Sport

From Court to Community: Gators ball with the next generation

By Jay Bryce

Jul 31, 2023

Gator fam: The squad with all the fans who attended the training. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Before the last home game ahead of finals Shepparton Gators continued their winning streak beyond the court, spreading joy and excitement to young fans.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Gators and fans joined for a training session on Thursday, July 20, allowing the children to share the court with their heroes and gain valuable insight from the pros.

More than 40 kids and parents got involved in the fun.

Not everyone can score a slam dunk like Derek Murphy or splash a three from near half-court like Matt Bartlett or Joshua Kooiman, but at the end of the night when the cardboard lids opened up all were united by their collective love for not just basketball, but pizza.

The young ones got the chance to catch up with their favourite players over a slice, as well as grab pictures and autographs.

“Our players love interacting with our kids and giving them an insight into what it’s like to be a Big V Gator,” Gators director Steve Beks said.

“Hopefully, they can give them the encouragement to one day become one.”

The Gators carried the positive momentum from the night into a packed Swamp on Saturday, July 22, where they confidently dominated the visiting Southern Peninsula Sharks and closed the chapter on the regular season with a win.

Having claimed top spot on the Big V division one ladder Shepparton not only secured a week off, but also home court advantage heading into finals.

It returns to the Swamp on Saturday, August 5 at 7pm for the first finals game, playing RMIT, with the winner advancing straight to the grand final.

It would also secure the chance to share a grand final victory with the Shepparton faithful at the Swamp.