Sandringham sign National Champion coach

Feature image via: Ian Knight

National Championship-winning coach Mark Alabakov has signed with the Sandringham Sabres to be their women’s head coach for the 2025 NBL1 South season. 

In the past three seasons, Alabkov has led Bendigo’s women's team to unparalleled success. Starting in 2022, he took the Braves to the NBL1 South Grand Final – before falling short to the Ringwood Hawks. 

In 2023, the Braves went on a historic run – going undefeated in the regular season and the finals to claim the 2023 NBL1 South championship. They went on to dominate the National Finals, claiming the National Title with an overall record of 28-0. 

Their streak continued into 2024, finishing at 33-0 before ironically losing to the Sabres. However, the Braves failed to make the finals in 2024, mostly due to player availability – featuring their full team in only five of their 22 games.

Depsite this, their spot at the National Finals was already locked in and the Braves rallied for another spectacular run, winning their first two games and making the Championship Game for the second consecutive season – led by the return of Megan McKay.

Ending his historic tenure with the Braves, he’ll now lead the women’s program for the Sabres – who finished sixth on the ladder last season and lost to eventual-champion Waverley Falcons in the Elimination Final. 

“I’m really excited to be joining the Sabre family and helping build the Senior program to become the best that it can be and achieve some special things together,” Ababakov said.

“A big thank you to Craig and Rachael for making it happen. I’m looking forward to getting on-court and getting started.“