Supercats included in new-look elite league

GEELONG Supercats CEO Dean Anglin says he is satisfied with the outcome of a new Victorian-managed “Senior Elite League” that will replace the SEABL from next season.

Geelong was yesterday announced as one of 18 licensees for the revamped competition.

With its future now confirmed, Anglin said the club could now start working on venue deals, sponsorship deals and list management.

“They’ve all been conversations that have been pretty tough for us in the last eight weeks,” he said.

“We haven’t really been able to have them with any certainty. We could speculate that we were going to be in the league but you can’t have any certainty that you’re in until you get the letter to say you’ve been successful.

“For us now, it’s all guns blazing and full steam ahead to prepare for what will be an exciting new opportunity.”

Anglin said the biggest advantage of the new competit- ion would be that Supercats members would only have one game — a trip to Tasmania — that they would not be able to drive to.

The name of the new league and whether there will be conferences is yet to be determined. There will be men’s and women’s competitions, like the former SEABL.

“We’re pleased to be given (a licence) — it gives us an opportunity to continue the 40year legacy of the club,” Anglin said. “We’ve been consistent in our performance across our men and our women, we’re a successful club, we put on a high-calibre game night.

“I don’t think there was any fear of us not being in the league, but you never say never and there are some good clubs that have missed out.”

Basketball Victoria chief executive Nick Honey said the new competition, which won’t include Mount Gambier, would replace the SEABL as Australia’s premier winter league.

“These teams will form an exciting new league that offers extensive playing opportunities to high-calibre athletes throughout Victoria, Tasmania and for Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence scholarship holders,” Mr Honey said.

“Throughout metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and Tasmania, players can aspire to be part of this elite competition and we look forward to creating the No.1 option for winter basketball in Australia.

“Our efforts will ensure this league captures the attention of the basketball community and be aspirational for those who want to join this competition.”