Posted on 5 March, 2010
By Will Syring
O’Hea has played for the Melbourne Tigers since 2006 and signed as a development player in 2007. He was awarded the Tigers Most Improved Player for the 2006/2007 season. In 2009/10 NBL Season O’Hea played in 19 games.
Melbourne Tigers coach Al Westover had nothing but praise for the 196 cm, 89 kg guard. “Matt is a quiet achiever who is very efficient and reliable. He is a great team and club guy who can pass, shoot and rebound the ball.” Al showed his optimism for the upcoming Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras 2010 Season by stating, “He (O’Hea) is a great pick for Kilsyth and will make them a very strong team this season.”
O’Hea has set high expectations for the 2010 Swinburne Cobras, “I think we are definitely a finals calibre team, especially with the two imports (Lockett, Henderson) and Tim Lang in the middle. O’Hea addressed the teams’ unique resiliency that he has noticed during pre-season, “We have really started to come together as a team which will prepare us to battle through an expected high competitive SEABL Season,” said O’Hea.
O’Hea has a unique relationship with the Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace. Wallace coached O’Hea when he played with the Nunawading Spectres in the SEABL. “It’s good to be back with Grant, we’ve always had a great relationship and I look forward to playing for him during the 2010 season,” concluded O’Hea.
Wallace was also complementary of his new recruit. “Matt is an individual and player I hold in high esteem, he has developed into an excellent player and I look forward to him continuing his career with the Swinburne Cobras in 2010.”
“Having coached Matt early in his career at Nunawading, I am looking forward to once again coaching him.” Grant also supported Westover’s comments on O’Hea, “Matt can do it all, he has great size for a guard and can score from all over the floor. He will be a tough match up for many teams in the League.”
2010 is one of the most highly anticipated SEABL Seasons in recent memory as most teams have significantly improved their rosters. The Swinburne Cobras are expecting to compete for a Finals berth and will be looking to get their campaign started in a good way with a opening round trip to Tasmania.
The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras tip off their 2010 Season against the Hobart Chargers on Friday 12 March 2010 at 8.00pm, and will play their home opener against Albury on Sunday 21 March 2010 at 2.30pm.
Season Memberships and player sponsorships are now available. Visit www.cobras.net.au for more details.
