SEASON
Game Preview
Welcome to Round 5 of NBL1 action!
Thanks to all the amazing Wildcats fans who came to our Round 4 double header! The noise and energy was amazing!
Today your Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women (2-4) face the Melbourne Tigers (2-3). Both teams will be itching for a win after a slower than expected start. Welcome to new Wildcats import Julia Drop who will be playing her first home game today!
Your Air Fusion NBL1 Men (3-3) take on Andrew Gaze and his Melbourne Tigers (3-2). A strong start for the Tigers in 2025, and continuity could be the key with many familiar faces including Tom Wilson, Jack Purchase and Felix Van Hoffe. For the Wildcats, they’re looking to turn a 2 game win streak into 3 as we inch closer to the top 8!
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
9 1110 12
1321
3 A
2
2
Lil Dart
Eleanor Trout
Charlotte Ogier
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
4
8
10
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
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.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
SamWhelan
Age: 27
Height: 6'1
Position: Guard
Number: 0
Favourite Shoe: 11 / Sabrina’s
Guilty Pleasure Show: Bob the builder
Favourite Pasta Shape: Spiral
Idol Growing up: Stuart Dew
Favourite Cuisine: Italian
COURTSIDE CHALLENGE
Sudoku
NBL1 Men
Gabe Hadley
Xavier Bledson
Mitch McCarron
Sam Short
Mitch McCarron Xavier Bledson
Sam Short Josh Sykes Ovie Magbegor
NBL1MENNAMING RIGHTSPONSORS
NBL1WOMENNAMING RIGHTSPONSORS
