NBL1 South 2026 Blitz: Full Weekend Wrap-Up

Image Credit: Cameron Taylor @dmtvisuals

The Mistubishi NBL1 South Pre-Season Blitz wrapped up at Hoop City – Port Melbourne after three days of non-stop basketball, giving clubs their first opportunity to take the floor ahead of the upcoming Mistubishi NBL1 South 2026 season.

The weekend opened with the league’s inaugural NBL1 South Season Launch event Friday (RECAP HERE), as league partners, club representatives, athletes, coaches and key stakeholders from across the competition came together to celebrate the start of the 2026 season.

Across the Blitz, teams were able to test line-ups, build chemistry and get valuable minutes into players as preparations continue for round one later this month. With multiple courts running simultaneously and a steady flow of fans through the venue, the Blitz once again delivered a strong preview of what supporters can expect once the season tips off.

Off the court, the weekend also provided an opportunity to continue strengthening several key areas that support the league’s growth. Every game across the Blitz was officiated by a three-person referee crew, with a referee coach present to assist with development and feedback throughout the weekend. Score table staff and statisticians also undertook training sessions and evaluations as part of the event, helping ensure clubs and venues are ready for the upcoming season.

The weekend would not have been possible without the support of a number of partners and contributors, highlighted by the outstanding efforts of Hoop City – Port Melbourne. The venue provided a fantastic setting for the NBL1 South community to come together, with the energy, vibe and overall experience across the three days helping elevate the annual Blitz to a new level this year. We would also like to thank Chris Moore and his team for their incredible support across the weekend.

We would also like to thank Butchys Pizzas and Jimmy’s Burgers for providing outstanding food across the weekend and helping keep everyone fuelled throughout the Blitz.

Basketball Australia also supported the event by delivering sports integrity education sessions across the weekend, while Ian Knight Photography played an important role in capturing official league photography across the weekend, including player headshots and digital assets required for league operations and club use throughout the season.

A number of other talented photographers and digital content creators also helped capture the weekend across NBL1 South platforms. In particular, Jess Peterson, Kailyn Peterson, Lauri Walker and Sarah Pretty were on hand assisting in capturing content and imagery as part of preparations for the upcoming season, helping ensure the league have a strong library of digital assets for promotion and theme rounds heading into the Mistubishi NBL1 South 2026 season.

With pre-season preparations now complete, attention now turns to the official start of the Mistubishi NBL1 South 2026 season, which tips off on Friday 27 March.

Results from the NBL1 South Pre-Season Blitz are listed below. It is also important to note that not every club fielded its full roster during the Blitz. Several teams are still awaiting the arrival of imports or interstate signings, while others had players unavailable due to commitments in the NBL Finals or international duties with the Australian Opals and Gangurrus programs overseas.

NBL1 South Women's Results

Kilsyth Cobras def Ballarat Miners (83–73)
Melbourne Tigers def Ringwood Hawks (77–61)
U18 Vic Metro def Sandringham Sabres (85–71)
Waverley Falcons def U18 Vic Country (91–37)
Dandenong Rangers def Keilor Thunder (88–86)
Frankston Blues def Kilsyth Cobras (72–67)
Sandringham Sabres def Nunawading Spectres (82–68)
Diamond Valley Eagles def Geelong United (88–68)
Mount Gambier Pioneers def Casey Cavaliers (94–88)
Ballarat Miners def Dandenong Rangers (96–92)
Eltham Wildcats def Albury Wodonga Bandits (95–74)
Diamond Valley Eagles def Waverley Falcons (81–74)
U18 Vic Country def Albury Wodonga Bandits (72–67)
Nunawading Spectres def Mount Gambier Pioneers (94–81)

NBL1 South Men's Results

Kilsyth Cobras def Frankston Blues (77–65)
Knox Raiders def Casey Cavaliers (86–67)
Nunawading Spectres def Melbourne Tigers (74–72)
Kilsyth Cobras def Keilor Thunder (81–75)
Ringwood Hawks def Diamond Valley Eagles (74–66)
Melbourne Tigers def Geelong United (83–53)
Dandenong Rangers def Waverley Falcons (104–66)
Sandringham Sabres def Bendigo Braves (93–81)
Keilor Thunder def Frankston Blues (109–98)
Eltham Wildcats def Mount Gambier Pioneers (95–71)
Diamond Valley Eagles def Albury Wodonga Bandits (102–79)
Ringwood Hawks def Waverley Falcons (111–79)
Nunawading Spectres def Albury Wodonga Bandits (85–67)
Dandenong Rangers def Mount Gambier Pioneers (95–79)

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.

‍