'Silverware': It's all about the vibe in Bec Cole's World

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WNBL27’s Townsville Tip-Off was a Cole World as the Geelong Venom won its first “piece of silverware” in the club’s short history.

The Venom won the pre-season title on the back of Saturday’s 90-86 victory against the UC Capitals and Sunday’s 90-67 blowout against Bendigo.

“It feels amazing to do it with such a new group,” Cole said.

“We had our youngsters really step up; we had our experienced players really lead.

“Just such a great vibe.

“It is the first piece of silverware for the Geelong Venom, and I think if we can do this now, it just shows the potential that our team has.

“We’ve still got two of our players to come in. Yeah, watch out.”

Cole was referring to Chinese and New York Liberty centre Han Xu and national teammate, shooting guard Wanglai Zhang.

Venom guard Maddy Rocci won the Tiana Mangakahia MVP Award after averaging 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 3.5 steals in Geelong's two wins.

Cole, who hosts basketball.com.au’s It’s a Cole World podcast, said she looked forward to getting back to the regional Victorian town to share the trophy with Geelong’s fans.

“It will be epic, especially for the fans who have been with the Venom from the start,” she said.

“This will be their third season in the league, so to go back to our Geelong community with this bad boy and be able to share this with them – I think that will also excite them to see what they’ll get to watch from us on the court this season.”

The Venom open their WNBL27 season on the road against expansion club Tasmania Jewels in Hobart on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

“I cannot wait,” Cole said.

“One, because you’ve put in the hard work throughout pre-season, but to go down to Tassie – I couldn’t be more pumped.

“A new team, and if you see what they do with the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL, the WNBL is just going to be elevated again with the Tassie Jewels.

“They have a great team and a great coach. What an atmosphere it’s going to be for Game 1. I couldn’t be more excited for that occasion.”

It was the second year Townville hosted the league’s pre-season tournament and predictibly Cole gave it a thumbs up.

“I might be biased, but I think it’s pretty damn cool that you get to see all the WNBL teams in one spot,” she added.

“You get to see these role models off the court, but they’re also elite athletes, and you get to see their display of basketball on the court. What a showing.

“Again, a big shout-out to TechnologyOne and the City of Townsville for hosting us.

“It’s a pretty cool experience.”