Rocci ready to strike with revamped Venom

The Geelong Venom will have a revamped roster in WNBL27 with a number of new stars committing to the club.

Of course, Chinese sensation Han Xu is a big-name signing, but another is Australian Opal Maddy Rocci, who has joined the club from the Southside Melbourne Flyers.

The 28-year-old, who posted career-highs in points (16), assists (7) and blocks (0.3) last campaign, spent the past five seasons of her career at the Flyers, which followed a four-year stint in Canberra.

While she has fond memories at both, Rocci was keen for a new challenge in 2026-27 and to team up with a former coach.

"I'm excited [to join Geelong]," she said to Keilor's 'Inside the Thunder' podcast.

"Obviously it's a change and like I'm not a big change person, but for me to step out of my comfort zone and to go play for a new club is something that I'm really excited about.

"And getting back with Cheryl again [is going to be great].

"Obviously we have that championship experience, and we have that success [together].

"I know how she operates as a coach, which is something that's good in the game of basketball.

"Hopefully that helps us make a Finals run this season."

Joining Rocci and Han on the Venom's roster this season are Alex Sharp, Bec Cole, Wanglai Zhang, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Dakota Cricton, Lilly Rotunno and Indiah Bowyer.

The Venom open their new season on October 15 against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena.