It’s a mixture of new and returning for Whittlesea Pacers this Big V women’s division 1 season.
After making an instant impact and finals in their return to the Big V competition last season, the group under new coach Christian Arbanovski is keen to go even further this year.
Arbanovski was an assistant coach last season.
The new coach said they were excited by the group that they’ve put together.
“It’s a very exciting time,” he said.
“We’ve happy. We’ve got eight returning players, the core group, which I was planning on when I was first appointed.
“We needed to add some offence. We are a strong defensive side and on reflection we needed to improve our offensive end.”
As well as keeping the core group together, the Pacers have signed five new players.
Arbanovski said they had looked to add some leadership to the group with the departures of former WNBL players Teagan Cunningham and Hayley Munro.
Ivana Vasiljevic brings NBL1 and college experience.
Arbanovski said Vasiljevic, sister of Adelaide 36ers star Dejan, would play a vital role for the side.
She has been named vice-captain.
“She’s helped show Issie [Ryan] and the younger guards what it takes and how to prepare for games,” Arbanovski said.
“She’s been really pivotal in teaching everyone at the club.”
Razz Muir is another who has been to college and America and has been part of the Sydney Flames.
She’s moved down from New South Wales.
“She has played all her basketball in New South Wales,” Arbanovski said.
“Her WNBL and NBL1 experience will help develop the younger girls and pass on the experience.
“She wanted the opportunity to build with the young girls, the girls on our team.”
Sharna Ayres is another who brings experience and is expected to add to the Pacers offensive end.
Elish Feehan, Charlotte Vincent-Load and Alana Anthony are the other new signings.
Zoe Wynd has also been promoted from the youth league side.
Arbanovski said she had earned her opportunity in the division 1 side and it’s exciting to see players come through the pathway.
The Pacers have already seen some on court action after heading to play at HoopFest in Perth.
Arbanovski said that was exactly what the side needed.
“I have a few connections and we were invited,” he said.
“We got what we wanted out of it and from the first game to the last game we saw improvement on and off the court.
“It was about building connections with five additions to the team.
“We were all able to gel and have fun and get to know each other on and off the court.”
Chloe Crompton will captain the side this year with Arbanovski saying it was a “no-brainer”.
The Big V season will kick off in March.
Arbanovski said they were looking forward to it.
“I think we have the team that can take it all the way.”
