ROUND 9 NBL1 Booklet

Round 9

SEASON 2025

Game Preview

Eltham Wildcats v Diamond Valley 2025 is here!

Tonight we celebrate NBL1 Heritage Round - Which is apt due to the long standing history of rivalry between the two biggest clubs in the North East.

Our NBL1 Teams will be wearing a special retro warm-up top which has been recreated from our archives. We also have limited sizes available for sale from the merchandise table!

Your Quest Bundoora NBL1 Women will be continuing to fight to get back in the winners list. Last time they played Diamond Valley they fell just short in a back-and-forth battle.

The Air Fusion NBL1 Men have won 2 in a row and will be looking to make that 3 against local rivals Diamond Valley. Last time they met in Round 5, we had an overtime thriller where the Eltham Men came out on top, on the back of a great performance from Josh Sykes.

Much like a lot of the big sporting rivalries, ladder position normally doesn’t factor in these match-ups where pride and local bragging rights are on the line!

Margherita Pizza Delivery – How to Order

Choose from the following options:

Margherita

Hawaiian

Available in Large: $25

How to Order

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

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.

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

1 58

9 1110 12

1321

3 A

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

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.