you can see it, you can be it. Those younger players have now been able to experience being on court with that next level and see the work ethic that goes on.

"I would hope that athletes down the track can realise that yes, you can have a college pathway, international pathway, but you can also have a pathway here in Geelong to be playing the best level of basketball that's offered in Australia."

Moody could not be prouder of the playing group and how each player has integrated themselves into the fabric of the club, even attending junior games throughout the 12 months.

"We've got players that turn up here on a Friday night to watch a VJBL (Victorian Junior Basketball League) game just to show their face. Imagine being an under-14s girl and having Jaz Shelley come and sit in the stands and watch you play," she said.

"Our players have invested their time in the community, being a part of it because they're proud to be here, they want to be here and the community has embraced that. It's amazing to see."

"The goal is to have long-term players here representing Geelong, wanting to be a part of it and creating that relationship.

"That is so essential and inspiring for the next generation."

Watch the full interviews with Shelley and Rotunno here.