From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most represented junior domestic clubs within the Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA), the Eltham North Jets Basketball Club has built a proud legacy grounded in community, opportunity, and passion for the game.
The club’s story began in 1987, when a re-zoning of parishes led to the opening of Holy Trinity Primary School in Eltham North. Recognising the need for a local basketball pathway for their children, a group of committed parents took action. In 1988, under the leadership of founding President John Hudleston and founding Secretary Anna Potesta, the Eltham North Jets Basketball Club was established—marking the beginning of a long and meaningful association with the DVBA.
From the outset, the club was deeply connected to its local community. Permission was granted to adopt Holy Trinity’s colours of maroon and light blue, colours that remain a proud symbol of the Jets today. While many early players came from Holy Trinity, the club quickly became a hub for families from surrounding schools including St Francis Xavier, Glen Katherine, Eltham North Primary, Wattle Glen, and Yarrambat. The original uniforms, designed by Anna Barro, laid the visual foundation for a club identity that continues to endure.
What began with uncertainty quickly turned into excitement. In its inaugural year, the club entered 11 teams across both boys’ and girls’ competitions—a strong and promising start that signalled what was to come.
Over the decades, the Eltham North Jets have experienced significant growth, now seeing more than 300 young athletes take to the court each week. Despite this growth, the club has remained firmly committed to the values that defined its foundation: teaching and developing fundamental basketball skills while fostering teamwork, discipline, and respect within a supportive, family-friendly environment.
One of the club’s greatest strengths is its sense of continuity and belonging. Many players who began their journey with the Jets in the Under 8 and Under 10 age groups remain involved well beyond their playing days, returning as coaches, mentors, and volunteers. Today, a new generation of junior players is stepping into coaching roles, giving back to the club and passing on the lessons they once learned.
The Jets have also built a strong reputation for developing talent, with players consistently representing at championship levels. Athletes from the club have gone on to represent Diamond Valley, Victoria, and Australia on national and international stages. The club has proudly supported players in pursuing elite pathways, including scholarships to the Australian Institute of Sport and prestigious colleges in the United States.
Notable past players include Derrick and Darren McDonald, who went on to play with Nunawading Spectres and Bulleen Boomers and are the sons of Melbourne Tigers and NBA champion Darryl McDonald. John Lister achieved an impressive 250 Big V games and played internationally with the London Leopards. Luke Cooper progressed to the Sydney Kings, while Carly Turner built an outstanding representative career, captaining Victoria, competing internationally, and earning an AIS scholarship before playing in the United States. Conor Westall and Mikayla Peterson have continued this tradition, representing at state and international levels and further strengthening the club’s reputation for excellence.
Behind the success of the Eltham North Jets is a dedicated network of coaches, committee members, and volunteers who have contributed their time, expertise, and passion over many years. Their collective efforts have shaped not only skilled basketball players, but confident, resilient young people.
The club acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals including John Hudleston, Anna Potesta, Alice Feeney, Steve Phillips, Steve McCabe, Glenn Turner, Sharryn and Jeff Coffield, Louise Wilson, Nicole Brittain, Suzanne Rouvray, Stuart Callaghan, and Melinda DeBolfo, among many others who have helped build the club into what it is today.
As the Eltham North Jets continue to grow and evolve, the foundation remains unchanged—a commitment to community, development, and creating a place where young athletes can learn, belong, and thrive.
