Gold Coast continue signing spree with Petrie, Mason, Johnston and Walmsley signatures

The Gold Coast Rollers have continued their signing spree by appointing Anthony Petrie as their men's head coach as well as adding Skye Mason, Sophie Johnston and Susannah Walmsley as their women's roster.

Petrie had returned from retirement last year to play with his good mate Jason Cadee, but now steps up to be the Head Coach of the Men’s Rollers.

Petrie has had incredible success with his coaching for the Gold Coast Junior program, which includes multiple SQJBC titles, State Championships and Gold Coast first under 14 national championship.

Last year he led the TSS boys’ team to the State title as well.

Respected for his strong playing career in Australia, which included stints at the West Sydney Razorbacks, Wollongong Hawks, Gold Coast Blaze, Adelaide 36ers, Brisbane Bullets and the Australian Boomers, the Rollers will look to push the program to new heights.

Another Gold Coast junior who excelled throughout her representative career with multiple titles, Mason has been with the Lady Rollers for two years and will be off to play college ball later this year.

Mason’s inside and out game will be a great asset to the lady rollers.

Coach Jackie Brown said: "I am excited to have Skye return this season.

"Skye plays with great physicality and is extremely versatile.

"She can make a play in the paint and handle the physicality underneath the basket while also stepping outside and knocking down the three.

"She has a high basketball IQ and is a great facilitator and passer from the elbow.

"Skye has a big future ahead of her and I for one am privileged to be part of her basketball journey and to see her perform again in a Gold Coast Jersey."

Johnston returns to the Gold Coast following her stellar college career in the U.S.A.

Having spent four years in Omaha Nebraska, Gold Coasters will be keen to see her back on the court for her home team.

Johnston played her junior career with the Gold Coast and also won a national championship playing for the women's Griffith University team in 2016.

Coach Brown said: "I'm so excited to have Sophie return to us after an extremely successful college experience in which she did Australia and the Gold Coast proud.

"She is a very talented versatile shooting guard who compliments our style of play and will definitely impact the score board.

"She is a lockdown defender who plays with such physicality.

"Her strength that doesn't feature on the stats sheet is the fact that she is a great teammate and person and will have as much impact off the court as she does on the court."

Walmsley returns to the Lady Rollers after missing two years due to a significant knee injury.

Walmsley was a fan favourite in her previous seasons with the Lady Rollers, always giving her best on the floor.

To come back after such a long recovery is a testament to her dedication and character.

Coach Brown said: "I am very excited to see Susi return to the game after a season on the sideline in the assistant coach role due to a knee injury.

"The former WNBL sharp-shooter has been working very hard in the off season and in recovery from surgery and will bring that WNBL experience and great basketball IQ to a talented Rollers outfit.

"Susi is a lockdown defender who can shut down key opponents and her ability to run the lanes will see her rack up points in transition.

"Not only is she a great leader on the court she is an amazing person who exemplifies the true culture that we are recreating here.

"Welcome back Susi I'm glad the Gold Coast will get to see you in action again."

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.