Posted on 14 March, 2010

Significant changes have been made to the Lady Cobras program during the off-season.  Former WNBL Coach of the Year Cheryl Chambers replaced Championship Coach Jason Knight in October, after he made the decision to step aside as Coach.

Since then Chambers has rebuilt the roster with both experience and local talent.  Sarah Parsons (Launceston) and Clare Papavs (Dandenong) both made the decision to play with other Clubs in 2010 which has given a new group of young players the opportunity at the SEABL Level.

Jordyn O’Shea, April Manton, Caitlin Mulhall, Kate Ebzery (Development Player) and Rebekah O’Donnell (Development Player) have all been promoted to the Senior list while Erica McMenamin, Gemma Kerr, Hayley Moffatt and Brooke Nisi remain from the 2009 squad.

With a quality group of local players Chambers began the process of signing the remaining pieces. First on her list was former Kilsyth Junior Deanne Butler.  Butler returns to Kilsyth for a second stint with the SEABL team after playing with the Club as an under 16 and 18. Butler has had an illustrious WNBL and international career and Chambers was pleased to secure Butler as her first signing.

“Dee brings experience, strength and scoring power.  Her experience in the WNBL will allow her to be a dominate player in the SEABL.  She is athletic, enabling her to defend point guards to 3 type players.  Her game is almost complete with the ability to knock the open jumper, 3 pointer and get to the rack,” said Chambers.

Complementing the signing of Butler was that of 6″3 forward Ellie Manou, teammates at the Sydney Flames, Chambers is expecting big things from the young Manou.

To complete the roster Chambers was able to secure another young forward in Alice Kunek after she completed her scholarship at the AIS and the services of explosive high scoring guard Deanna Smith.

Smith will join the Swinburne Lady Cobras after recently being named to the 2010 Australian Opals Squad.

Be sure to get out and support your Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras in 2010 as they look to return to the finals are narrowly missing a berth in 2009.

Upcoming Schedule

The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras will play their home opener when they take on Hobart on Sunday 21 March 2010 at 12.30pm. This will follow their Saturday night clash against Knox when they battle out for the right to hold the Cystic Fibrosis Cup.

Player sponsorships and season membership are still available contact Ben Turner on 03 9728 1033 for more information.

Check www.cobras.net.au for all the news throughout the 2010 SEABL Season.