Meet and greet the Shepparton Gators

By Jay Bryce

Feb 29, 2024

Chow time: Returning player Josh Kooiman enjoys some fine dining with Ollie Hay at last season’s open training. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

This Saturday, March 2, Shepparton Gators are hosting a meet and greet to connect with their fans as their pre-season kicks into full swing a month out from the first Big V championship game in Shepparton in almost two decades.

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The Gators will have a training camp in the morning before opening up the Visy Community Centre in Shepparton (formerly Wanganui High School stadium) from 3.30pm to 4.30 pm to the community, allowing it to come in and have a chat with the players, including some new faces.

Canadian import Jayden Coke and American import Devin Thomas will make their unofficial debut in front of the Shepparton fans, on and off the court.

Gators director Steve Beks said the event was free and open to everyone.

“We want to become a destination club for the next generation,” Beks said.

“And that starts with engaging with the children and then them bringing their mum, dad and grandparents.

“We want the kids to want to become Gators.”

After the meet and greet Shepparton will play a practice match against Craigieburn, with fans encouraged to stick around and support.

The Gators played NBL1 side Bendigo Braves in a friendly match last week, winning convincingly.

The Gators’ first game of the championship season is at Shepparton Sports Stadium against Wyndham on Saturday, April 6.