Four key players in Hume City Broncos’ championship-winning team have recommitted to the club for another season.
The Broncos last week announced that Nicole Zammit, Mua Laloifi, Vivien Saad and Sarah Wright have re-signed.
The four were key elements in helping the Broncos to their sixth championship division title in 10 years.
New Broncos coach Glen Milner said it was important to have players of their skill and nature again part of the team.
“It’s a bonus to have championship-seasoned players of the quality of Nic, Mua, Sarah and Viv leading the way at training and in games, and showing how hard you have to work if a team wants to successfully compete at this level.”
The four will be joined next season by Sam Guastella, who will replace Colleen Planeta who isn’t returning for what would have been her fourth season.
Guastella was recommended to the club by Planeta after the two played in Luxembourg earlier this year.
“Sam is a great pick-up for us” said coach Glen Milner. “She’s a versatile ‘big’ who is comfortable playing from the perimeter and in the paint. Our supporters will enjoy watching what she’ll bring to our team.
“The fact that Sam comes highly recommended by Colleen for both her basketball ability and good character gives us every confidence she’ll fit in easily to the team- first culture at Hume City.”
The Broncos confirmed that Yinka Olorunnife won’t be returning next season due to work commitments.
She joins Planeta and Jacinta Scott, who has retired, as confirmed outs for 2017.
The Broncos also announced that Mick Thomas has been appointed associate coach of the women’s side.
Thomas comes across from the Sunbury Jets where he was both a player and coach, including coaching the Jets’ division 1 side for several years.
Milner said having Thomas on board allowed the coaching staff to spend more time reinforcing attention to detail.
“Having Mick on board is vital to giving our players the confidence to make the right decisions and execute the skills of the game when the pressure’s on,” Milner said.
