With the NBL1 West fixture for 2025 being released this past week, it’s time to dive into what games you need to circle on the calendar next season.
See the full fixture here.
Women’s Grand Final rematch
Round 2, April 11: Women’s Rockingham Flames vs Cockburn Cougars
There will be a glaring difference coming into the highly anticipated Round 2 Grand Final rematch, with NBL1 West First Team member Alex Ciabattoni switching sides for 2025.
In 2024, Ciabattoni was a superstar for the Cougars averaging 19.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Her play was critical in Cockburn's return to the Grand Final, where it fell short to the star-studded Rockingham Flames 97-81.
However, next season the WNBL star will change from yellow to red – joining Rockingham and forming a new core to defend the title. Joining Georgia Pineau, the move to Rockingham was partly due to her new off-court role as the Senior Development Officer for the Flames.
While Cockburn lost a key piece, they retained Steph Gorman, Jewel Williams, and Daniel Rabar and brought in former Darwin Saltie Ruby Porter.
Both sides have seen some major changes, but you can still expect them to be two of the best women’s teams in the entire country.
Men’s Grand Final rematch
Round 1, April 4: Men’s Mandurah Magic vs Willetton Tigers
In a game that went down to the wire, the Mandurah Magic claimed their club's first championship in history over the storied Willetton Tigers 91-89.
With a crowd that exceeded 6000 fans, the much-anticipated match-up will fill out the Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre on the opening night of the season.
While the Magic will raise their first banner in history, the Tigers will be ready to spoil their night – already re-signing Damian Scott, Tom Gerovich and bringing in former NBL talent Kyle Armour to round out their revenge tour.
Who will take bragging rights away in Round 1? We will find out on April 4th.
A new women’s rivalry brewing
Round 7, May 16: Women’s Lakeside Lightning vs Perth Redbacks
In 2024 the Lakeside Lightning and Perth Redbacks season-series went through a whirlwind of emotions.
It all started on June 7, when the Lightning took down the Redbacks at home as Marnelle Garraud iced the game with a curving drive into the basket to give Lakeside a one-point lead and eventually the win.
Marnelle Garraud ices the game! ?
Watch NBL1 West via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/uVQpp8oMTm
Their next match-up took place at the home of the Redbacks, where Ashlyn Lee sunk a corner three to get their revenge in the final seconds.
#nbl1 play of the week, Perth Redbacks Ashlyn Lee drops a three pointer on the buzzer to win the game! #basketball @NBL1 #womensbasketball #threepointer #perth pic.twitter.com/W760u9p62a
— Eric Paul Goldie (@ericpaulgoldie) July 6, 2024
These two games set the stage for a must-watch Finals clash, as the Redbacks hosted the Lightning in the first round. With Anneli Maley unavailable due to Olympic commitments, Lakeside roared through the game, winning 99-59 and ending the Redbacks’ season.
With the dramatic finishes and outcomes in 2024 alone, could we be witnessing the start of a new rivalry in the West? We only have to wait until Round 7 to find out, so stay tuned to see what these teams do between now and then via the Roster Tracker here.
Bad blood forming between East Perth and Rockingham
Round 1, April 4: Men’s East Perth Eagles vs Rockingham Flames
The East Perth Eagles had a breakthrough year last season, as they burst through into the Finals bracket for the first time since the NBL1 West started.
However, their post-season trip was short, falling 104-81 to the powerhouse Rockingham Flames. But coming into 2025, the team is hungrier than ever to prove themselves again.
By re-signing both head coach Carl Filpo and star import guard Taylor Young, the team has set the foundation for 2025. When asked to describe his round one match-up against the Flames, Young simply responded “Revenge”.
With Rockingham’s new addition of Tevin Jackson, this Round 1 clash is a must-watch.
A women’s player to tune in for: Ruby Porter
Ruby Porter will make her debut in the West this coming season with the Cockburn Cougars.
Having spent the past three seasons with the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North, she has honed her skills in a highly competitive women’s competition and will be a much-needed two-way threat with the departure of Ciabattoni.
At only 23 years old, she’s already played in multiple NBL1 North finals and has represented Australia on the U17 National Team & U18 3x3 National Teams.
Her skills and experience will lend herself well to this championship team, averaging 12.4 points, 3.2 assists and rebounds, and 1.8 steals last season with the Salties.
A men’s player to tune in for: Terrico White
2019 NBL Grand Final MVP Terrico White is set to return to Australia through the NBL1 West, signing with the Eastern Suns.
He’ll make his debut against the South West Slammers on April 5, looking to bring a championship to Kalamunda.
“(I want to) just to keep adding to my rings, and try to win a championship. That's all I'm about,” White said.
“That's what matters the most. That's what's gonna get you bigger and better contracts, whether it's in Australia or all around the world.”
Related: White's long journey back to Western Australia
After finishing 11th last season, could we see the Suns rise above with the addition of White in 2025?
