Chambers injects fresh venom into WNBL squad

Image credit: @coopnighmedia

An influx of NBL1 homegrown pedigree has been welcomed into the Geelong Venom family, with the team announcing four WNBL Development players ahead of the WNBL27 season on Friday.

Millie McCarthy, Aleks Connolly, Poppy Stevens and Jasmine King have all signed with the team, marking proactivity as head coach Cheryl Chambers looks ahead to her first WNBL campaign with the Venom.

King has bided her time at Geelong United in the NBL1 for three seasons whilst Stevens has done much the same, advancing through every level of Geelong United's youth system.

The 23-year-old McCarthy spent four years at the Perry Lakes Hawks in the NBL1 West before shifting to Victoria and representing Waverley in 2025. In 2026, she consolidated her role, averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 assists per game and having a memorable 17-point, eight assist showing against Sandringham.

Connolly's 2026 NBL1 South campaign saw a drastic uptick in minutes, a year that also had her win the Geelong United Big V VYC Women's MVP.

Venom Head Coach Cheryl Chambers was thrilled with the diversity of skillset between her new signings.

"Millie's composure running the point, Aleks' consistency and competitiveness, Poppy's shooting touch and Jasmine's scoring instincts - they all give us something we can build with," she said.

"Bringing them into our WNBL environment is about giving them the next step in their development and giving this program real depth for the years ahead."

The Venom's youngsters will have their first opportunity to suit up on Opening Night against new WNBL outfit, the Tasmania Jewels on Thursday, October 15 at MyState Bank Arena.