The Frankston Blues are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary year in 2024, marked by remarkable achievements, milestones, and unwavering dedication across all levels of the club.
Junior Blues (VJBL)
The VJBL 2023/24 season saw the club’s first teams achieve an impressive array of accomplishments. The Under 12.1 Boys achieved a historic milestone by securing the club’s first Victorian Championship banner in many years. Four teams represented Frankston Blues at the National Junior Classic, with outstanding results: the Under 12.1 Boys claimed the gold medal, and the Under 12.1 Girls won silver. Additionally, the Under 14.1 team earned silver at the Under 14 National Club Championships, and the Under 18.1 Boys competed at the inaugural Under 18 National Club Championships.
The following players graduated from the Frankston Blues junior program, completing eight consecutive seasons with the club from Under 12s through to Under 18s: Riley Noble, Matthew Shacklock, Hannah McIntyre, Owen Dowel, Max Meaney, Matilda Gambiza, Jacob Atkin, Harrison Wright, Julius Macdonald, Kiara Clark, and Jade Tenner. Congratulations to these players for their commitment to the club.
The Junior Blues Volunteer Award was presented to Paul Groat. The FDBA Life Member made an exceptional contribution to the club during the VJBL 2023/24 season. Paul coached both the Under 12.8 Boys and the Under 20 Men, provided invaluable support during the tryout process, and consistently assisted team managers and other coaches both on and off the courts.
Youth Championship (Big V)
The Big V Youth Championship Women finished the season with a 9-13 record, placing 6th in the Watson Pool. Eliana Bravington, who averaged 24.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, was awarded Most Valuable Player. The Defensive Player of the Year was Zoe Schoenfelder, and Eden Taylor received the Most Improved Player award.
The Big V Youth Championship Men concluded their season with a 12-10 record, finishing 3rd in the Terrill Pool. Blake Jackson, who averaged 10.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, was named Most Valuable Player. The Defensive Player of the Year was Maddox Parson, and Ryan Lane received the Most Improved Player award.
Players aging out of the Victorian Youth Championship program—Henry Peirce, Annabel Fitter, Eliana Bravington, and Alice Yates—will not continue with the program in 2024. We wish them every success in the future.
2023-2024 VYCW Head Coach Tony Jackson has departed the club. We thank Tony for his time with the club. Newly appointed Head Coach April Whiston has taken over the reins, with pre-season already well underway.
NBL1 South
The 2024 NBL1 South season saw continued success for the Frankston Blues. The Men’s team made it to the Finals series, the club hosted another memorable ANZAC Day Eve match against our rivals, held home games during Mental Health Round—which included the launch of SmackTalk—welcomed Australian Opal Steph Reid back to the club, and sent our Men’s team to India to support the launch of the India National Basketball League. The season also set new records for crowd attendance and live-streaming numbers.
The NBL1 South Women’s team finished the season with an 11-11 record, narrowly missing out on the Finals. Steph Reid, who averaged 28.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, was named Most Valuable Player. The Defensive Player of the Year was Tori Jackson, and Lou Brown received the Most Improved Player award.
The NBL1 South Men’s team achieved a 15-7 record and reached the Preliminary Final. Lucas Barker, who averaged 14.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, was awarded Most Valuable Player. The Defensive Player of the Year was Stokley Chaffee Jr., and Kynan Philippe was named Most Improved Player.
Thank You
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Frankston Blues in 2024. To our players, coaches, team managers, volunteers, and supporters—your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have been instrumental. To our sponsors and partners, in particular Frankston RSL, Powerade, Impact Realty Group, Core24, and Peninsula Sports Medicine Group, thank you for believing in our club and helping us achieve our goals.
Looking ahead, we already have eight Junior Blues teams qualified for the Victorian Championship, many players competing for Basketball Victoria Metro and Country teams over the holiday period, and exciting Big V Youth Championship and NBL1 South teams preparing to hit the courts. We look forward to seeing what 2025 brings and building on the legacy of the Frankston Blues together!