The Pakenham Warriors are ready to explode up the BIG V standings in 2013 with Head Coach Ryan Rogers ecstatic to announce that versatile 196cm forward James Topp will suit up for the squad and assume the honour as team captain in 2013.

The 24 year old comes to the Warriors after a roller coaster 2012, where he sought new challenges at Big V Division 1 level crossing from Sherbrooke to Warrandyte, before turning to AFL after a month at the Venom due to mixed opportunities.

“The past is the past and after having most of last season away from basketball, I really feel that my desire to play is as strong as ever. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join a program on the rise, who I truly believe can go a long way in 2013, said Topp.”

Speaking on the factors that appealed to him joining the Warriors, Topp explained "It’s a fresh start and the opportunity to build something with a long term picture in mind really stood out. I feel very positive about the overall environment at Pakenham, as the club hierarchy are heavily involved and supportive of the senior program. Most importantly though I can see they are really throwing their support behind Ryan as the new Head Coach and letting him call the shots, which is refreshing.”

Entering the BIG V scene in 2006 as a then active member of the Sherbrooke U/18 junior program it didn’t take long for Topp to announce himself as a genuine talent, averaging 7.8 points @ 35.6% from the field, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in just over 23 minutes per outing before a consistent 8.5 points @ 37.6% from the field, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in just 13 games across 2007.

Following his apprenticeship, Topp took his game to another level in 2008 where he accumulated 15.5 points @ 46.7% from the field, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in a star studded Suns outfit despite only clocking up 28 minutes each game en route to sweeping Waverley in the Youth League 2 Championship series.

Continuing in the same vein, 2009 was when the BIG V population took notice as Topp led a rebuilding Suns squad (6-14) to average 15.3 points @ 44.5% from the field, 7.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists earning himself a league nomination for All Star Forward, with a 37 point mid season performance against Waverley the standout amongst a super consistent season.

Coming off what many described as an MVP calibre season in 2009, Topp became a marked man and despite added attention was still able to compile a handy 11.3 points @ 43.0% from the field, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists, earning back to back All Star Forward nominations even with his Suns missing out on a playoff berth for a second consecutive year.

With a couple of lean years behind them, the Suns reloaded with several experienced BIG V players returning to the fold and a championship was projected to head back to the hills based club in 2011, with Topp promoted to take on the captaincy being just reward for his service and long term commitment.

Mixing time between the Suns Youth Championship and State Championship squads didn’t faze Topp as he dominated every opposition line-up, cashing in 18.1 points and reeling in 6.5 rebounds whilst being awarded a place in the BIG V Big Bounce extravaganza for his efforts.

As his stocks continued to rise Sherbrooke State Championship Coach Warren Estcourt decided to promote Topp and exclusively suit him up as a member of the Suns Senior Championship Men’s team for the latter part of the season, where he even posted an electrifying 8 points in as many minutes against perennial powerhouse Waverley in the second last regular season game. To wrap up the season he was awarded Club MVP for his dominant showing in the Youth Championship program vindicating his selection as captain and capping off a bumper 12 months.

Seeking a change of scenery Topp decided to venture out by the Yarra in 2012 but when things didn’t pan out as he’d hoped he sought a new challenge where he featured prominently in the Eastern Football League, playing for the Eastern Lions.

Luckily for the Warriors and equally the BIG V, the timing was right when Head Coach Ryan Rogers put out the call for the athletic workhorse to return to the hardwood.

“I believe my experience playing at higher levels in the past will equip me well to help the team. We have plenty of young guys around the club who I hope to be able to help develop for the future. I will also endeavor to bring a level of competitiveness and intensity to practice and games to really push things to the next level, said Topp.”

“I realise that with new faces and a new coach there will be adjustments required from everyone and our chemistry will be crucial. More importantly the overall picture is about our ability to come together on and off the court to build camaraderie and a closeness that will hold us in good sted come March next year. I hope to lean on some previous experience as a former captain to help the team and club achieve this.”

Speaking on his prized recruit Rogers said “I first met Jimmy in 2006 as the Coaching Director at Sherbrooke and have always kept a close eye on his development from a far. While his basketball ability speaks for itself, the key traits for me are his maturity, willingness to lead and desire to help mould a culture of professionalism at Pakenham”.

“James is a guy who displays great leadership both on and off the court. Even more impressive is the fact he is dedicated to doing extra work behind the scenes in order to take his game to the next level, which is a very important quality within a developing club. Collectively it’s about starting a new chapter in the clubs history and I couldn’t be more pleased with our first major acquisition.”

The Warriors commence tryouts this Sunday which are open to any prospective players and Topp urges any potential players to come and see the many positive things happening at the ‘Colosseum’.

“Ryan has outlined a clear direction for the club and its future. All players will be on an even footing and it’s just a great environment to be a part of, so make sure you come along for the ride with us.”

BIG V D2M Tryouts
Sunday 21st and 28th October
10.00am - 12.00 noon

CARDINIA LIFE
4 Olympic Way, Pakenham

Any questions regarding this the Warriors BIG V program can be directed to Ryan Rogers on 0430 085 912