From the AFL Field to the Backyard Court: Geelong Cats Star James Worpel Chooses Slam Man

A local AFL connection, a custom backyard basketball court and a passion for sport.

From Bannockburn to the AFL stage and now back to his Geelong roots, James Worpel knows a thing or two about dedication, performance and a love of sport.

So when the Geelong Cats midfielder and former Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner decided to create his own backyard basketball court, we were thrilled that he chose local business Sports Courts Victoria and our premium Slam Man modular sports tiles.

The result? A brilliant custom Slam Man basketball court that looks right at home in the backyard of an AFL star, complete with an Elite 60-inch inground basketball ring and fence netting.

A Geelong Football Connection That Goes Beyond the AFL Field

James’s sporting journey has strong connections to the Geelong region. Originally from Bannockburn, he progressed through the Geelong Falcons before establishing himself at Hawthorn, where he won the club’s Best and Fairest award in 2019.

After eight seasons with the Hawks, James returned to the region to join the Geelong Cats for the 2026 AFL season. For local football supporters, it is a story that brings a familiar name back to the community where his journey began.

For Sports Courts Victoria, being chosen to create James’s backyard basketball court was another opportunity to support a local sporting connection. As a Geelong-based business, we love seeing athletes, families and sporting communities enjoying the benefits of active outdoor spaces.

A Premium Backyard Basketball Court Designed for an AFL Star

James’s new basketball court measures 6.3m x 8.5m and features our premium Slam Man Pro Cushion 18mm modular sports tiles. With a blue basketball key, light grey outer, blue border and white glow-in-the-dark basketball lines, the finished court combines a sharp modern appearance with a high-performance playing surface.

But the court is about much more than looks. The cushioned surface provides underfoot comfort, excellent traction and consistent ball response, making it ideal for shooting practice, recreational basketball and everyday enjoyment.

To see the complete installation, court colours, product details and finished photos, visit our James Worpel Custom Basketball Court Project.

And if you want to see how it all came together, watch the custom court transformation on Facebook or Instagram.

You can also follow James Worpel on Instagram.

You Don’t Need to Play AFL to Have a Premium Backyard Court

While this particular court belongs to a Geelong Cats AFL player, the same custom court options are available to everyday families, junior athletes and sporting enthusiasts across Victoria and Australia.

Whether you have a compact backyard, an existing concrete area or room for a larger multi-sport court, our team can help create a space suited to your lifestyle, preferred sports and budget.

With more than two decades of experience across civil construction, surface technology and specialist sports court construction, Sports Courts Victoria has built a reputation for quality, reliability and results. Our 5-star customer reviews and extensive project gallery show what is possible.

We are proud to have supplied James Worpel’s custom Slam Man basketball court and to see another premium sporting space completed in our local community.

Any Size. Any Shape. Anywhere.

Why dribble, when you can SLAM? 🏀

Want a backyard court of your own? Contact Sports Courts Victoria today to discuss a custom Slam Man basketball court, ring or complete backyard package.