DAREBIN GIANTS ANNOUNCE ROSTERS FOR UPCOMING SEASON

The Darebin Giants Big V Men’s & Women’s program have announced their proposed rosters for the 2007 season.

Men’s coach Steve Moresi and Women’s coach Chris Jack have ended months of tryout speculation and have both announced their teams who will tackle the pre-season tournament and season for 2007.

Club Manager James Osenaris was both pleased and excited about the proposed rosters for the upcoming year.

“Today’s announcement puts the finishing touches on our long preparation since entering the league in October.  I am confident that both teams have the personnel to make a great impact for the Giants in our inaugural year.”

The men’s program has a number of exciting signatures, headed by Co-Captains Tony Burke and Adrian Kennett.  Burke, who has Big V Championship experience with the Blackburn Vikings, has excited coach Moresi with his pre season efforts.  ”As coach I am delighted to have Tony Burke, an eight year veteran of the league. Tony brings the experience and attitude that is required to compete at the senior level in the Big V. He is an outstanding leader and is sharing the captaincy with Adrian Kennett and will play the small forward role.”

Kennett, a Darebin junior player, has also impressed coach Moresi with his work ethic.  “Adrian is an off guard with great athleticism and a will to win. I expect Adrian to have a great year and contribute to the team and the club.”

Long standing Darebin junior players Maalo Hicks and Matthew Gazzo are also inclusions to the team.  Both players have attracted interest from state selectors as junior players, with Gazzo playing for Victoria Metro as a junior Darebin player and Maalo making an impact at Under 20 Victorian tryouts.  “Maalo possesses excellent skills and is only 18 years of age (200cm) but is more than capable of rotating through the 4 / 3 spot and will create a difficult match up for most teams. Matt Gazzo has the ability to read a game and make excellent decisions and is fantastic to coach.”

Joining these players in the team are Darebin juniors Matthew Hopkins, Jimmy Todd, Erfan Momeni, Jerry Juric, and Tom Allen.  Rounding out the roster is Melbourne Tiger junior Tim Golland and ex-Bendigo junior Matthew Cox.

The high number of Darebin junior players excites Osenaris.  “One of the most pleasing signs for me is the large amount of Darebin junior players that are given the opportunity to play in our colours at Big V level.  We are keen to continue blooding junior players from championship to Big V.”

There is also a great deal of excitement about our women’s team, who have made signings which will ensure the long term development of the program at Darebin. 

The team is spearheaded by 2006 Sherbrooke Suns leading rebounder and Darebin junior, Brenna Barrett, who has already received praise by coach Chris Jack.  “Brenna is a tough rebounder who works hard on both ends of the floor”.  Also joining Barrett are Diamond Valley juniors Jess Schleibs and Vicki Maxwell, who will be instant contributors in Darebin colours.

“The girls have bonded well and hopes are high” Coach Jack said.  “The pre-season tournament at Frankston will be a good place to showcase our skills and to see where we are in our development as a team.”

Joining these girls are Darebin juniors Kim Nash, Sally Nash, Amy Phillips, Megan Phillips, Bec Marshall and Gillian Cooper.  Rounding off the team is Bulleen young gun Deanna Martino, Camberwell junior Camille Miller and Blackburn’s Molly Dillon.

Association President Robert Allen is delighted with the progress made and also the announcement of the teams.

“We regard our admission to Big V as the final pieces of the jig saw.  Darebin now has programs that range from local domestic to senior representative basketball.  Our senior Big V teams now provide a progression path for local kids, who can aspire to play for the Darebin Giants at the highest levels of senior basketball in Victoria."

Both teams will continue to complete pre-season training schedules before competing in the pre-season tournament at Frankston in March.  Both teams begin their seasons at home on the 24^th of March, with further details to come.

ROSTER SUMMARY

DAREBIN GIANTS MENS ROSTER:

Tom Allen, Tony Burke, Matthew Cox, Matthew Gazzo, Tim Golland, Maalo Hicks, Matthew Hopkins, Jerry Juric, Adrian Kennett, Erfan Momeni, Jimmy Todd

DAREBIN GIANTS WOMENS ROSTER:

Brenna Barrett, Gillian Cooper, Molly Dillon, Bec Marshall, Deanna Martino, Vicki Maxwell, Camille Miller, Kim Nash, Sally Nash, Amy Phillips, Megan Phillips, Jess Schleibs

For further details please contact club manager James Osenaris on 0402 341 407

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