YOUTH LEAGUE WOMEN'S SEASON WRAP UP

The 2025 Big V Youth League season was one of resilience, growth, and culture-building for the Hume City Broncos’ Youth Women. With a mix of experienced leaders and exciting young talent, the team finished the year with a 9 -12 record, but those numbers only scratch the surface of what was achieved.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Brad Keighran, with support from assistant coaches Erin Mifsud, Adrian Rotella, and Stacey Stewart, the group developed into a tightly knit, defensively gritty, and mentally tough squad that competed in every game, often pushing the league’s best to the brink.

“We set out to build a program that was competitive, but more importantly, built on strong culture, accountability, and player development,” said Robinson

“We’re proud of the progress and the foundation that’s now in place,” she added.

That foundation was built in large part thanks to the leadership of Captain Scarlett Robinson, who emphasised the importance of team culture from day one. Alongside senior teammates Kaitlyn Bickerton, Oriana-Rose Siamoa, and Eliza Ogilvie, Robinson helped cultivate a team environment where everyone felt included, valued, and empowered to contribute.

“It’s about more than basketball.

“We wanted to create a space where younger players could thrive, and where we supported each other through every challenge,” Robinson also said.

There were plenty of on-court highlights too. Maddison Crotty had a breakout season, averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2 assists per game; a stat line that will likely see her in contention for First Team and Defensive Player of the Year honours, all at just 16 years of age.

Another standout moment came in the team's 57 - 46 win over Eltham, this year's eventual champions. It was a win that underscored what this group is capable of when firing on all cylinders - with smothering defense, composed execution, and a refusal to back down.

Kaitlyn Bickerton and Scarlett Robinson were instrumental as the team’s “connectors”

providing structure, communication, and composure under pressure. Their leadership on and off the court was vital to helping the team navigate a highly competitive season.

Audrey Li proved a valuable mid-season addition, contributing offensively in key moments, while Anastasia Gak, Maddy Crotty, Brooke Bowden, and Rachel Stewart all made important strides as young players adjusting to the Youth League level.

It was also fantastic to see some of the club’s U16 talents getting a taste of the action, including Scarlet Degiorgio, Sarah Hafiz, and Sara Ali, all of whom balanced multiple commitments while making meaningful contributions at such a young age.

Despite losing Ava Britt to a season-ending shoulder injury, the Broncos showed immense mental resilience, highlighted by a narrow 15-point loss to Knox, a team that went 20-1 in the season. These are the kinds of efforts that speak to the group’s competitive mindset and potential going forward.

The team will bid farewell to Eliza Ogilvie and Oriana-Rose Siamoa, two players who now age out of the Youth League program. Both were instrumental leaders this season and have left a lasting impact on the team’s culture. Fortunately, Broncos fans won’t have to look far - both continue to compete with the Champ Women’s squad and will no doubt remain fixtures in the club's pathway.

The Broncos’ 2024 Youth Women’s campaign might not have ended in finals, but the future looks exceptionally bright. With a committed coaching staff, a supportive team culture, and a wave of emerging talent ready to carry the torch, Hume City is building something that will last.

A special thank you to Team Manager Paula Robinson, whose efforts behind the scenes helped make the season run smoothly and the team feel supported every step of the way.