SF

Semi-Final

2025

SEASON

Win or Go Home

Proudly Partnered With

Game Preview Get ready for an electric atmosphere as NBL1 South finals action returns to Montmorency Secondary College for a massive Elimination Final! Your Eltham Wildcats NBL1 Men are leaving it all on the court as they fight for a place in the semi-finals and keep their championship hopes alive. Don’t miss a moment of this highstakes showdown!

The Air Fusion NBL1 Men are coming off a hard-fought battle against Knox last Saturday night. Now, they're gearing up for another fierce showdown—this time against a tough Sandringham side. With a spot in the semi-finals on the line, tonight’s clash is set to be an absolute blockbuster!

Wildcats family — it’s time to get loud, proud, and bring the energy for the NBL1 Elimination Final! Let’s pack the stands, rally behind our NBL1 Men, and show Sandringham just how powerful the Wildcat spirit is. Make some noise and let’s push our boys into the semifinals!

Margherita Pizza Delivery – How to Order Choose from the following options: Margherita Hawaiian Mexican

Meat Lovers BBQ Chicken Vegetarian

Available in Large: $25

How to Order 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 Men’s Game Ordering opens: 7:00 PM Ordering closes: 7:15 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.

Air Fusion NBL1 Men Team HC: Craig Stratford AC: Chris Cameron, Steve Smith, Rod Degenhardt, Dean Gluyas TM: Jodi Vine

02 3 4 5 6 8 10 11121315 20 25 Sam Whelan

Josh Sykes

Harry Stones

Zahn Agosta

Sam Short

Gabe Hadley

Sam Alexander

Zac Anderson

Zak Cunningham

Mitch McCarron

Xavier Bledson

Lachlan Wood

Mitch Blackburn

Ovie Magbegor

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.

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.

Eltham Wildcats

Air Fusion NBL1 Men

No.

Height

Position

Name

0

185

Guard

Sam Whelan

2

203

Forward

Joshua Sykes

4

191

Guard

Zahn Agosta

5

195

Guard

Sam Short

6

192

Guard

Gabe Hadley

8

189

Guard

Sam Alexander

10

201

Forward

Zac Anderson

11

205

Center

Zak Cunningham

12

189

Guard

Mitch McCarron

13

198

Forward

Xavier Bledson

15

200

Forward

Lachlan Wood

20

206

Center

Mitch Blackburn

25

201

Forward

Ovie Magbegor

HEAD COACH

Craig Stratford

AST COACH

Rod Degenhardt

AST COACH

Chris Cameron

AST COACH

Dean Glyas

AST COACH

Steve Smith

TEAM MANAGER

Jodi Vine

Sandringham Sabers NBL1 Men

No.

Height

Position

Name

1

200

Center

Sammy Cartwright

3

194

Guard

CJ Asuncion Byrd

7

190

Guard

Declan Soukup

9

204

Forward

Malith Machar

10

184

Guard

Ben Ayre

12

203

Forward

Fabijan Krslovic

13

194

Guard

Kaylan Kitto

20

205

Forward

David Barlow

21

185

Guard

Elliot Brown

22

206

Center

Dane Pineau

30

201

Forward

Tom Koppens

HEAD COACH

David Barlow

AST COACH

Tom O’Brien

AST COACH

Andy Lim

TEAM MANAGER

Emma Jarman

PSA N S ME NBL1 LDCATS WI r #GO bego Mag Ovie

#857 MT GEM 10 32 3 8 1658

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Ovie Magbegor Age: 26 Height: 6'6 Position: Power Forward Number: 25 Favourite Shoe: 16/ 2013 hyperdunks Guilty Pleasure Show: B99 Favourite Pasta Shape: Spiral Idol Growing up: Ezi Magbegor Favourite Cuisine: Nigerian and Italian

COURTSIDE CHALLENGE Crossword

®

Across: 1. when the ball gets switched between hands while dribbling 3. The loosing team tonight will be?

4. getting the ball when it comes off the backboard 7. the combined action of a group 9. ball hit nothing but net 11. the amount of fouls each player is allowed?

Down: 2. our wonderful dancers are from?

5. aloud in area for 3 seconds 6. When your team has the ball 8. to stuff the ball down the hoop from above the rim 9. Eltham Wildcats has been a basketball club for how many years?

10. who is leading Eltham in Steals? ®

NBL1 Men

2025 Stats Leaders

Gabe Hadley Xavier Bledson Josh Sykes

20.1 ppg 18.5 ppg 13.1 ppg

Sam Short 5.3 apg Mitch McCarron 5.0 apg Xavier Bledson 2.6 apg

Josh Sykes 5.9 rpg Sam Short 5.8 rpg Mitch McCarron 5.1 rpg

MINIMUM 50% GAMES PLAYED

PARTNERS 2025

NBL1 MEN NAMING RIGHT SPONSORS

NBL1 WOMEN NAMING RIGHT SPONSORS