Big V Basketball Division 1 men’s and women’s 2023 season preview

From all the keys in and outs to your club’s key players and x-factor, here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 Big V Basketball Division 1 season.

The return of Big V Basketball is finally here.

This weekend, teams from across Victoria will battle it out in another season of thrilling action.

Leader Local Sport has deep dived into every Division 1 club to bring you everything you need to know.

MEN

BULLEEN

Last season: 10th

Key player: Jamie Koutafides

X-factor: 

Season outlook: After a below standard campaign in 2022, the Boomers will be desperate to establish themselves as one of the teams to beat this season. Koutafides is a nice addition from Coburg and will provide plenty of excitement for supporters.

CHELSEA

Last season: Championship Division

Key player: Aaron Frost

X-factor: Jake Macauley

Season outlook: This year is the perfect opportunity for the Gulls to reset after going winless last season. Guard Jake Macauley will provide some much needed experience which will play a key role in the Gulls aim of finals basketball.

COBURG

Last season: 11th

Key player: Patrick McBreaty

X-factor: 

Season outlook: More wins is the obvious target for the Giants after just four in 2022. Mweemba Maluma and Patrick McBreaty both returning to the club is a positive sign and they’ll provide some strong leadership in helping move Coburg up the ladder.

Coburg will be looking to move up the ladder. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

COLLINGWOOD

Last season: 12th

Key player: Jordan Adnam

X-factor: 

Season outlook: After finishing at the bottom of the ladder in 2022, Collingwood has every reason to feel this season is a new chapter. Jordan Adnam will play a key part in the side’s rise up the ladder while Kane Annesley’s former experience in the Championship Division will be crucial.

GIPPSLAND UNITED

Last season: Division 2 champions

Key player: Billy Hughes

X-factor: Ben Barlow

Season outlook: After last season’s fairytale, United faces a brand new challenge in the second tier of Big V competition. Again, there will be a strong focus on local talent but as they’ve shown before they’re right up for it.

PAKENHAM

Last season: Division 2

Key player: Joe Davis

X-factor: 

Season outlook: The Warriors are walking into somewhat of the unknown after earning promotion from Division 2. But led by last season’s MVP, Joe Davis, they’re likely to not look out of place in this division. It would be no shock if they found themselves in the finals mix.

Coffey fights hard for every ball for RMIT. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

RMIT

Last season: Sixth

Key player: Steve Coffey

X-factor: Daniel Steen

Season outlook: Finishing in the middle of the pack last season has given the Redbacks a strong platform to build off for the 2023 season. Coffey is a star of the competition and will have a big say in how his team performs this season.

SHEPPARTON

Last season: Third

Key player: Derek Murphy

X-factor: Matt Andronicos

Season outlook: The Gators look primed for another shot at the title this season after an impressive 2022 campaign. New import Derek Murphy looks an exciting talent who could help his club get to the next level.

SOUTHERN PENINSULA

Last season: Ninth

Key player: Dareon Jones

X-factor: Corey Bond

Season outlook: After finishing with a 9-13 record last season, flipping those numbers around will be the key for Southern Peninsula. Returning import Dareon Jones was impressive to watch last season and should be right in the window for MVP conversations.

Dareon Jones will be a key player for Southern Peninsula. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

WARRANDYTE

Last season: Eighth

Key player: Bryan Moore

X-factor: Matthew Scammell

Season outlook: The first goal for Warrandyte will be moving up the ladder. They finished with a 9-13 record last season and with some new faces, they could surprise a few.

WARRNAMBOOL

Last season: Seventh

Key player: Alex Gynes

X-factor: Jamal Pollydore

Season outlook: After a middle of the pack finish last season, the Seahawks will be desperate to the finals positions and contest for a championship. Playing coach Alex Gynes is one of the league’s best meanwhile a key factor in the ball club’s record could be how quickly new import Jamal Pollydore is able to settle into the line-up.

WOMEN

ALTONA

Last season: Division 2

Key player: Alysha Carden-David

X-factor: Jessica Rarity

Season outlook: Some familiar names from last season look set to play a key role for the Gators again. Alysha Carden-David was impressive throughout the last campaign as was Jessica Rarity. If that duo is able to rediscover some of their best, the Gators could spring a few surprises.

Jessica Rarity will be key for Altona. Photo: Peter Knight/Awards For via Basketball Victoria.

BELLARINE

Last season: 9th (4-12)

Key player: Georgia Varley

One of the biggest signings of the off-season throughout the Big V competition after arriving from Geelong in the NBL1. Varley will be an important part of the Storm’s system on both ends of the floor but most notably on offence with her ability to knock down shots.

X-factor: Bh’rea Griffin

Season outlook: After a busy off-season in the recruiting department, there’s every reason to suggest the Storm can make a move up the ladder this season. Import Griffin and Varley will play key roles and there’s so no reason they won’t be among the league’s best players.

CHELSEA

Last season: Championship Division

Key player: Ashlea Stainer

X-factor: 

Season outlook: The Gulls have elected to make the step down to Division 1 after winning just five games last season but it’s a good opportunity for the short- and long-term future of the club. Ashlea Stainer and Sammie Simmons are both returning players who consistently impress for Chelsea.

CRAIGIEBURN

Last season: Ninth

Key player: Alana Ellis

X-factor: 

Season outlook: Despite last season’s bottom of the ladder finish, there is a real sense of excitement around the Eagles. Last season’s Youth League 1 MVP Carley Cranston will add plenty of power to the line-up while Alana Ellis’ move from RMIT is an impressive one.

Amelia Smith is one of the competition's best. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY

Last season: Sixth

Key player: Amelia Smith

X-factor: 

Season outlook: Amelia Smith and Maddison O’Nial are both familiar names in the University line-up and their form will be one of the key storylines to follow for this team. A 6-10 record last season wasn’t a true reflection of this team.

MILDURA

Last season: Fourth

Key player: Vanessa Powerth

X-factor: 

Season outlook: Headlined by Vanessa Power, one of the most dominant players in the competition, the Heat looked poise to make another run at finals basketball this season. They’ll be hoping to use home court advantage in their favour as often as possible.

WARRANDYTE

Last season: Seventh

Season outlook: After just five wins last season, the goal will be improvement from within for the Venom. Their for and against record was close last season which suggests they were often in most games.

Amy Wormald will play a key role for Warrnambool. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

WARRNAMBOOL

Last season: Champions

Key player: Amy Wormald

X-factor: 

Season outlook: The defending champions are back and on paper are among the favourites once again. Amy Wormald is one of the stars of the competition while Dakota Crichton will be one of Big Vs best young talents this season.

WESTERN PORT

Last season: Preliminary finalists

Key player: Rachel Winters

X-factor: 

Season outlook: Heartbreak is likely to be the driving factor of the Steelers this season. Import guard Jenna Mastellone is an exciting addition to the squad which is targeting a finals return.