Brebner and Sandringham centre Simon Conn were locked in a battle for the final roster spot, with Brebner
getting the nod in a tight decision.

The Cairns Marlins captain was a Taipans development player for two seasons and promoted to the main squad in late 2008 after imports Dave Thomas and Larry Abney were sacked by administrators when the club was placed in administration.

Brebner, a 200cm forward who can play at power forward or centre, was not picked up by the Taipans last year but regained his spot for the 2010-11 season after plenty of work on his fitness and game.

"It was a bit unfortunate for Simon (Conn) because he was injured and probably couldn’t show his best stuff," coach Aaron Fearne said of the battle for the last spot.

"There wasn’t anything glaring that showed that either stood out above the other."

But Brebner’s work ethic, dedication and knowledge of the Taipans’ system helped him over the line.

"He’s definitely a well-liked guy and a very hard worker and very passionate about the team and he’ll go out there and give it everything he’s got," Fearne said of Brebner.

"He knows the system and plays within the system. That’s what it came down to."

While Conn is slightly bigger than Brebner, the Taipans’ depth in the front court and ability of those players to be what Fearne called "multi-positional", meant height was not a major criterion.

Fearne said Brebner had worked hard to earn a chance at selection.

"He came into the Marlins season not in great shape," Fearne said.

"I told him if he wanted me to even consider him, he needed to get in great shape.

"He’s done that and he’s been very solid for the Marlins doing all the grunt work and played out of position.

"He’ll need to continue to do that and continue to improve his game to be a contributor at our level."

Brebner’s signing finalises the Taipans’ main group, although the club is still trialing a development player to join Gareth Dawson.

"I guess you complete your roster when you complete your roster," Fearne said.

"I said all along I was in no rush to get it done."

The Taipans’ pre-season program tips off on September 5 with a game against Townsville at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Centre.