For the 2027 WABL season, Eastern Suns is introducing a new trial and selection process. The purpose of the WABL trial process is to provide all athletes with a fair, transparent, and consistent opportunity to be evaluated for team selection.

These changes have been made to ensure every player has the opportunity to be assessed consistently while giving coaches more time to make informed decisions about team selection.

What is Changing?

Two-Stage Trial Process

Trials will now be conducted over two weekends.

Weekend One – Talent Identification
All registered athletes will participate together, allowing coaches to assess players in a range of drills and game situations. New to Suns and Existing Suns athletes will all trial together over the course of two weekends. The focus will be on identifying each player’s skills, basketball IQ, effort, decision making, coachability, and overall potential.

Weekend Two – Squad Selection
Players invited back will compete alongside others in their age group, giving coaches the opportunity to evaluate athletes against comparable competition before selecting training squads.

To ensure consistency across all age groups, all players will participate in trial sessions together where practical, allowing selectors and coaches to assess athletes in comparable environments and against a broad range of competition.

Trials will be conducted in October over a two weekend period. Following the trials players will be placed into squads, rather than teams. The squads will then train together prior to teams being selected. The dates are as below:

Weekend 1

Friday 2 October

  • 5:30pm – 7:30pm: U18 Boys & U18 Girls (born 2010 and 2011)

Saturday 3 October

  • 9:00am – 11:30am: U12 Boys (born 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • 12:00pm – 2:30pm: U14 Boys (born 2014 and 2015)
  • 3:30pm – 5:30pm: U16 Boys (born 2012 and 2013), U20 Boys (born 2008 and 2009) & D-League Boys

Sunday 4 October

  • 10:00am – 12:00pm: U12 Girls (born 2016, 2017, 2018)
  • 12:30pm – 2:30pm: U14 Girls (born 2014 and 2015) & U21 (born 2007, 2008 and 2009) Girls
  • 3:00pm – 5:00pm: U16 Girls (born 2012 and 2013) & D-League Girls

Weekend 2 – Squad Selection (Invitation Only)

Players invited back after the Talent Identification Weekend will attend the following sessions:

Friday 9 October

  • 5:30pm – 7:30pm: U18 Boys & U18 Girls

Saturday 10 October

  • 9:00am – 11:30am: U12 Boys
  • 12:00pm – 2:30pm: U14 Boys
  • 3:30pm – 5:30pm: U16 Boys, U20 Boys & D-League Boys

Sunday 11 October

  • 10:00am – 12:00pm: U12 Girls
  • 12:30pm – 2:30pm: U14 Girls & U21 Girls
  • 3:00pm – 5:00pm: U16 Girls & D-League Girls

Please note that session times are subject to change based on registrations. Players should attend all sessions for their age group and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled start time for registration.

Once registrations are open, we will also open the process regarding an exemption process for WABL athletes who are unable to make either weekend of trials. We understand that families have pre-existing commitments, and want to ensure that none of our players miss out on their opportunity to trial for 2027.

Following Squad Selections, teams will be selected for State Championships. State Championships will be used to see how players perform in a game setting, and after these weekends the coaches will meet and be able to discuss if any player movement between the teams is necessary.

Commitment to Fairness

The Eastern Suns are committed to delivering a fair and professional selection process that prioritises player development, transparency, and the long-term success of the program.

All players will be given equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities throughout the trial process.

All selections are made according to on and off court criteria that align with the best interests of the association and the team including:

  • Accountability
  • Coachability
  • Attitude
  • Communication

Please note that the decisions made by the coach and selectors are final. If you have any queries regarding the selection process, criteria or require feedback, please contact Mia Valk, General Manager of High Performance and Development via email: mia.valk@sunsbasketball.com.au