How the 'Sequin Squad' Became a Heartland Sensation

Heading to a Phoenix game at The Fire Pit or the State Basketball Centre has several unique aspects.

Birdman’s antics, passion in the stands, Simon Mitchell’s hand towel and a touch of AC/DC on the speakers all play their role in the family-friendly fun.

But perhaps the most unexpected highlight of a Phoenix game is the Sequin Squad.

The bright green sequined jackets worn by five mates in Jarrod, Chris, Daniel, Matt and Luke in the Green Zone members section stand out like Dane Pineau’s former blonde mohawk.

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(The Sequin Squad is certainly hard to miss)

What started as a bit of fun between mates is becoming somewhat of a cult following among the Heartland, with some referring to them as the Phoenix equivalent to Collingwood cheer squad leader ‘Joffa’.

“We have got that a couple of times,” proud Sequin Squad member Luke says. “Not sure how we feel about it but we have got that.”

What they haven’t got however, is a photo request from a fellow fan…not that they think it’s far off.

“We haven’t been asked for a photo yet but I’m quietly confident there will be one, one day,” he laughed. “When you get on the ground floor of a club starting up, you have a chance to form the culture I suppose, as supporters and that kind of thing. I guess we just wanted to show what we’re about.”

Prior to their bodies failing them and turning to a life of making an impact from the grandstands, the group grew up playing basketball together in the South East.

When the Phoenix launched and resurrected the Heartland of basketball, the Sequin Squad jumped on board immediately.

They had no idea of the amount of love they were set to receive from the Heartland community.

“We just decided when the club formed that it represented us and was a good chance for us to get behind the team,” Luke says.

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7xfzKUpbTH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Ladies and gentlemen. The Sequin Squad starting lineup - 5 idiots in sequin jackets #thestartingfive #sequinsquad #greenarmy #phoenixbasketball</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/semsequinsquad/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> South East Melb Sequin Squad</a> (@semsequinsquad) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-01-26T06:49:09+00:00">Jan 25, 2020 at 10:49pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

(Yes, the Sequin Squad have an official Instagram page)

“The sequin jackets, honestly, I don’t remember how it came about but it was very organic, put it that way. Someone suggested it and they were ordered the next day. It’s just gone from there really.

“The feedback we got from people, like other supporters and staff, was kind of astounding. We just sort of did it as a laugh and didn’t really think much of it but people just really, really warmed to it and got behind us.

“Every time we walked through the gates, the staff made mention of it and said it was some great initiative. We just thought it was going to be a gag!

“It kind of took us back a little bit because we were just taking the p*ss but it’s grown into something a little bit more…it’s a cool way to show our support.”

The Sequin Squad got in contact with Phoenix Media this week to let the people know of their intentions to ‘step up their game’ and introduce ‘signs or flags’ with Phoenix players featured next season.

Anyone who’s had anything to do with the boys knows their adoration for big man Dane Pineau, who’s short odds on featuring heavily on any potential paraphernalia.

So, next time you get to a Phoenix game, keep an eye out for the Sequin Squad.

Oh, and someone please ask for a photo!