As the Big V division one season comes to a close, Shepparton Gators find themselves at the top with an impressive record of three losses from 16 rounds.
With their last home game against Southern Peninsula Sharks approaching, the Gators are gearing up for the finals and a shot at grand final glory.
I sat down with captain Matt Bartlett and vice-captain Sam Beks to discuss their new key additions and the challenges ahead on their quest for success.
Additionally, star imports Derek Murphy and Joshua Kooiman shared their experience in Shepparton and their aspirations of securing a trophy for the team.
Here's what they had to say.
Derek Murphy
What’s the season been like?
Kind of disappointed we didn’t go the season undefeated, we had a couple slip away, but finishing first on the ladder is definitely a plus.
How much does the home crowd help you guys?
Playing in Shepp, for anybody but us, it’s definitely a tough place to come play.
We have the best crowd in Big V, not just in our division, but the league in general I feel.
The support has been amazing, both on the court, off the court, in the community, everything.
As far as fan love I’ve received, in person, social media, the kids especially, it’s second to none, no better feeling.
What’s your message to the crowd ahead of the last home game before finals?
Come out and be exactly who we’ve been all season.
Go Gators.
Sam Beks
How are you feeling ahead of the game on Saturday?
It’s a game for us to figure out our offence and defence before our week off, so it’s very important for our momentum.
They got their first win on the weekend, so they’ll be up and about, so it’s about taking care of business and having a good building block to go into finals.
What did you make of the new additions to the side this year?
They were really key additions.
Lachie Kego, I’m going to take some credit for that because I played with him in Benalla, and I knew he could bring what he’s brought in a Gators uniform.
Kooiman and Murphy, they’ve fit in really well and gelled.
Staci Richardson as well, off the bench, has a great defensive impact and brings a spark on the offensive end.
Matt Bartlett
How do you think the season has gone?
We started with a new group, obviously, we had our core, but a few new pieces.
We always knew we were going to be a second-half team, so things continued to come together and I’m really proud of this group.
A country team like this, we get together and do a lot of things outside of basketball, so it’s a nice family atmosphere and I love playing with these boys, we play for one another which is great.
How are you feeling ahead of the finals?
We get the week off now, which we’re trying to plan for and maybe get a practice match in.
I think that extra week, with a few older bodies in our group, will freshen us up.
Finals is a different type of atmosphere, I enjoy it like you wouldn’t believe, can’t wait to get in front of the home crowd.
What’s your message to the home crowd?
The message is to get down there and keep supporting us.
We pack that place out, it’s definitely the number one crowd within Big V, at any level, I’ve been to NBL1 games all across Victoria and our crowd definitely matches what’s going on everywhere.
Joshua Kooiman
What’s the season been like?
It’s been awesome.
Shepp itself, the town, has been super welcoming, it’s been super easy for a kid living out of home for the first time to adjust to life, all the people have made it really easy.
How are you feeling ahead of the finals?
I think we’re going to win it, I don’t have any doubts.
I’m a confident guy, but I truly believe we’ve put in the work and will get the reward, that’s what Shepparton deserves, a championship.
What’s your message to the home crowd?
Come out and show out.
The support has meant everything, every time you come out, little kids wanting a high five and stuff, it’s a special feeling.
I’ve played in front of a thousand people before, but nothing like our home crowd, you can feel the passion and it’s special.
Make sure you’re there, we’re going to go win it for you guys.
The Gators take on Southern Peninsula on Saturday, July 22, at 7pm at Shepparton Sports Stadium.