Hawthorn and Darebin Set to Return in 2025
Basketball Victoria is excited to welcome Hawthorn and Darebin back to Big V competitions in what is set to be an exciting 2025 season! The return of both associations in via both Youth Men’s and Women’s competitions demonstrating a forward-thinking, strategic approach to their re-introduction to senior representative basketball.
The Hawthorn association returns to the scene after just two years away from Big V competition; and are an association familiar with winning championships:
- 2007 Division 1 Men
- 2009 Youth 2 Men
- 2012 Youth 2 Women
- 2014 Youth 1 Women
- 2019 Division 1 Women
Time away from Big V for Darebin however has been a little longer; close to 15 years, but in their short-lived Big V history; they did win the 2007 Division 3 Men’s Championship! On this occasion however, Darebin’s application to join has come on the back of over two years of working with League Management, building their structure within the junior ranks and within their off-court team to ensure the Phoenix are in for the long haul.
The excitement of new teams doesn’t end there! The Big V will re-introduce three senior women's teams—Gippsland United, Keysborough, and Whittlesea. Each of these clubs has undertaken a process of rebuilding in collaboration with League Management to ensure they are ready to enter the senior leagues.
Alongside the growth in senior women’s teams, the Big V League will also introduce youth women’s teams in 2025. The Chelsea, Wallan, and Westgate associations will join the ranks, providing young female athletes with the opportunity to compete at a higher level as they graduate out of the VJBL.
General Manager Leagues and Competitions Greg Jeffers said “In the last couple of years, our Big V staff have aimed to work strategically with associations that seek entry or re-entry to Big V. It is important that associations don’t just have players but have the support structure off the court in all areas including Technical Officials to ensure the viability of a senior program. I commend each of the associations and our Big V staff Matt Royal and Ted West for their work in going through that process.”
