How “everything changed” for the Lions

A fairytale story unfolded in the NBL1 Central this season, with the now-champion Central Districts Lions going from a bottom-placed team to conference winners. 

The Lions women’s side had the enormous task of quickly forming a well-bonded team both on and off the court, with 10 new players and only six returning for the 2024 season. 

Championship coach, Joe Noone said “everything changed” in a season of ups and downs as they fought hard to build a winning team. 

“In short, everything changed,” Noone told NBL1 Media. 

“Obviously bringing in 10 new players in the offseason was the start, but then it was all about changing our culture, our behaviours, the way we play, and above all else working really hard to gel as a group both on and off the court. 

“We had to work at learning to play together, push each other in training, learn each other's strengths and help each other to get better.” 

THE CENTRAL DISTRICTS LIONS ARE THE MITSUBISHI MOTORS NBL1 CENTRAL CHAMPIONS ?

Finishing last on the ladder in 2023, they have pulled off one of the biggest season turnarounds ever — winning the club's first title over the Forestville Eagles 79-67. pic.twitter.com/aP892WtROy

— NBL1 (@NBL1) August 10, 2024

Noone further iterated the hard work that played out early on in the preseason, as they recruited top-tear athletes, like former Central champion Jasmin Fejo, and Halls Medallist Casey Samuels.

“It’s a lot of change, but we recruited early in the past offseason and focussed on getting in some very talented and experienced locals, an import, and a bunch of players looking for growth and opportunity,” he said. 

“We worked really hard early in the gym and on court on skills and shooting and tried to use summer season games to learn to play with each other and get better.  

“Mostly the focus was on getting better and then as we started winning games, the focus stayed on getting better, learning how to play with each other and learning how to win games in a different way.”

As the Lions shift their focus onto the National title, Noone said although there is an added element of pressure, they’re proud to reach the stage of competing against the best of the best. 

“For us the Nationals are about challenging ourselves against the best teams in the country. Getting through last weekend’s Grand Finals and the Finals series were both massive firsts for the club and the team, and as result lots of pressure,” Noone said. 

“There is certainly an elevated level of pressure that comes from the quality of the teams and players we are facing. At the same time we haven't put limits or expectations on what we have wanted to achieve all season, so why start now."

The Lions will face NBL1 North’s Southern Districts Spartans on Friday night at 5:30pm AEST. 

Photo by: Picture It Sport Photography