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SEASON 2025

Game Preview

The excitement is building as NBL1 South action returns to Montmorency Secondary College, kicking off a pivotal run toward the finals! With only 3 weeks remaining in the regular season, every game matters and your Wildcats are fired up to deliver a thrilling performance for the home crowd tonight.

You may have seen the exciting news on our socials — we ’ ve added a bonus home game to the schedule! Catch your Air Fusion NBL1 Men and Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women in action right here on Friday, July 11.

The Air Fusion NBL1 Men are riding high after back-to-back thrilling wins last weekend. With Waverley hot on their heels just one spot below on the ladder, this match is set to be a fierce battle. As the team enters a crucial stretch of home games, they’re more focused than ever on their push to break back into the top 8.

Tonight, your Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women are set for a fierce battle as they take on the 7th-placed Waverley Falcons. After a challenging weekend with two narrow defeats, the team is more determined than ever to bounce back and make a statement on home court.

This is the moment they need the strength of the Wildcat family. Let’s pack the stands, bring the noise, and help fuel the team toward a crucial victory!

Margherita Pizza Delivery – How to Order

Choose from the following options:

Margherita

Hawaiian

Mexican

Available in Large: $25

How to Order

Meat Lovers

BBQ Chicken

Vegetarian

1.Message 0490 752 941 your pizza (selected from the list above) your First and Last Name and ‘Eltham Wildcats’

2.You’ll receive a message when your pizza is on its way.

3.Pay on arrival at the delivery table in the hall.

Order Times

Women’s Game

Ordering opens: 6:00 PM

Ordering closes: 6:15 PM

Orders after 6.15pm will come in between the Womens and Mens Game. Pizzas should arrive during half-time or the start of the third quarter

Men’s Game

Ordering opens: 8:00 PM

Ordering closes: 8:15 PM

Pizzas should arrive during half-time or the start of the third quarter

Need Help?

Call Margherita Pizzas on 9434 4980

Please note: There is a limit on how many pizzas can be ordered, so get in early.

Star & Sun

Stars represent the path followed by a team to achievement and the sun signifies the enjoyment to one’s life when doing something you love.

Meeting Place & Journey Path

Meeting place & journey path symbolises the significance of a team connecting deeply with each other like a family. The journey path refers to the basketball season.

Connection

The constant touching and flow symbols, signifies connection and working together as a tea, The shape reflects water flow like a stream.

People

The “U” shape represents a person. The altering direction of these icons symbolizes men and women. The constant flow of the people signifies working together like a stream of water.

Meet the artist: BonnieHampson

Bonnie Hampson is an 21 year Indigenous Australian from Ourimbah on the central coast of New South Wales in which her mob Darkinjung is located. After growing up in Ourimbah Bonnie moved to Eltham in 2020 and chose to attend Eltham High School for their arts program in which she completed V.C.E studies in Studio Arts.

“I always found myself making art from a very young age, it is a constant form of expression for me. I like capturing emotions and moments in time through my art as well as encapsulating and exploring myself.” – Bonnie

Bonnie was approached by former CEO Greg Jeffers and Wellbeing Officer Sophie Foote to complete our design after being recommended by the school as a talented, young, indigenous woman with a keen interest in the arts. Which made her a perfect fit for the role!

Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club is so proud to have their NBL1 players represent these uniforms and to recognise and pay respect to our First Nations peoples.

Bonnie Hampson is a proud Indigenous woman and would like people to know that: “The indigenous community is very beautiful when you look past the stereotypes that white Australia has labelled. You have to be open and unbiased when learning and respecting the people, customs, art, and language because when you let go of the ideas that you’ve made, and society has made it is truly life changing.”

On behalf of the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club, we would like to thank Bonnie for her tremendous work and the education she has provided the club around her culture.

Koorie Academy

Whoweare?

Koorie Academy is a not for profit organisation based in Naarm. Our aim is to provide opportunities and fun experiences, through sport, for mob. We do this by running basketball clinics and events throughout the year that brings the community together from all across Victoria.

Whatprogramsdowerun?

Provide participants with a connection to culture, country and community through storytelling and participation in cultural activities

Divert participants away from negative interaction with the Justice system and facilitates a connection with community groups and positive role models

Offer participants an opportunity to gain learning skills to support them in following pathways to higher education and meaningful employment

Improve physical, social and emotional wellbeing

Promote respectful relationships and gender equality amongst participants, families and community.

HowtomakeadonationtoKoorieAcademy:

Westpac Bank

BSB: 033 395

Account: 612482

Name: Koorie Academy Ltd

The Koorie Academy is a volunteer run organisation and all donations $2 and over are tax deductible. We accept donations via direct debit as this minimises bank and payment gateway fees. Please email info@koorieacademy.org.au once you have made a donation so that we can provide a tax receipt.

SATURDAY

MAR 29th

Home Opener

SATURDAY

APR 26th

ANZAC Round

SUNDAY

MAY4TH

SATURDAY

JUN 21ST

SATURDAY

JUN 28TH

SATURDAY

JUL 5TH

First Nations Round

SATURDAY Pride Round

MAY 24TH

SUNDAY

JUL 13TH

FRIDAY

MAY 31ST

SATURDAY Heritage Round

SATURDAY

JUN 14TH

JUL 18TH

Mental Health Round

Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women Team

HC: Matt Bongetti

AC: Hunter Santamaria, Debbie Coulson, Carly Stones

TM: Jodi Vine

Lil Dart

Charlotte Ogier

Marley Pascoe

Taylah Short Rebecca Pizzey

Emily Maltezos

Lily Scanlon Kennedy Dickie Jayde Cadee

Kayla Salmons

Air Fusion NBL1 Men Team

HC: Craig Stratford

AC: Chris Cameron, Steve Smith, Rod Degenhardt, Dean Gluyas

TM: Jodi Vine

56 023

1211 15

Sam Whelan

Josh Sykes Harry Stones Zahn Agosta

Sam Short Gabe Hadley ac Anderson

Zak Cunningham

Mitch McCarro

Ovie Magbegor

achlan Wood

Mitch Blackburn

Eltham Wildcats Bar

Just a reminder that our upstairs bar is open during Friday and Saturday NBL1 games!

Head upstairs, grab a drink, and enjoy the game from a great vantage point.

See you there!

Eltham Wellbeing Program

Rachel Morgan Welfare Committee Chair

welfare@elthamwildcats.net.au

Sophie Foote Wellbeing Officer

wellbeing@elthamwildcats.net.au

If you or someone you know needs any support, please reach out to our team. We are here for you.

Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people as Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are privileged to operate.

We respect their cultures, identities, and ongoing connection to Country. Eltham Basketball Club is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment for all, free from discrimination, regardless of ethnicity, faith, gender, or sexual orientation.

Head of Junior Pathways Mitch McCarron

We’re excited to announce that Mitch McCarron has been appointed as our new Head of Junior Pathways, supporting player and coach development across our beginner programs, academies, domestic, and championship levels.

Mitch brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach, and he’ll be working closely with our team to strengthen our junior development strategy.

Please join us in welcoming Mitch to his new role at the Wildcats!

Eltham Wildcats

ABOUT US

The Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club began with humble origins, emerging from basketball activities at Eltham High School. After a series of informal games against various schools, the club entered its first two teams into an official competition the Presbyterian Men’s Basketball Association during the winter season of 1965.

Since then, the Wildcats have grown into a thriving basketball community, now catering to over 7,500 participants of all ages and skill levels. Our operations are supported by a small team of full-time and casual employees, along with a dedicated network of volunteers who are the backbone of our club.

We are committed to providing pathways for players, coaches, technical officials, and administrators through a structured development framework. This includes:

Beginner programs for those new to the sport

Junior domestic Wildcat teams competing in the EDJBA

Junior championship teams competing in the VJBL

Local adult competitions running Monday to Thursday nights

Elite-level men and women teams competing in Basketball Victoria’s Big V Youth (U23) competitions and the NBL1 South Competition, where our NBL1 Men’s team claimed the 2024 championship.

Beyond the court, our club exists to serve the community by offering opportunities for recreation, enjoyment, and the pursuit of excellence welcoming everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

A highlight of our legacy is our annual January tournament, which we have hosted for over 50 years. Since 1996, we have partnered with the Dandenong Basketball Association to make this the largest junior basketball tournament in the world, drawing teams from across Australia and New Zealand. In 2025, we set a new record with 1,804 teams and over 18,724 players participating.

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 60 years of Eltham Wildcats Basketball 60 years of competition, growth, and community. As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering a love for the game and providing opportunities for all.