Kunek finished her scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in December after playing 29 WNBL games for three years. She averaged 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds.

She has represented Victoria at five national championships (2005-09) and will shortly compete at the U20 championships in Gawler, South Australia.

An Eltham junior, she has represented Australia in 29 games helping the Gems (Australian U19 women's team) qualify for the 2009 FIBA World Championships.

Swinburne Lady Cobras head coach Cheryl Chambers was full of praise for the new signing.

"Alice brings youth and energy. She is a strong player who can get to the rack, rebound and run. She is versatile and can guard a small or big player. A bit like Ellie (Manou) she is a player of the future looking to place herself as an elite player in the league.

"As a team we have got the core of players together and into our pre-season program with Dee (Butler), Ellie and Alice signed and still to join the group.

"With our local youth and experience we can get our game plan together and be exciting to watch. Hopefully, we will have our final piece in place over the next couple of weeks.

The Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras tip off their 2010 season against the Knox Raiders on Saturday, March 20, at 6pm.

■ Warrandyte Venom started its Big V pre-season schedule with two good wins against Darebin on Sunday, including the first victory for its fledgling men's team.

In the first on-court action for 2010, Venom's women hit the court minus leading players Janelle Lucas, Mollie Burke and recruit Jennifer Cameron, but still worked hard to grab a 63-30 win in hot conditions.