NBL1 West stars throw support behind Geraldton Buccaneers women’s team

Following the announcement that the Geraldton Buccaneers are one step closer to having a women’s side introduced to NBL1 West in the 2027 season, players and coaches have shown their support for the potential inclusion.

Speaking to attendees at the NBL1 West 2026 Season Launch on Saturday night, Warwick Senators star Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, East Perth Eagles Women’s Head Coach Jonelle Morley, and Geraldton Buccaneers star Devondrick Walker were full of praise for the move and what it means for NBL1 West and Geraldton.

Touching on his experience at Geraldton so far after he spent three seasons in Rockingham between 2022 and 2024, two-time NBL1 West MVP Devondrick Walker showed plenty of excitement and explained what makes the club and community a perfect environment for a women’s program.

“I think having a women’s team up in Geraldton would be something that’s elite,” Walker said.

“Just being around the club the last couple of days [with] the culture and the standard, I think that it’s the best place to have it.

“It’s not like these women will grow up to see mediocrity… they get to see a high standard.

“I think once they fall under that umbrella [and they] get to see this daily… they want to push [and] they want to drive themselves to be the best that they can be.”

East Perth Eagles NBL1 Women’s Head Coach Jonelle Morley echoed these sentiments as someone who is no stranger to the culture at Geraldton.

“I’m really, really excited about having a Geraldton team in the women’s program too," Morley said.

“When I used to do that road trip… it was one of the most fun road trips that I did as a player.

“It was just so much atmosphere, but it was really tough to play in, [and] we want our girls to have that too.”

Morley also spoke about the addition of local Geraldton standout Millie Gerreyn to the East Perth Eagles, and how the emerging talent is the perfect example of the pathway in the city.

“To see what she’s developed to, coming out of Geraldton’s system, I know they’ve got the talent up there," Morley said.

Adding her perspective as a potential rival to the new side, Warwick Senators star and Geelong Venom WNBL talent Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard touched on the extra challenge that they will bring to the conference.

“Having another country team in the competition, I think is fantastic,” Clinch Hoycard said.

“We used to have that weekend off… but I’m excited for some more competition, it’ll be good.”

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For more information about Geraldton being one step closer to inclusion in the NBL1 West women's competition, click here

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The 2026 NBL1 West season begins on Thursday, March 26th. You can catch all the action LIVE & FREE via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app.

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