CROSS OVER DRIBBLE

Photo Credits – NBL1

5-Minute Read

The Game

When: 8:00pm (ACST), Saturday August 8

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre  

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, http://www.nbl1.com.au

Did you know?

This will be the eighteenth meeting between these two over the modern era – they have met more times in the men’s than any other teams in the NBL1 era

The Last Meetings

Round 2 (SBC) – FORESTVILLE EAGLES 97 (MAYS 29, DOYLE, D JOHNSON 22, STARLING 14) defeated SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS 79 (BRUTON 23, McVEIGH, MOIR 15, JE SMITH 11, SAKHNIUK 9)

Round 10 (MP) – OVERTIME – SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS 86 (MCVEIGH 29, JE SMITH 16, BRUTON 15, J SMITH, D SMITH 8) defeated FORESTVILLE EAGLES 84 (MAYS 22, JOHNSON 21, FORBES 18, STARLING 9) 

QUALIFYING SEMI-FINAL (SBC) – FORESTVILLE EAGLES 77 (MAYS 23, FORBES 15, DOYLE 13, D JOHNSON 12, STARLING 10) lost to SOUTH ADELAIDE PANTHERS 83 (McVEIGH 30, D SMITH, JE SMITH 14, BRUTON 12, J SMITH 8)

How they got here

South Adelaide Panthers (3rd – 13-5)

The Panthers looked like they might stumble in the back half of the year with three losses in a row to the Norwood Flames, North Adelaide Rockets and Central Districts Lions over two weekends – they managed to gain some traction however, knocking off the Southern Tigers and the Eastern Mavericks to finish in third. Facing a Qualifying Away Final against the Sturt Sabres who they lost to in Round one – both teams went toe to toe offensively with a 23-26 start to the match. It remained tight all the way through the match with the Panthers just holding a 65-72 lead with one to play. It was a case of the Sabres being surrounded by Smith’s everywhere as the matrix of offence surrounded them – Jeremy, Jonty and Daniel all contributing 20 points between them in the final term to see the Panthers through 89-101 to the Qualifying Semi-Final.

That was against their nemesis the top of the table Forestville Eagles as they clashed for the unperteenth time with the Eagles taking the early lead 24-19. Greg Mays was proving a problem for the Panthers again with sealing a 12 point first half with the dunk on halftime to keep the Eagles in front 46-39. With Panther import big Yevgen Sakhniuk again a pivotal player on court the Eagles put plenty of time into making him challenged. Enter Daniel Smith who produced a strong second half in his minutes and Lloyd McVeigh stepping up another notch to rein the lead back for the Panthers to level it up 61-61 with one to play. Both teams traded blows in shadows of the 2024 meetings but it took McVeigh with a huge last four minutes of seven points with the Eagles missing uncharacteristic shots down the stretch to see the Panthers first through to the decider.                          

Forestville Eagles (1st – 16-2)

After a strong season including a six game winning streak heading into the finals – the Panthers loss was a wake up call despite 22 offensive rebounds and plenty of extra possessions. Their meeting with the Central Districts Lions was a rematch of the 2025 Qualifying Semi-Final with the script following the opposite that night. This time it was the Eagles flying to the start of 34-16 thanks to Mays who amassed 18 points including offensive tip-ins and plays above the rim. The Lions stunned began the process of levelling things up in the term but trailed at the main break 34-51 with the Eagles in control of the match flow. 

Even though the Lions charged the Eagles continued to respond with Jordan Forbes and Daniel Johnson making some key baskets in the term – the work on the glass giving them multiple chances to keep the lead heading into the fourth 79-61. They would have to yield one last charge from the Lions attempting to cap the fairytale three year stint with every miss for the Lions answered by the Eagles eventually seeing them off thanks to Adam Doyle’s clutch free throws 95-84.                     

Championship History

Four years ago the Panthers broke a 25 year drought to claim their first championship since 1997. In their long history they have made nineteen Grand Finals including a string of seven in a row from 1963-1973. That was the era of the great Michael Ah-Matt, Dean Whitford, Scott Davie and starting centre Bruce Ninnis. They won five of those while the Panthers of the late 80s and 90s made eight winning five of them through stars Mark Davis, Scott Ninnis, Craig Adams, Darren Breeding, Matt Reece and Ron Nunnelly. After Ninnis added a title for the Panthers as its previous coach, now Paul Bell’s time has come to add title number twelve to the cabinet at Mitchell Park. 

The Eagles have a rich history of the men’s making and winning the deciding match. They’ve been in 17 Grand Finals winning eight of them – if you include West Torrens it’s nine of 22 since 1958. In 2019, The Eagles won their largest Grand Final victory with a 27-point victory over the Mt Gambier Pioneers, surpassing their usual eight-point winning margin. Adam Doyle has been a huge part of their titles, having been part of the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2024 one but missed 2019 playing in the NBL1 South. 

These teams meet again in the decider for the second time since the years of 1989 and 1990 which included an epic high scoring overtime thriller 111-107 and a tight six point win to the Panthers 94-88. Mark Davis had an enormous night of 30 and 20 plus in points and rebounds as Don Shipway’s group held on in the final five minutes to claim back to back titles. The Panthers also demolished them in the 1987 Grand Final 104-85 and come into this with a grand final record of 3-1. This meeting also is their sixth meeting with the Panthers holding a 4-1 record but the one loss was by the single basket in the 2024 Grand Final.         

The Numbers

• The South Adelaide Panthers numbers offensively have been strong this season as #1 for points scored (97), field goal percentage (51.9) and points in the paint (56.2)

• Add to this their defensive numbers as top two for assists conceded (16.8) and rebounding conceded (40) 

• The Panthers are + 4.8 points in third terms this season holding their opponents to 20 or less – that has happened in both finals games in 2026 (18 and 15)       

• The Forestville Eagles are top in several categories including #1 for assists (23), offensive rebounds (17), rebounds (48.6), steals (10), second chance points (13.1) and fastbreak points (12)

• Add to this they are top two in points in the paint (49.9), points off turnover (10) points conceded (79.9), field goal percentage conceded (41.4), rebounds given up (38.6) and  points in the paint conceded (36.1)            

• The Eagles have averaged 28 offensive rebounds across this finals series compared to previous year’s run of 18 (2025), 9 (2024) and 13 (2023).

• The chink in the Eagles armour has been their three point shooting percentage this finals series averaging 18 percent across both finals.

• Coach Andy Simons of the Eagles will be gunning for his eighth title as head coach in his 22nd year to add to two pre 2010, the three-peat in 2011-2013 and titles in 2019 and 2024   

• Six of these teams meetings have been a single basket but only once in a final has that been in the 2024 Grand Final (90-92)                   

The Money Men

It’s really hard to go past the Woollacott Medallist in Jeremy Smith and after the 2024 Grand Final he’s clearly hungry to lead this young side to success again four years later. His finals series has been intriguing as points haven’t been his main go to with an average of 21 points he’s also added eight assists and five rebounds. His form coming into the finals was moving towards that next level with an average of 29 points in his last four games. The roadblock this time is not beside him but in front of Alex Starling who has held him to 11, 16 and 14 scoring wise but his last two Grand Finals have yielded 26 in both respectively so beware of goat like tendencies coming to the fore.

The man who sunk them last time again is the man for the moment bringing it above the rim. The criminally underrated Greg Mays will be keen to prove the doubters wrong again after an elite 32 point performance two years ago on the big stage. The mobile forward/centre averages 23.6 points in finals against the Panthers and 23 points in his last nine games against them. He holds the hopes of the Eagles taking out two in three years once again.                       

The Reliable Men  

True to the form line the last few months of Lloyd McVeigh has seen his side move up an echelon. McVeigh has been twice if not three times than when we saw him last season split by his soiree up to the sunny north point of Australia with the Cairns Taipans. An average of 25 points per game in the second half of the season kicked off with a season high 36 points against the Eastern Mavericks has seen him become a genuine star of the competition stepping up to the plate to support Jeremy Smith.           

While ageing like a fine wine and coming into vintage form at the right time is Adam Doyle. He is Mr reliable for the Eagles always replicating the same play and form consistently game to game. His offensive production is lifting at the right time averaging 15 points per game in his last six matches including two twenty point hauls still adding quality assists and high level defence. Two years ago he made important free throws and baskets in the decider when his team needed it – he’ll no doubt be called upon again              

The X-Factors

The biggest factor for the Panthers is how long and what impact can Yevgen Sakniuk have on the floor? Nine times the big man has not been on the floor for 30 or more minutes and twelve times had four fouls or more. The concern has been alleviated slightly with the performances of the breakout season of Jonty Smith and the late season spark of Daniel Smith. Both have been outstanding in the finals series averaging 10 points as a pair. While like his family before him in big deciding games – is this the moment we see the absolute awakening of Rio Bruton? He’s only averaged 11.5 in the finals but the fact he hasn’t fired yet should worry Eagles fans. 

Speaking of ready to rise, are we about to see the game-changing performance from Fiston Ipassou? The numbers don’t tell you the full story but the observation and feeling is that he’s had some big moments and plays that have secured the Eagles many a victory this season go unnoticed. While missing out on all the fun we get to see the “Jellyman” in Jordan Forbes who does have a genuine X-Factor about his game. The challenge for the Panthers is there is no clear matchup for him if you have the others guarding who they have. Add to this that he’s coming off an average of 18 points per game in his last five games and 27 points in the preliminary final. Grand Finals are a great place to forge a reputation and up the price of a player and these two have their opportunity to really show who they are.           

So who claims the championship?

While the Batman’s of both teams in Mays, DJ, Doyle and McVeigh, Jeremy Smith and Sakniuk will have their moments – the supporting acts of Robin’s will be a huge influence. Last time it was Uche Dibiamaka that came along for the ride and the Eagles have been trying to fill that hole ever since with limited success. Forbes is that man that’s the game breaker because his matchup he clearly will have the advantage in. The Panthers bench is their foil and the impact they have whether it be one or twenty minutes will be telling. 

The other statistical thing to note is those offensive rebounds of the Eagles – no matter how ordinary the teams shoot beyond the arc the Panthers can’t afford to get down by double digit offensive rebounds to the Eagles again as that is trifling with the precipice a tad too far.

When these two play it’s a fight for the full forty minutes guaranteed but there is one difference that has been the case between the teams and that is the Smith versus Starling matchup. We haven’t seen it in the decider yet and I’m intrigued to see how this particular personnel change affects the whole dynamics of this contest compared to their grand final meeting in 2024.

Then from there who knows but I know this – by Sunday morning we’ll be talking up another classic and equally about a player’s performance we didn’t see coming but invited to show up to enhance their reputation beyond any things we could imagine – we saw that in 2024 why not again…

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify

Photo Credits – NBL1

5-Minute Read

The Game

When: 5:30pm (ACST), Saturday August 8

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre  

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, http://www.nbl1.com.au

Did you know?

This will be the Sturt Sabres and West Adelaide Bearcats third venue played at for a Grand Final since 2015 with both teams having played deciders at Adelaide Arena, Lights Community and Sports Centre and now the Adelaide Entertainment Centre 

The Last Meetings

Round 8 (PA) – WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS 93 (CO HODGES 22, YAEGER 17, CH HODGES 13, CIABATTONI 14, STRAWBRIDGE 10, LEHMANN 8) defeated STURT SABRES 66 (L WILLIAMSON 12, BRAZEL, PADROTH 10, STAMATELOPOULOS 9, N MATHEWS 8, Z WALKER-ROBERTS 7)

Round 15 (SS) – STURT SABRES 56 (BRAZEL 21, PADROTH 11) lost to WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS 77 (YAEGER 20, CIABATTONI 19, CH HODGES 16, CO HODGES 11, STRAWBRIDGE 7)

QUALIFYING SEMI-FINAL (PA) – WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS 83 (CO HODGES 17, YAEGER 15, CH HODGES 13, CIABATTONI 12, STRAWBRIDGE 12, LEHMANN 8) defeated STURT SABRES 64 (PADROTH 17, Z WALKER-ROBERTS 11, WILLIAMSON 10, N MATHEWS 8)

How they got here

West Adelaide Bearcats (1st – 17-1)

After a dominant 17-1 season the Bearcats were a case of one and done for the finals series winning their qualifying final over the Sturt Sabres in convincing fashion 83-64 at Port Adelaide. It was a tight opening but the second quarter gave the Bearcats the advantage with their defence moving up a notch and Morgan Yaeger dropping some points to give them the 41-31 lead at the half. After splitting the third term evenly the fourth term also remained closely contested but West Adelaide did not let the Sabres within eight points or less answering each time they threatened. The Bearcats were able to stretch the margin to twenty from there with some key triples and some Krystal clear vision from Thompson creating stops for her side and putting them into their third grand final in a decade.      

Sturt Sabres (2nd  – 14-4)

It was a different path for the Sabres of sorts in 2026 having only lost games to the top three teams to finish in second place with a 14-4 record. They first up saw off their 2023 Grand Final nemesis the Norwood Flames off in the Qualifying Final 75-66 at Springbank. It was the Sabres defensively out of the blocks showing their experience in finals when the lights came on as they grinded down the Flames 41-23 at the half. The Flames hit back in the second half but when it came to the crunch – the Coaches MVP and Merv Harris winner for 2026 stepped right up striking back to finish with 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists to help guide her Sabres back to a rematch of the 2025 Qualifying Semi-Final this time at Port Adelaide.

After going down to the Bearcats in the final term – the Sabres found themselves with a rematch of their qualifying final this time with no next week for the loser. That pressure didn’t seem to deter the Sabres as they replicated and made a little extra of the Norwood Flames 72-51 at Springbank. The Sabres found another level to their defensive game taking out the first half 38-21 and like the last game the Flames launched their comeback in the third term 9-19 to bring it back to 47-40. That’s when the Sabres showed off their improved offensive arsenal paired with their defensive nous 25-11 as Brazel dropped eight final quarter points who was elite at both ends of the court to take them to another opportunity for a shot at redemption.                  

Championship History

The Bearcats Women return to the decider for the first time since 2022 where last year’s championship coaches in Kaye-Lee Stuart and Vicki Daldy took them to the title. Before that it was a long time to get back to the big dance with their last appearance in 2016 going down to the North Adelaide Rockets 45-63 at Adelaide Arena. The Bearcats have won the championship seven times and been in the Grand Final eighteen times. 

They made five in a row across 1989-1993 with back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. Notable players across this era were superstars Pat Mickan, Rachael Sporn, Cass Pujals, Sam Woosnam, Trina Balter, Debbie Miller and Heather McKinnon. Matthew Clarke who took the Southern Tigers to the 2021 championship will be looking to repeat his second Grand Final appearance as coach with the Bearcats eighth title in their 80 year history. 

The Sturt Sabres will appear in their fourth Grand Final in five seasons of the NBL1 but this time the form line is different. The Sabres have been in six grand finals since 2010, in 2011, 2014, 2019, 2022 and 2023 and 2025. The last five finals before 2023 were by an average margin of six points – while not an official NBL1 season, they also won the ABC 2020 against the Southern Tigers. 

The Sabres have been in the championship decider ten times, and they have won five matches. This included two across 2006 and their last one 18 years ago in 2008, featuring stars Renae Camino (Garlepp) and the Bowley sisters of Monique and Hannah.

Many players remain from their previous two finals in the NBL1 Central Era including Nicola Mathews, Meg Prosser, Zoe Walker-Roberts and Tayla Brazel with several other players that have come through juniors part of their journey to breaking their own finals record as well.      

These teams have met only once before in the Grand Final four years ago in 2022 at the Lights Community and Sports Centre with West Adelaide prevailing 82-75.         

The Numbers

• The West Adelaide Bearcats have been superior in their matchups offensively this season as #1 for points scored (96.5), field goal percentage (47.2), assists (23.1), turnovers conceded (13.8), offensive rebounds (14.7), rebounds (46.2) and steals (17.2)

• In addition they are #1 for points in the paint (51.8), points off turnovers (19.5), second chance points (12.2) and fastbreak points (17.5)

• Add to this their defensive numbers as #1 for points per game conceded (58.7), field goal percentage conceded (35.4), 3pt percentage conceded (20.3), assists conceded (13.1), turnovers caused (26.3), rebounding conceded (40.4) and steals given up (7.6)

• They are measly also in giving up points from turnover (5.2) and second chance points (6.1)

• Matthew Clarke’s second coach of the year season success stemmed from similar to his last team the Southern Tigers who won in 2021 who was also were top two in points, field goal percentage, rebounding, points conceded, 3pt percentage conceded, points in the paint and second chance points as well as the defensive categories above.        

• The Sturt Sabres are top in several categories going into the final as #2 for points per game conceded (62.6), 3pt percentage conceded (24.6), assists conceded (13.4) and turnovers caused (22.4)
• Add to this they are #2 in points off turnover (11.4), conceding points in the paint (28.2) and giving up fast break points (5)      

• The Sabres offence has risen a notch this season as #3 in the competition with 78.1 points per game compared to 70.1 (2025) and 70.5 (2024) – more on par with their 78.8 in 2023   

• Against West Adelaide this season the Sabres have only averaged 62 points and conceded 84 points per game. The Sabres have not scored more than 80 points in their last six meetings.    

• The Sabres finals record in the decider will need some overcoming having not won their last six grand finals – conceding an average of 74 points and scoring only an average of 64 points              

The Money Women

The Perth Lynx player herself is the queen of reliability and has shone on the biggest stage of the WNBL Grand Final in Alex Ciabattoni. Her form line including a second half of season high 19 votes in the Lorraine Eiler Medal includes an average of 18 points, six rebounds and four assists – she knows when the big time is approaching. Add to this her performance in the 2024 NBL1 West Grand Final in 2024 of 30 points, six rebounds and five assists and you have yourself the player that rewards herself on the big stage individually but is also motivated to overcome the team records she has in big dances.              

The difference for the Sabres is literally the Adelaide Lightning player herself in Tayla Brazel. Missing last year’s conclusion she instantly has increased the offensive numbers for the Sabres and we know what she can do defensively matching-up 1-5 on the court and has taken her game to another level this season. Her form is crisp heading in with an average of 22 points and 7.4 rebounds minus their last meeting showing the understanding that if the Sabres are to score enough points then Brazel must be taking 15 or more shots. You can see the possibility of these two going head to head on the Adelaide Entertainment Centre floor.                    

The Reliable Women  

This was a tough one that I actually spent a full day summarising over however I’ve gone with Morgan Yaeger for a volume of work over multiple seasons. It’s one thing to have breakout seasons but it’s another to consistently show a body of work at the higher level in overseas leagues as well as local input. The difference this year is the role and time on the floor has been significant to the reliability of Yaeger. She has played minus nine minutes on average this season compared to her past seasons and as a result a high volume of shots and percentage has ensured. Yaeger clipped 50.6 from the field this season in her 19.9 points in 25 minutes per game – her role is defined clearly under Clarke. With 18 points in her last NBL1 Central Grand Final with the Southern Tigers in 2021 along with 32 in game two of the NBL1 North Grand Final shes a proven performer in deciders.        

If there is a method for the Sabres to win this game perhaps it’s turning the focus to finding an untapped echelon of being ultra defensive – leading that charge is multiple defensive player of the year Zoe Walker-Roberts. Has been the most consistent defender in the league as the winner of the award in 2024 for the team that has been right up there in the category since 2022. She’s done two jobs on the Lorraine Eiler Medallist in Cali Clark and matched up and guarded all last time they met the Bearcats in undersized matchups but not without heart. She’s also hit the scoreboard in this final series with an average of 12.3 points per game giving her the double edge in this final.               

The X-Factors

You could almost accumulate a starting five of these for West Adelaide with some key things to take into account – first of all Krystal Thompson has an incredibly important role as well as some key numbers coming into Saturday night. She had 16 points in their last meeting of 2025 while also averaging four steals in her last four encounters. Ashlee Strawbridge is no stranger to the AEC having played for the Tall Ferns in their international fixtures in 2025 and brings the extra experience to the floor. It’s been brilliant seasons for Coco Hodges and Chloe Hodges averaging 30 points, 25 rebounds and 11 assists as a duo in the finals however the only remaining question is how they will handle the bright lights of the big stage and one of the largest crowds they will play in front of Saturday night.         

If the plan is to go toe to toe at the offensive end of the floor – the page needs to be turned into a scoring weapon in Paige Padroth with the start in this one. Padroth has a solid record against the Bearcats with 17, 11, 10, 12 in her last four games for 12.5 points per game. Then there’s Katia Stamatelopoulos who has already shown the big dance has no fear for her. She was the standout in last year’s decider for the Sabres and instigated the comeback against the Warriors with 22 points, seven rebounds with a finals average in 2025 of 14 points per game. She’s been quiet this campaign and that spells danger for her opposition.         

So who claims the championship?

The simple answer is look at the numbers and its West in a canter but before we just lock that in – lets consider why the Sabres couldn’t win it.

For the first time in their last two grand finals they will go in as underdogs and as Brazel spoke about on NBL1 Central Unleashed this week they are embracing this. Sturt also has more experience playing at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with eight players on the roster featuring in last year’s decided with Brazel a WNBL player. Compare that to Ciabattoni, Yaeger and Strawbridge who have played in front of large crowds and only Strawbridge has played at this venue – it does make a difference especially early in the big dance.

This game will have two of the smartest basketball IQs in the state in Clarke and Shortt supported by their equally strong assistant coaches – the in game moves that come unexpectedly will be what decides this contest.

The two ways coach Tim Shortt’s team can pull off the upset will be to try and up the offensive attack on the basket learning the lessons of the 2023 and 2025 Grand Final second halves or turn this into a grind with small 0.5 of a step and shapes unpredictably to make sure they don;t fall into their past readable predictable gameplay and try to keep it as tight as possible to the final minutes and find a way late in the contest. 

For West it’s simple – take the margin out early and throw everything at the first half then from there it’s controlling the contest as they’ve done all season. They’ll look to get Yaeger and Coco Hodges going early as they’ve been the key instigator of points with Ciabattoni and Chloe Hodges marshalling the pressure followed by a bench of high octane ball pressurers in Thompson and Sienna Lehmann.

While West Adelaide will go in red hot favourite I’ll leave you with these thoughts for consideration…

In a Women’s league which has been predictable for many years – the Women’s grand final has thrown up the unexpected continuously. In 2022 it was the Bearcats Skye Langenbrinck turning back the clock, in 2023 it was the bench points of Caitlin Shillabeer for the Flames, in 2024 it was Taylah Levy elevating her stardom to another level and in 2025 after a quiet scoreless series Ida Andersson scored the most important 14 points of her career. 

In this game there will be something we don’t see coming and I just can’t shake the feeling that you can’t underestimate a team that’s been that close and are motivated to seek redemption for past errors…

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify

Photo Credit – Dan Cowley (For player images)

3-Minute Read

The Basketball SA Awards took place last Sunday afternoon at the National Wine Centre with the Lorraine Eiler Medal (formerly known as the Halls Medal and named after a pioneer of Women’s basketball) and the Noel Woollacott Medal for the Fairest and Most Brilliant players of the league presented.

For the first time since 2014 – A Norwood Flame Woman achieved the ultimate individual accolade with a first Eiler Medal in 12 years when Cali Clark won the award on 35 votes – probably surprisingly seven votes clear of Sturt Sabres star and Coaches MVP Tayla Brazel (28). Tied in third place on count-back were West Adelaide Bearcats Morgan Yaeger and Chloe Hodges (26). Clark joined the Flames Amy Lewis, Jess Foley (twice a winner), Kristen Veal, Natasha O’Brien, Vicki Daldy and Mara Asenkamps as their eighth winner of the award.

Clark polled nine perfect games whereas runner up Brazel polled five in the count – Sam Simons (19 and in the top ten) of the Forestville Eagles had a strong start after Round 5 with the top four taking control after Round 10. Joining the four players of Clark, Brazel, Yaeger and Chloe Hodges in the all-star five was Norwood Flames import guard Allysin Becki who finished outside the top ten. Rounding out the top ten instead was Southern Tigers Mollie McKendrick (23), South Adelaide Panthers Keira Gardiner (21), Woodville Warriors Brittany Hodges (19), polling an incredible 19 votes in the second half of the season West Adelaide Bearcats Alex Ciabattoni and teammate Coco Hodges (17).

Matthew Clarke of the West Adelaide Bearcats won his second Coach of the Year award to beat out newcomer Norwood Flames Matthew Hunt and three-time winner Sturt Sabres Tim Shortt. Tayla Brazel became the first winner since Chelsea Brook in 2018 to take out the Merv Harris award for the best U23 Youth Player of the Year beating out last years winner South Adelaide Panther Keira Gardiner and West Adelaide Bearcat Coco Hodges. Chloe Hodges added to her accolades with a first Defensive Player of the Year making her the first since Jasmine Simmons in 2022 to win the award and the fourth Bearcat women since its inclusion in 1998. Ella Sawyer of the Forestville Eagles was second and Woodville Warriors Sophie Kerridge was third in the votes.

The Mens was more of a foregone conclusion with South Adelaide Panther Jeremy Smith achieving his second Woollacott medal after winning the award in 2022 and became the South Adelaide Panthers 11th winner of the award and third of the NBL1 Central Era. His 33 votes beat out eligible runner-up Norwood Flames Thomas Kurowski (26) and Sturt Sabres Josh Tomasi (23). Central Districts Lions Magok Manyang and Forestville Eagles Alex Starling polled strongly up to Round 5 with Smith taking the lead after Round 10. From there Smith polled three perfect games which was enough despite Kurowski rattling off 12 votes in the last part of the season to come firing home for the Flames.

Smith also took out the Coaches MVP and was named in the all-star five along with Forestville Eagles Jordan Forbes (16 votes) and Daniel Johnson (16 votes) and Panther teammate Lloyd McVeigh (21). Rounding out the top ten were Forestville Eagles Greg Mays (21), Woodville Warriors Nick Wurm (21), Alex Starling (20), Central Districts Lions Jaden Seymour (20), Eastern Mavericks BJ Symons (19) and North Adelaide Rocket Oskar Jones (16).

Coach of the Year was a tight race with first time eligible coach Sturt Sabres Jakob Dorricott adding to the Sabres coaching accolades becoming the clubs fourth winner of the award in the NBL1 Central Era joining Paul Rigoni (2021, 2023 and 2024) with other eligible newcomer Miles Pearce of the Norwood Flames runner up in 2026. The Frank Angove Medal for the best U23 Youth Player of the Year went to newcomer North Adelaide Rockets Oskar Jones who beat out Central Districts Lions Deng Manyang and Southern Tigers Che Brogan.

Proving he still has it at that end of the floor Alex Starling (2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) took out his sixth Defensive Player of the Year making it four in five seasons and is now equal with Norwood Flames Todd Matthews (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) in awards achieved. He also joined Brad Gerlach (2009 and 2013) as Forestville’s second winner of the award beating out South Adelaide Panther Yevgen Sahkniuk and Woodville Warrior Bennett Sherry

In other key awards – The Reserves MVP went to Chelsea Portus (Sturt Sabres) in the Womens going back-to-back while in the Mens Stefan Gould (Forestville Eagles) made it three in a row. For the officials the Phillip Yuill medal for the Womens was awarded to Bailey Dyer for the second time and for the Mens to James Griguol. New award for Photo of the Year went to Siddharth Srinivasan who’s image of Mack Schaftenaar being chased down by Cooper Osborne with a pensive crowd awaiting whether player with ball or defender would finish their work captured the spirit and essence of the moment.

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify

6-Minute Read

My format would be as so in the form of four games across the weekend with the North taking on the South clubs with two different selections. Each club must have at least one nomination suit up for their respective conference all-star team. 

*North (Central District Lions, North Adelaide Rockets, Norwood Flames, West Adelaide Bearcats and Woodville Warriors)

*South (Southern Tigers, South Adelaide Panthers, Sturt Sabres, Eastern Mavericks and Forestville Eagles)

We’ll also include 

*Rising-Stars NBL1 Central Rising-Stars (Mens and Womens born after 2004)

*NBL1 Central Three-Point Stars (Four of the best from the league, Mens and Womens: can be an all-star player)

*NBL1 Central All-Stars Skills Comp (Four of the best from the league, Mens and Womens: must not be in all-star game)

* – Denotes Multiple Year Appearances

Women’s NBL1 Central North All Stars (Coached by Matthew Clarke)

*Morgan Yaeger (West Adelaide Bearcats) – 20.7 points / 5 rebs / 3.9 Ast / 2.2 Stl

Leilani Falatea (Woodville Warriors) – 19.1 points / 5.7 rebs / 2.4 Ast / 2.1 Stl

Coco Hodges (West Adelaide Bearcats) – 14.7 points / 6.4 rebs / 2.7 Ast / 3.3 Stl

Cali Clark (Norwood Flames) – 13.9 points / 12.5 rebs / 2.8 Ast 

Chloe Hodges (West Adelaide Bearcats) – 14.2 points / 8.9 rebs / 4.4 Ast / 3.6 Stl

Maddy Hinton (Norwood Flames) – 15.4 points / 2.8 Ast  

*Jordyn Freer (North Adelaide Rockets)- 15.4 points / 5.9 rebs 

Naomi Allotey (Woodville Warriors) – 15.2 points / 7.1 rebs / 2.3 Ast  

*Tiahna Sears (Central Districts Lions) – 17.9 points / 12.4 rebs 

*Brittany Hodges (Woodville Warriors) – 15.2 points / 8.6 rebs 

With three teams in the top five currently – the North team certainly has some strong players. Three of the top Bearcats in Yaeger, Coco and Chloe Hodges are in from the undefeated juggernaut of 2026 while consistent numbers from Clark and Falatea see them grab the other starting spots this year. Hinton and Allotey are awarded for their breakout seasons and improvement with Sears and Brittany Hodges returning to selection with North Adelaide’s sole selection the consistent Jordyn Freer who makes another of our all-star teams.

Women’s NBL1 Central South All Stars (Coached by Tim Shortt)

*Tayla Brazel (Sturt Sabres) – 15.7 points / 8.8 rebs / 4.4 Ast  

Nicola Mathews (Sturt Sabres) – 12.3 points / 5.9 rebs / 3.8 Ast

*Sam Simons (Forestville Eagles) – 17.5 points / 6.6 rebs / 5.3 Ast  

*Keira Gardiner (South Adelaide Panthers) – 12 points / 7.8 rebs / 2.4 Stl  

*Mollie McKendrick (Southern Tigers) – 17.3 points / 10.4 rebs / 3.6 Ast 

Bella Schaftenaar (Eastern Mavericks) – 10.9 points / 5 rebs / 2.4 Ast  

Lou Watkinson (Eastern Mavericks) – 16.1 points 

*Katia Stamatelopoulos (Sturt Sabres) – 9.5 points / 4.9 rebs / 2.6 Ast 

Hannah Gardiner (South Adelaide Panthers) – 11.8 points / 11.8 rebs  

*Holly Forbes (Southern Tigers) – 15 points / 8.1 rebs / 3.3 Stl  

While the Sturt Sabres lead the selections with Eiler medal favourite Tayla Brazel and multiple selections in Simons, McKendrick, Forbes and Keira Gardiner – there are plenty of new players making their first appearance. Nicola Mathews for the first time is rewarded for consistent role step-up, improved career numbers from Bella Schaftenaar and Lou Watkinson have seen them grab their first selections with Hannah Gardiner rounding out on the basis of consistent form across the first nine games. The team has the ability to stop their opposition with some defensive menaces in Brazel, Mathews, McKendrick, Keira Gardiner, Stamatelopoulos and Forbes while put some points on the board through Simons, Schaftenaar, Watkinson and Hannah Gardiner

Men’s NBL1 Central North All Stars (Coached by Scott Whitmore)

Campbell Scott (Norwood Flames) – 17.4 points / 5 rebs / 4.4 Ast

*Nick Wurm (Woodville Warriors) – 17.6 points / 6 Ast

Thomas Kurowski (Norwood Flames) – 20.9 points / 7.5 rebs / 3.5 Ast / 3.5 Stl  

Deng Manyang (Central Districts Lions) – 16.8 points / 8.4 rebs 

Magok Manyang (Central Districts Lions) – 18.5 points / 7.8 rebs  

Oskar Jones (North Adelaide Rockets) – 17.9 points / 4.2 Ast / 2 Stl

Uzo Dibiamaka (Woodville Warriors) – 19.2 points / 5 rebs / 3.7 Ast

Awak Machar (Woodville Warriors) – 17.2 points / 2.4 Ast

Jayden Seymour (Central Districts Lions) – 15.1 points / 8.7 rebs / 2.5 Ast 

Braelen Bridges (West Adelaide Bearcats) – 18.1 points / 8.7 rebs / 2.8 Ast

The change in the North conference is significant with only Nick Wurm from the Warriors making a multiple appearance. An exciting athletic high octane team is led by the Norwood Flames duo of Scott and Kurowski with the Manyang mayhem wrecking havoc on opposition. Nothing is lost from the firepower point of view with the likes of Warrior pair Uzo Dibiamaka and Awak Machar adding Jones and some second half of the first half of season form from Seymour and Bridges earning the final spots in this explosive offensive powerhouse.

Men’s NBL1 Central South All Stars (Coached by Paul Bell)

*Jordan Forbes (Forestville Eagles)- 17.7 points / 6.3 rebs / 6 Ast / 2.5 Stl 

*Jeremy Smith (South Adelaide Panthers) – 25.6 points / 6.1 rebs / 6.7 Ast  

*Jacob Rigoni (Sturt Sabres) – 20 points / 7.6 rebs / 2.8 Ast 

Lloyd McVeigh (South Adelaide Panthers)- 24.1 points / 8.7 rebs / 2.7 Ast 

*Greg Mays (Forestville Eagles) – 19.5 points / 6.8 rebs 

Curtis Scott (Eastern Mavericks)- 18.1 points / 5.5 rebs / 5.4 Ast  

Che Brogan (Southern Tigers)- 17.7 points / 6.3 rebs / 7.4 Ast / 2.2 Stl 

Rio Bruton (South Adelaide Panthers) – 17.8 points / 4.2 rebs / 2.3 Ast

*Daniel Johnson (Forestville Eagles) – 17.8 points / 6.9 rebs / 4.2 Ast  

*BJ Symons (Eastern Mavericks) – 20.4 points / 8.2 rebs / 3.3 Ast 

To be honest this South team is probably the strongest all-star team in years in all facets. All five teams are in the race for the finals this year but where do you start? The combo of Smith and Forbes at the guard positions dovetailed with Rigoni then McVeigh and Mays are a potent front court combo. Then two twenty and under players in Brogan and Bruton lead the bench charge with Curtis Scott having a career season. The starters are so strong that I couldn’t get regular attendees BJ Symons and DJ into the starters but their presence off the bench would provide matchup headaches.

*Rising-Stars NBL1 Central Rising-Stars (Womens & Mens born after 2004) 

North Rising-Stars Women (Coached by Matthew Hunt) 

• Krystal Thompson (West Adelaide Bearcats)
• Sarah Warner (North Adelaide Rockets)
• Caitlin Shillabeer (Norwood Flames)
• Sienna Lehmann (West Adelaide Bearcats)
• Abbey Jones (North Adelaide Rockets)
• Keely Wiseman (Central Districts Lions)
• Lara Gribben (Norwood Flames)

The future of the women’s in NBL1 Central is bright with five of these women averaging eight or more in the season plus four players with four or more rebounds per game. Plenty of firepower with Shillabeer and Warner with Thompson setting the table and Lehmann making drives to the cup. The second chance opportunities are strong here with Jones and Gribben with Wiseman hitting some late form before selection grabbing the final seventh spot.

South Rising-Stars Women (Coached by Scott Rattus)

• Daisy Hocking (South Adelaide Panthers)
• Mia Walker-Roberts (Sturt Sabres)
• Paige Padroth (Sturt Sabres)
• Ruby Stockley (Eastern Mavericks)
• Olivia Tredrea (Forestville Eagles)
• Chelsea Portus (Sturt Sabres)
• Charlotte-Southam Clark (Southern Tigers)

Another group of talented girls playing way beyond their years. With national and state selections – there’s a real hard edge with some of the tough competitors in the South squad led by Hocking, Walker-Roberts and Padroth. There are some dangerous spot shooters in Portus and Stockley with Tredrea and Clark a good contest on the glass with their North counterparts if they were to meet. 

North Rising-Stars Men (Coached by Rupert Sapwell) 

• Sean Stock (West Adelaide Bearcats)
• Spencer Gaze (Central Districts Lions)
• Jok Bulabek (North Adelaide Rockets)
• Oscar Sabine (Norwood Flames)
• Clayton Jewell (Central Districts Lions)
• Aidan Grieger (West Adelaide Bearcats)
• Miller Drewett (North Adelaide Rockets)

For a team of the future this team is quite mature in age with plenty just making the cut. Stock, Jewell and Bulabek complement Gaze and Drewett’s ability to light up the scoreboard with Grieger and Sabine two of the players to watch over the next few years already contributing in significant minutes.

South Rising-Stars Men (Coached by Jacob Dorricott)

• Luke Pfitzner (Sturt Sabres)
• Koby Moir (South Adelaide Panthers)
• James Mackenzie (Forestville Eagles)
• Jonty Smith (South Adelaide Panthers)
• Stefan Gould (Forestville Eagles)
• Jackson Bowden (Eastern Mavericks)
• Lem Ajith (Southern Tigers)

On the flip side the South side is young this year but already plenty playing significant minutes. With an average of 18 minutes played per game across this squad – it’s fast and pacy with Moir and Pfitzner leading the way at the top with Eagle pair Mackenzie and Gould almost serving their apprenticeship as has Jonty Smith at the Panthers. Bowden and Ajith have shown their potential to grab starting roles for their teams in the coming years to round out the team. 

  

*NBL1 Central Three-Point Stars (Four of the best from the league, Mens and Womens: can be an all-star player)

Womens

*Morgan Yaeger (West Adelaide Bearcats) – 41.6 percent on 2.7-6.4 per game

*Lou Watkinson (Eastern Mavericks) – 40 percent on 3-7.5 per game

*Sarah Warner (North Adelaide Rockets) – 39.7 percent on 2.1-5.2 per game

*Sam Simons (Forestville Eagles) – 38.3 percent on 3.7-9.7 per game 

Mens 

*Rio Bruton (South Adelaide Panthers) – 44.8 percent on 3.2-7.2 per game

*Uzo Dibiamaka (Woodville Warriors) – 42.9 percent on 3-7 per game 

*Jarrod Molnar (Southern Tigers) – 35.2 percent on 2.7-7.6 per game

*Joel Dyer (North Adelaide Rockets) – 34.7 percent on 2.8-7.9 per game

*NBL1 Central All-Stars Skills Comp (Four of the best from the league, Mens and Womens: must not be in all-star game)

Womens

*Ella Sawyer (Forestville Eagles)

*Jhazmin Joson (Southern Tigers)

*Lauren Mansfield (North Adelaide Rockets)

*Jordan Hunter (Woodville Warriors)

Mens 

*Alex Starling (Forestville Eagles)

*Kalani Sapwell (Central Districts Lions)

*Cooper Osborne (Norwood Flames)

*Seb Griffin (Sturt Sabres)

Who would you pick? Leave a comment or join the debate on our Instagram and Facebook pages

WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO TELL THE STORIES OF THE NBL1 CENTRAL

Every game deserves to be reported on including the history and background of the league – in 20 years time we may find it very difficult to look back at history and find data (as we are finding already in searching for past results and impact) so writing these articles is essential for capturing the essence of the league.

We have 300 plus players on lists of the NBL1 Central – $5 a week from every player and the NBL1 community will help you make sure you get written about by a local who knows the league in and out and has been active in the space the last five years and beyond. We need your support with more so please consider our options or consider sponsoring the website which also has an accompanying podcast and broadcasting of the NBL and WNBL through the Collective group.

All Episodes of the SA Shotclock now available on Spotify