How Canberra's culture continues to thrive

Feature image via: Greg Francis 

Having played together since juniors, the Canberra Gunners have created an unbreakable bond, resulting in the inaugural NBL1 East championship, a Semi Finals, and most recently a Grand Finals appearance in the first three seasons. 

While Glenn Morison, the Brindabella Beacon, leads the team as its captain, and Will Mayfield has blossomed into the team’s go-to scorer, “Canberra Culture” belongs just as much to James Toohey. 

The prototypical 3-and-D wing and the older brother of NBA draft prospect Alex, has embodied the team's values as much as anyone – previously winning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award. 

With a 6-0 record and one of two men’s teams in the country with an undefeated record (Warwick in the West), the Gunners are well on their way to another finals appearance. 

Going up against the defending champion Maitland Mustangs this weekend, whom they lost to last year, Toohey says the team are “hungry for more.” 

“Obviously a devastating end of the season last year, but it does fuel that hunger for the boys,” he said on NEXT QUESTION. 

“We didn’t put too many expectations on ourselves heading into the season, but we’re definitely glad to be in the situation we are in early in the season.”

Despite the additions of NBL talents such as Jason Cadee, Kouat Noi and Todd Blanchfield, plus a whole host of new talented imports, the Gunners still remain the best team in the conference. 

Toohey explained what makes Canberra special, using an ACT-based core. 

“We’ve definitely built a really strong culture in Canberra, that’s mostly off the back of local guys,” he said. 

“It’s just that culture, playing together in juniors, being around guys your age. Coming through the ACT National championships. Some guys go to college and end up coming back to Canberra. 

“I think it’s just that familiarity with each other, everyone's play style and that homegrown culture.” 

Toohey explained the importance of passing down the Gunners' culture, using the 2022 championship as an example. That team was full of veterans, who helped Toohey, Morison and Mayfield become the stars they are today. Whereas in 2025, Toohey spends a lot of time working with juniors and ensuring these lessons reflect on to the next generation. 

“We’re trying to instil that in the up-and-coming guys, just what it means to play for the Gunners,” he said. 

“What it means to get around each other, on and off the court.” 

Heading into the Grand Final rematch, Toohey explained the rivalry has certainly been brewing over the past few years. 

“The boys are feeling good, we try to take every week the same, no matter who we are playing,” he said. 

“But there’s definitely that rivalry with Maitland just because of the big games we’ve played against them over the last three years. It’s always really good to go up there and play against them.” 

The Mustangs will take on the Gunners on Saturday night, streaming live from 7:00pm AEST via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.