A Starling homecoming: Woodville get their man

Image credit: Dan Cowley @imagesby_dan

The NBL1 Central off-season has just experienced a dramatic shake-up, with 2026 NBL1 Central Champion and Grand Final MVP Alex Starling departing the Forestville Eagles for the Woodville Warriors in 2027.

The former Adelaide 36er (who played in NBL24) moves across to the club he played for in 2014, where he was League MVP, Grand Final MVP and a champion in the South Australian Premier League, after averaging a double-double.

The three-time Woollacott Medallist, who averaged 10.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals during the 2026 NBL1 season, is a massive coup for the Warriors, who finished fourth in 2026.

Starling, 37, proved his experience in the NBL1 2026 National Finals, having a 20-point double-double against the Gold Coast Rollers on Day 1, including the go-ahead basket with seven seconds to go.

Woodville Head Coach Scott Whitmore was thrilled to announce the acquisition of the former Warriors star and 2026 NBL1 Central Defensive Player of the Year winner.

"To have Alex come back to where his journey in South Australian basketball really took off is incredibly exciting," Whitmore said.

"His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our group, and we can't wait to see him back in the Warriors uniform.

"Alex is someone who understands what it means to be a Warrior.

"He has achieved just about everything there is to achieve in South Australian basketball, but what stands out most is his competitiveness and his desire to win."

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