Key NBL1 Matchups: Week 3

Image Credit: Greg Francis @DiscoveryOne_Photography

With another jam-packed weekend of NBL1 action ahead, here is one match from each conference that you should keep an eye on for the round. 

Don't miss a single minute of NBL1 action this season! Watch every game LIVE & FREE via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app. 

NBL1 East Men - Canberra Gunners vs. Illawarra Hawks

In what is potentially the standout game of the round, the Canberra Gunners will kick off the night at Southern Cross Stadium, where they became NBL1 National Champions in 2025, with a massive NBL1 East Grand Final rematch against the Illawarra Hawks. 

Last season's decider saw the Gunners claim an eight-point victory, and with both sides entering the 2026 season with strong lineups once again. 

The 2025 NBL1 East MVP Todd Blanchfield will be leading the way for Illawarra, while MVP runner up Will Mayfield will do the same for Canberra. With these two stars at the forefront once again, we're sure to be treated to another unforgettable battle. 

NBL1 West Women - Warwick Senators vs. East Perth Eagles

Moving to the East Perth Eagles over the offseason, Stacey Barr will return to Warwick to face her old teammates in a blockbuster matchup. 

Averaging 22.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists so far this season, Barr has excellent start to life at her new club alongside fellow new signing Jasmin Fejo. However, the Warwick Senators roster is still stacked, with Chloe Forster, Kiara Waite,  Natalie Burton, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, and Jayda Clark all contributing well so far. 

With each side starting the season at 2-0, they will both bring plenty of momentum into what is sure to be an intense matchup on Friday night. 

NBL1 Central Men - Sturt Sabres vs Forestville Eagles

The only remaining NBL1 Central men's sides with 3-0 undefeated records will go head to head in a crucial clash on Saturday night. 

The Sabres have had a fast start with the returning Jacob Rigoni starring for the side. Rigoni has averaged 26.3 points per game so far this season, while Josh Tomasi and Jarryd Hoppo have provided excellent support with over 15 points each per game. 

Meanwhile, the usual suspects have contributed to Forestville's strong start, with Greg Mays, Daniel Johnson, Alex Starling, and Adam Doyle all starring. 

Only one team can claim a fourth consecutive victory, and a win will set that side up for an NBL1 Central championship charge. 

NBL1 South Women - Bendigo Braves vs Knox Raiders

We are set for a huge battle between last season's NBL1 South champions and one of the biggest threats to their reign. 

Led by head coach Tess Madgen, the Bendigo Braves looked excellent last weekend in their 44-point victory over Geelong United. 

Olivia Pollerd led the way with an enormous 45-point, 11-rebound display, while Jess Smith and Mia Harvey added 22 and 16 points respectively. 

For Knox though, they have gone into this season largely unchanged and have a team full of stars ready to fight off their championship challengers. Paige Bradley led the way for the side and looked in to be in excellent form as she finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists. 

The winner of this contest will position themselves as one of the clear favourites to take out the NBL1 South crown this season, making Sunday afternoon a crucial one for both sides. 

Don't miss a single minute of NBL1 action this season! Watch every game LIVE & FREE via NBL1.com.au and the NBL1 app.