After another outstanding season in the East, the conference will return for its fourth season starting on March 29th.
NBL1.com.au has taken a deep dive into the fixture and we’ve found six games you should pencil in for the new year.
Bandits add a must-watch sharpshooter
March 29, Round 1: Albury-Wodonga Bandits vs Canberra Capitals
After a fiery season in the West, Bandits fans have a new star guard to watch at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre – Caitlyn Jones.
After a dominant 20-0 regular season, Albury-Wodonga has once again proven to be an elite women’s program. Not only does head coach Sam Macdonald empower his stars, but he has been able to get the best out of Ash Hannan, Emma Mahady and Awatea Leach – helping them become significant contributors to the team. That strong coaching is one of the main reasons Jones has moved East.
After averaging 22.7 points and 2.5 triples per game for the Lakeside Lightning, the sharpshooter should fit seamlessly into the Bandits’ offence. Their first game will be at home against their regional rivals in Canberra, so you best believe the Bandits’ fans will be ready to cheer on their new WNBL hopeful.
Related: Jones hopes to follow mother's footsteps
An ANZAC Day special rivalry
April 25, Round 4: Sutherland Sharks vs Illawarra Hawks
The ‘Freeway Series’ will take place once again on an important day in the country’s history.
Going straight down the M1 freeway to determine bragging rights for the season, the battle between the Sutherland Sharks and Illawarra Hawks has become a staple of the NBL1 East fixture.
Last year the Sharks took the cup home, 107-69, with Brain Williams leading the way scoring a game-high 22 points in the clash.
After a challenging season, the Hawks will now be led by Matt Flinn, the former head coach of the NBL’s Hawks and now assistant after multiple seasons leading the Darwin Salties. This appointment is the first of many steps to make it back to the finals after finishing 2-18 in 2024.
Related: Illawarra to reshape the men's program
With the game taking place early in the season, can the rebuilding Illawarra Hawks defend the Snakepit against the 2023 conference champions? We’ll find out on ANZAC Day.
The Battle of the Spit continues
Round 2, April 5: Women’s Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Norths Bears
Affectionately known as the ‘Battle of the Spit’, basketball fans in NSW will be tuning in for this classic clash between two powerhouse teams.
Given how successful both programs have been, it’s no surprise they’ve fought in some intense clashes over the years. It culminated in the 2023 Grand Final, where the Bears overcame Manly Warringah 71-56.
They faced off again in 2024 during the Qualifying Final, where the Norths clawed out a close win 71-68 off the back of the re-signed Madeleine O’Hehir’s 31 points.
Their first game of 2025 will take place early in the season, with eager fans only having to wait until Round 2 to see the deep-seed rivalry.
A familiar face returns
March 29, Round 1: Bankstown Bruins vs Norths Bears
After two years of struggling with injury, Iggy Mitchell will triumphantly return to the court with his former cub.
Mitchell was set to start his college career with San Jose, but suffered an ACL injury which led to him redshirting his season. Now finishing his rehab, Mitchell will make his return to the NBL1 East with the Norths Bears.
He last played in 2022, where he averaged 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the finals team.
His talent will be required for the Bears to get over the hump against the Bruins in their Round 1 match-up in Bankstown. Will the Bears make the finals once again? We will get our first taste on March 29th.
Midseason delight: The Women’s Grand Final rematch
May 10, Round 6: Sutherland Sharks vs Newcastle Falcons
Last season’s Grand Final was a battle of superstars, with Opal Lauren Nicholson taking on the recently re-signed two-time NBL1 East MVP Nicole Munger in a clash for the championship.
Off the back of a Finals MVP performance from Munger, who scored 22 points with 17 points, the Falcons claimed the championship 85-78.
Both rosters are set to look different in 2024, especially with Nicholson likely missing all of 2025 due to pregnancy. The rematch will still be a must-watch, with the clash happening later in the season, it will definitely be a heated game between two finals-quality teams.
A Grand Final rivalry continues
May 10, Round 6: Maitland Mustangs vs Canberra Gunners
Redemption. That was the one word that stood out most after the Maitland Mustangs finally conquered the East.
The Mustangs made both Grand Finals in 2022 and 2023, losing to Canberra and Sutherland by three points in each game respectively. In 2024, they added the recently re-signed import Christian Little and tore through the finals, getting revenge over the Gunners 86-67.
While the Finals MVP Will Cranston-Lown is heading down South, the rivalry has been sown over the past three seasons. Will the reigning champions set the tone? Or will Canberra get revenge?
