Basketball to lift recruiting
Volume 11, No. 54, October 19, 2006
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

High flyer: Natalie Porter from the Sydney Uni Flames familiarises herself with a Seahawk cockpit during the launch of the Defence Jobs WNBL season launch at ADFA. Photo by Cpl Anderw Hetherington

EIGHT Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) players, including four of the world championship winning Opals helped launch the Defence Jobs WNBL basketball season at ADFA on October 4.

After the eight players familiarised themselves with a Navy Seahawk helicopter that flew in for the launch, they strutted their stuff in a PT session with a group of ADFA cadets.

OCdt Jarrod Anderson was one of the lucky cadets who had the chance to workout with the players and said he thought it was a fantastic opportunity to meet them and some of the world champion Opals.

“It was really great to see and work out with the players here today. I have played basketball since I was very young and I now play for an ADFA team,” he said.

“I was also lucky to be at the airport when the Opals came home from winning the World Championships.”

The season was attended by the CEO of Basketball Australia Scott Derwent, who was appreciative of the sponsorship and assistance Defence Jobs has given to the Opals and the WNBL.

“The Defence Jobs WNBL creates the foundations for our success internationally and we should reflect on the great job the Defence Jobs Opals had in Brazil just recently,” he said.

“When you bare in mind that basketball in the world is played by 213 countries who are members of FIBA, for the Defence Jobs Opals to win over 213 countries is a tremendous reflection.

“I think not only on the girls who played but also on the system that we have had in Australia for many years and indeed on the Defence Jobs WNBL who have provided a quality competition.

“Also the support and sponsorship Defence Jobs has given to basketball in Australia in the women’s program.”

The WNBL season was officially launched by the Director of Defence Force Recruiting Capt Cameron McCracken, who said the association of Defence Jobs with the WNBL was a beneficial relationship for both parties.

“This year we are looking to recruit around 9000 people into the ADF and who better to assist us than a winning team such as the Defence Jobs Opals,” he said.

“Last year 931 women joined the ADF. With the help of the WNBL we are looking to improve on that [figure].

“Our association with the WNBL allows us to communicate the common values of sport, teamwork and camaraderie.

“I am absolutely delighted with the success of our relationship so far and you could not ask for a more vibrant or productive relationship.”