Championship Women (2-1): vs. Hume City (3-1) @ The Arena Showcourt, Saturday 5.30pm

The Lady Cats will be looking to end a losing streak against the Broncos that goes back to 2007 when they meet as a curtain-raiser to the Geelong-North West Tasmania SEABL clash. Coach Grantley Bernard was impressed with how his team bounced back from the pre-Easter loss to Waverley with an 86-64 result against Diamond Valley. “The intensity and commitment was high throughout and the offensive execution improved and continues to progress,” Bernard said. Kylie Morrissy was the star with 28 points, while Candice Rogers contributed 19 points and grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds. Coach Bernard was also impressed with the defensive effort of Anna Teague, who held Eagles’ star Kellie Burbridge to eight points. The Lady Cats, who get back skipper Sarah De Grandi after a week off, will be looking to consolidate against the reigning champions. The Lady Broncos no longer have the same aura of invincibility, after losing the likes of WNBL star Sharin Milner and League MVP Katrina Hibbert during the off-season. “The win over Diamond Valley showed our strengths and qualities and we need to bring them into the game against Hume to have a shot at winning,” Bernard concluded.

Division 1 Men (3-1): vs. Sunbury (1-2) @ Boardman Stadium, Saturday 8.00pm

Once upon a time the trip to Sunbury was a daunting one for opposition sides, however the two-time defending champions are, at the moment, a mere shadow of their former selves. The Cats will take plenty of confidence into the clash after a comfortable 98-71 win over Hawthorn. Jason Reardon starred with 31 points, while Dane Bow, Nick Van Der Klooster and Chris Brown all contributed double figures, as minutes were evenly spread through the roster. Despite the 27 point margin, coach Shayne Bow wasn’t entirely satisfied with his team’s effort. “It was a good performance, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement,” coach Bow said. He’ll be hoping that improvement comes on Saturday night. Despite the Jets spluttering start to the season, Bow expects a tough encounter.

Youth League Women (2-1): vs. Whittlesea (1-2) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 1.00pm

Much like their senior counterparts last weekend, how the Young Lady Cats bounce back from Sunday’s 65-50 loss to Waverley will be of most interest to coach Kat Clancy. Geelong was still in the clash with the Falcons until late, despite captain Tash Daffy going down with injury in the first half, which limited Clancy’s rotations. “The girls fought hard with only a point in it until the last 5 minutes,” Clancy said. “But we ran out of legs and let Waverley run away.” The Young Lady Cats may be strengthened by the addition of Lady Cats’ duo Vicki King and Ash Hatton, but will be missing centre Jess Barnard for the next fortnight. “We have worked hard on rebounding and decision-making this week at training and look forward to a full four quarter effort by the girls,” Clancy said. Whittlesea proved last week they are dangerous, pushing second placed Eltham all the way, before falling by just three points.

Youth League Men (1-2): vs. Hawthorn (1-3) @ Boorondara Sports Complex, Sunday 3.00pm

The only way is up for the Young Cats, after their woeful 103-57 loss to Diamond Valley. Trailing by 14 at the main break, Geelong was no match for the powerful Eagles combination in the second half. The visitors outscored the Young Cats 55-23 in the second half, holding Dave Brown’s charges to just four points in the final quarter. Supercats’ rookie Lachie Headlam top scored with 19, but had precious little support. Hawthorn has just the one win for the season, against Geelong in the opening round of the season. Coach Brown will be not only looking for an improved shooting performance, but a better rebounding presence, after being thrashed 55-27 on the glass.