NBL1 South 2025 Preliminary Finals Preview

Four teams in each competition remain. For some, it’s about keeping an unbeaten dream alive. For others, it’s a shot at redemption, revenge, or proving they belong on the biggest stage. With a Grand Final berth at stake and a National Final spot potentially claimed, Saturday night delivers it all.

Women’s Preliminary Finals

Knox Raiders (2nd) vs Keilor Thunder (4th)
5:30 PM AEST – Watch live and free on Kayo Freebies

The Raiders return to the Preliminary Final with a point to prove. Finishing the regular season in second place, they hold the edge in this matchup after convincingly defeating Keilor twice — first in Round 6, 85–58, and again in Round 14, 79–65. Knox will look to their depth and experience, led by star forward Alicia Froling (19.17 PPG, 9.48 RPG), supported by Rachel Bell (11.52 PPG) and point guard Paige Bradley (11.74 PPG, 5.26 APG). They also boast Opals guard Kristy Wallace (10.46 PPG, 3.46 APG), whose defensive intensity and playmaking add another layer to their backcourt strength.

Keilor counters with elite-level firepower. Maddison Rocci leads the league in scoring at 25.13 PPG, while Isabelle Bourne sits second at 23.62 PPG. Inside, Penina Davidson (17.31 PPG, 10.54 RPG) provides a dominant interior presence, and young guard Macey Boyle adds another exciting scoring threat. Despite Knox’s regular-season sweep, Keilor’s top-end talent makes this a genuine danger game.

Can Knox slow down the league’s top scoring duo? Or will Keilor flip the script when it matters most?

Geelong United (1st) vs Diamond Valley Eagles (7th)
7:00 PM AEST – Watch via the NBL1 South website or app

Geelong United are chasing perfection, having completed the regular season undefeated — the first NBL1 South team to do so since the 2023 Bendigo Braves Women. In their lone meeting with Diamond Valley, they cruised to an 83–66 win in Round 11, showcasing the dominance that’s defined their season. Jaz Shelley (20.09 PPG, 6.26 APG, 3.65 SPG) leads the charge, supported by Hannah Hank (17.18 PPG, 8.64 RPG) and Gemma Potter (15.45 PPG).

Diamond Valley arrive with serious weapons of their own. Steph Reid (21.55 PPG, 5.45 APG, 3.18 SPG) remains one of the league’s most complete guards, while Abbey Ellis (18.44 PPG) and Lara McSpadden (15.58 PPG, 8.89 RPG) give the Eagles a strong scoring and rebounding foundation.

Will Geelong’s unbeaten streak carry them into the Grand Final? Or can Diamond Valley pull off the upset of the season?

Men’s Preliminary Finals

Knox Raiders (1st) vs Melbourne Tigers (6th)
7:30 PM AEST – Watch live and free on Kayo Freebies

There’s unfinished business here. In Round 10, Melbourne stunned the top-ranked Raiders with an 85–78 road win, proving they could match the competition’s best. With a Grand Final berth on the line, Knox will aim to turn the tables, led by Keli Leaupepe (20.35 PPG, 8.9 RPG), Brody Nunn (14.83 PPG, 4.22 APG), and Sunday Dech (14.8 PPG).

The Tigers boast one of the league’s most dangerous cores. Tom Wilson ranks third in scoring at 23.83 PPG, Jack Purchase sits seventh at 21.38 PPG, and Harry Froling adds 18.92 points and 8.83 rebounds per game. All three are capable of taking over a contest — and they’ve already shown they can do it against Knox.

Can the Raiders respond under finals pressure? Or will Melbourne repeat history and book their place in the Grand Final?

Mount Gambier Pioneers (2nd) vs Sandringham Sabres (5th)
7:00 PM ACST / 7:30 PM AEST – Watch via the NBL1 South website or app

Mount Gambier were dominant when these teams met in Round 2, recording an 89–64 home win. But Sandringham have since emerged as one of the league’s most potent offensive forces, led by scoring champion Ben Ayre (26.46 PPG) and the explosive Malith Machar (21.08 PPG).

The Pioneers remain a model of balance and consistency. Akech Aliir (19.23 PPG, 8.64 RPG, 1.45 BPG) anchors both ends, Joe Palmer (16.22 PPG, 7.7 RPG) delivers steady production, and Austin Shelley (12.96 PPG, 2.43 APG, 2.0 SPG) adds valuable two-way contributions.

With Knox already assured of a Nationals berth, this game carries added stakes — the winner will join them at the National Final if the Raiders win their prelim.

Can Sandringham’s stars rewrite the script from Round 2? Or will Mount Gambier hold firm at home and lock in both a Grand Final and Nationals ticket?