Palioyiannis eyes another National Finals run

The Waverley Falcons are determined to make the most of another opportunity after securing their third consecutive appearance at the NBL1 National Finals.

Waverley earned its place in Adelaide after finishing as runner up to the Knox Raiders in the 2026 NBL1 South season.

With Knox already qualified as the reigning National champions, the Falcons secured the additional South position by advancing to Saturday’s Grand Final at the State Basketball Centre.

The decider did not unfold as Waverley had hoped, with Knox controlling the game through its defensive pressure and transition play to secure an 80 to 54 victory and a second consecutive South Championship.

Falcons head coach Elias Palioyiannis said the group was disappointed with its performance but grateful that another championship opportunity remained.

“We were very disappointed with our performance on Saturday in the Grand Final,” Palioyiannis said.

“We were happy that wasn’t the last game we would play this season.”

“We had a light shoot around on Tuesday and everyone coming this weekend is excited for the opportunity.”

The Falcons have now qualified for the National Finals in three consecutive seasons, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent women’s programs in the country.

Their first appearance came in 2024 after completing a remarkable NBL1 South Finals campaign from seventh position.

Waverley defeated the Keilor Thunder 87 to 82 in the South Grand Final before taking that momentum to the Sunshine Coast for the National Finals.

The Falcons defeated the Newcastle Falcons and Rockingham Flames to reach the Championship Game, where they produced a dominant 97 to 49 victory over the Bendigo Braves.

Bec Cole scored 33 points and was named Championship Game MVP as Waverley completed a 13 game winning streak and added the national crown to its South Championship.

Waverley returned to the event as defending champions in 2025 after receiving an automatic invitation to the National Finals in Canberra.

Their championship defence ended against the Knox Raiders in the semifinal, with Knox progressing to defeat the previously unbeaten Cockburn Cougars and become the 2025 National champions.

Palioyiannis believes those previous experiences will be valuable, particularly with the possibility of playing three games across three days.

“We don’t take for granted the great opportunity it is to play in our third National Finals as a club,” he said.

“The possibility of three games in three days is something very different to anything in NBL1 South.”

“There is no doubt the previous experience helps, but we have a very different team this year compared to 2024, so it will be a new experience for several of our players.”

The Falcons have been forced to navigate the absence of several talented players throughout the season, with their depth tested further during the NBL1 South Finals.

Despite those challenges, Waverley progressed through to a second South Grand Final in three seasons and earned another opportunity to compete against the leading teams from across the country.

Palioyiannis believes the willingness of different players to embrace greater responsibility has been central to the Falcons remaining in championship contention.

“This is the toughest team I have coached in that regard,” he said.

“It has been a next player up mentality.”

“We are very fortunate to have great depth. There is no doubt it has been tested, especially in the NBL1 South Finals, but it is the main reason why we are still playing and were able to make the Grand Final.”

“We have had different players step up during the run and we will need everyone at their best this weekend.”

Waverley will begin its National Finals campaign against the Mackay Meteorettes, with the opening game remaining the immediate priority for Palioyiannis and his group.

While the condensed format creates the possibility of facing several unfamiliar opponents and different styles, the Falcons have kept their preparation focused on the first challenge.

“It is exciting to play teams from other conferences,” Palioyiannis said.

“Like every year, our focus is on our first game against Mackay.”

“They are a very talented group and there has been plenty of film on them throughout the week.”

The National Finals provide another significant moment in a milestone season for Palioyiannis, who coached his 500th senior representative game during the 2026 campaign.

His coaching journey began in the Big V in 2011 and has continued across Big V, NBL1 and NBL1 South, including roles with both the Waverley men’s and women’s programs.

Palioyiannis reached the milestone after more than two decades of involvement in Waverley’s representative pathway, having also coached numerous junior championship teams and Victorian Championship programs.

His achievements include leading Waverley to the 2024 NBL1 South and National Championships during a remarkable year that also featured a Big V Men’s Championship for the club.

With opportunities to compete at Nationals never guaranteed, Palioyiannis believes another championship would be a fitting reward for the resilience shown by his players and the support provided by the wider Waverley program.

“That would be fantastic because you never know when you will be back at the National Finals,” he said.

“It would be a great reward for the effort the players have put in this season and for the club.”