Simpson Eyes Growth at the National Finals

Header Image credit: Ian Knight Photography

Knox Raiders head coach Craig Simpson says his team’s defensive identity will be their foundation as they prepare for the 2025 NBL1 National Finals in Canberra, fresh off their breakthrough South championship win.

The Raiders stunned previously unbeaten Geelong United in the Grand Final, restricting the league’s highest-powered offence to just 64 points in an emphatic 84–64 victory at the State Basketball Centre.

“We are extremely proud of the defensive effort, not just in the Grand Final but throughout the back half of the season,” Simpson said. “To hold a team like Geelong, who usually averages around 90 points a game, to just 64 shows the collective commitment of the group. It is a real testament to the players’ focus, discipline, and the team first mentality we have built.”

While Geelong entered the decider riding a 24–0 season, Knox carried their own momentum, winning 13 straight games heading into the clash. It was the Raiders who stayed the course, breaking the game open with a second quarter burst and never looking back, outplaying United on both ends of the floor.

“The streak itself has never been a focus or even a topic of discussion within the group,” Simpson explained. “Our mindset has always been about the process, staying steady, not too high and not too low. Nationals will bring new challenges, and we know success will come from sticking to our habits and standards.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NBL1 (@nbl1)

The performance was powered by Grand Final MVP Paige Bradley (20 points, seven assists, five rebounds), with All First Team selection Alicia Froling delivering 15 points and 13 boards. Depth was again a hallmark, with key contributions across the roster from Rachel Bell, Agnes Emma Nnopu, Kristy Wallace and captain Kiera Glover.

“As a coach, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the whole group step up in the biggest moments,” Simpson said. “This team is built on a culture where everyone is invested in each other’s success, and that is what I am most proud of. Moments like these show the power of a genuine team first mentality.”

The championship also served as redemption for Knox after a 20–2 campaign in 2024 ended abruptly with straight sets finals defeats. Simpson believes that experience hardened the group and laid the groundwork for their 2025 title run.

“Last year was definitely a tough experience for the team, but we have taken a lot of lessons from it,” he reflected. “The disappointment of a strong season ending early really highlighted the importance of being prepared for every moment and not taking anything for granted. This year, we approached every game with a different mindset, more focused, more determined, and more ready to handle the pressure. I think the group learned the value of resilience and not letting setbacks define us.”

That resilience will now be tested on the national stage, where the Raiders will look to extend their winning streak and carry their defensive identity into a new arena against the best clubs from around the country.

“As we head into Nationals, we will carry that resilience with us, knowing that the journey is never straight, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” Simpson said. “We are excited for the challenge.”