NBL1 National Finals - NBL1 South Day One Preview

The NBL1 2025 National Finals tip off in Canberra this Friday, bringing together the champions from each conference to decide who will be crowned the nation’s best! NBL1 South will be represented by three proud programs, each with a different story. The Waverley Falcons Women return as defending NBL1 2024 National Finals champions, the Knox Raiders Women arrive as newly crowned NBL1 South Champions after toppling unbeaten Geelong United in the Grand Final, and the Sandringham Sabres Men complete the trio after their incredible run from 0–6 to lifting the NBL1 South trophy. All three open their campaigns on Day One with a chance to set the tone for the weekend.

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Waverley Falcons vs Logan Thunder

Friday, August 29 – 11:30am, Court 2

The Falcons know what it takes to succeed on this stage, having lifted the National Championship last year. Their depth and experience has long been their calling card, and even though they fell short of a South Grand Final appearance this season, they remain a program that thrives when the lights are brightest.

Logan Thunder come in with the strongest record of any North side, finishing 13–1 before defeating Southern Districts in a three game Grand Final series. They boast one of the most dangerous scoring tandems at Nationals. Leah Scott has been close to unstoppable with 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, while Amandine Toi stretches the floor with 20 a night and 3.4 made threes. Add the leadership and passing of Mikhaela Cann, who averaged nearly nine assists, and the Thunder bring balance and firepower.

Waverley’s test will be matching Logan’s athleticism and shot making, but their experience and championship pedigree give them the tools to handle the moment. Can the defending champions start their campaign by holding off the Thunder’s explosive stars?

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Knox Raiders vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Friday, August 29 – 12:00pm, Court 2

Fresh off their breakthrough South championship, the Raiders arrive in Canberra full of confidence. Their Grand Final win over Geelong was built on relentless defensive pressure and a collective commitment to the contest, breaking down an opponent that had not lost a game all year. With the first South women’s title since 2013 now behind them, Knox shift their focus to proving themselves nationally.

The task could hardly be tougher. The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were the standout side in NBL1 East, compiling an 18–2 record and holding opponents to just 64 points per game — the best defensive mark of any champion in the field. Their attack is led by American import Taylor Wurtz, a perimeter gunner who poured in 22.5 points per game while hitting nearly five threes. Captain Kimberley Dickinson provides a strong interior complement with 16.7 points and 8.1 rebounds, while Alex Delaney and Zoey Miller round out a disciplined and versatile unit.

For Knox, the challenge will be breaking down Manly’s defensive wall while finding the balance that carried them through the South finals. Can the Raiders’ intensity and momentum break the East’s defensive stranglehold?

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Sandringham Sabres vs Canberra Gunners

Friday, August 29 – 2:00pm, Court 1

No story in NBL1 South was bigger than Sandringham’s. From a winless first six games to lifting the championship trophy, the Sabres’ remarkable turnaround season was capped off by a 19 point Grand Final win over Melbourne Tigers. Their resilience and ability to rise when the pressure peaks make them a fascinating proposition at Nationals.

Their first test is against the Canberra Gunners, who finished 15–5 in NBL1 East before toppling the Illawarra Hawks in the Grand Final. Statistically, Canberra are the toughest defensive team in the field, conceding just 78.5 points per game while boasting an elite +12.6 points differential. Offensively, they rely on a balanced trio: captain Glenn Morison (16.8 ppg, 8 rpg), William Mayfield (20.3 ppg), and Grand Final hero Derek Emelifeonwu, who dropped 28 points in their title win.

The Gunners’ structure and defensive discipline will test Sandringham’s explosive scoring ability, but the Sabres have already proved they can climb mountains. Can South’s comeback kings turn their fairytale run into a National Finals championship?

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The stage is set for NBL1 South’s three representatives to showcase their strength on the national stage. From Waverley’s championship experience, to Knox’s ferocious new identity, to Sandringham’s incredible comeback season, the South again has every reason to believe they can contend for silverware!

You can watch all the action Live & Free on Kayo Freebies across the weekend.