Keeping It In The South

Six major NBL1 South–to–NBL1 South playersignings announced ahead of the 2026 season (as of 9th February 2026).

Player movement within the South is always closely watched, and the early signs ahead of the NBL1 South 2026 season are no different. Several high-profile players have already been confirmed in NBL1 South to NBL1 South club changes, ensuring there will be no shortage of familiarity, rivalry and immediate impact when the season begins in March.

From international representatives to championship winners and established league stars, these six signings represent some of the most significant in-conference moves announced to date, setting the tone for what is shaping as another highly competitive campaign.

Stephanie Reid

Diamond Valley Eagles to Sandringham Sabres

Steph Reid’s move to Sandringham looms as one of the most impactful in-conference signings confirmed so far. The NBL1 South 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year was outstanding with Diamond Valley, averaging 21.5 points, 6.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Reid’s influence extends well beyond the NBL1 South. A FIBA Women’s Asia Cup gold medallist in 2025, she followed her league campaign with a stint in Poland and is currently competing in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association. Her arrival provides the Sabres with an elite two-way guard boasting international experience, leadership and the ability to dictate tempo at both ends of the floor.

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Harry Froling

Melbourne Tigers to Dandenong Rangers

One of the most high-profile men’s in-conference moves announced to date sees Harry Froling cross from the Melbourne Tigers to the Dandenong Rangers. A Grand Final runner-up in 2025, Froling remained one of the league’s most productive big men throughout the season.

Despite a late start with the Tigers limiting his accumulation of game-day votes for major awards, Froling was widely considered among the league’s top performers. He averaged 18.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in 2025, adding to an already decorated résumé that includes an NBL1 South championship and All-Star Five selection with Hobart in 2022. Currently suiting up for the NBL’s Illawarra Hawks, Froling adds size, skill and experience to the Rangers’ frontcourt.

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Dallas Loughridge

Dandenong Rangers to Casey Cavaliers

Casey have secured one of the competition’s premier young talents in Dallas Loughridge, the NBL1 South 2025 Youth Player of the Year, who departs her junior club after a standout season with the Dandenong Rangers.

Loughridge averaged 20.3 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game in 2025, showcasing her ability to score, create and compete at a high level. Now gaining further experience with the WNBL’s Adelaide Lightning, she brings both immediate impact and long-term upside to the Cavaliers’ lineup.

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Lachlan Barker

North West Tasmania to Geelong United

Geelong United have added proven scoring and championship pedigree with the signing of Lachlan Barker, another notable NBL1 South to NBL1 South move confirmed this off-season.

An NBL champion with the Tasmania JackJumpers, Barker averaged 18.5 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game in 2025, following earlier success as the NBL1 South 2022 leading scorer with the Frankston Blues. Currently playing in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans, Barker recently recorded an 18-point career-high performance, underlining the form he brings into the upcoming season.

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Isabella Brancatisano

Mount Gambier Pioneers to Melbourne Tigers

After three seasons with the Mount Gambier Pioneers, Isabella Brancatisano makes the move to the Melbourne Tigers in another significant in-conference switch, joining her sister at the Tigers.

The NBL1 South 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Brancatisano has built a strong reputation for her intensity, defensive pressure and versatility. Currently competing in the WNBL with the Canberra Capitals, she averaged 15 points, 4 assists, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, providing Melbourne with a proven two-way contributor capable of impacting games across multiple areas.

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Joshua Sykes

Eltham Wildcats to Melbourne Tigers

One of the league’s most explosive athletes, Josh Sykes heads to the Melbourne Tigers after five seasons with the Eltham Wildcats.

The foucs of frequent highlights and NBL1 South champion in 2024, Sykes is widely regarded as one of the competition’s premier athletes. In 2025, he averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks per game, bringing athleticism, rim protection and transition scoring to Melbourne’s roster.

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The NBL1 South 2026 season tips off on Friday 27th March 2026. For all the latest updates, including player signings, coaching appointments and league news, make sure you’re following NBL1 South on Facebook and Instagram.