South Starting Five - Round 3

With two rounds complete, every team across the NBL1 South 2026 season has now played at least three games, giving an early look at form, trends and emerging storylines across the competition.

Early trends are beginning to take shape, new combinations are finding rhythm, and Round 3 presents the another layer of context where early momentum starts to matter and storylines begin to carry weight across the competition.

1. Tassie takes centre stage

Round 3 delivers a unique moment, with Tasmania in full focus as the Hobart Chargers and Northern Force meet at MyState Bank Arena, home of the Tasmania JackJumpers.

The double header also marks 30 years of Chargers basketball, while showcasing the strength of Tasmania’s pathway from local talent through to NBL and WNBL representation.

With familiar faces, shared pathways and local pride on both sides, this becomes more than a game. It is Tasmania on show and the first real chapter in a new rivalry.

2. Grand Final rematch headlines Thursday night

The first major heavyweight clash of the season lands early, as the Melbourne Tigers host the Sandringham Sabres in a rematch of the 2025 NBL1 South Men’s Grand Final.

much of their core, led by Tom Wilson and Jack Purchase, while replacing Harry Froling with new additions Josh Sykes and George Blagojevic.

Sandringham counter with a proven group headlined by David Barlow, Elliott Brown and Malith Machar, bolstered by the addition of Kyle Bowen, though without Ben Ayre and Fabijan Krslovic.

With early ladder positioning on the line, this one already carries added significance, and with the spotlight of the Kayo Freebies Game of the Week, it shapes as one of the defining matchups of the round.

3. WNBA opportunities could reshape lineups

Round 3 may arrive with a different look across the women’s competition, as several key players face potential WNBA opportunities.

Names including Nyadiew Puoch (Dandenong Rangers), Manuela Puoch (Dandenong Rangers), Maddi Rocci (Keilor Thunder) and Kristy Wallace (Knox Raiders) loom as very possible absences, leaving teams to adjust.

How teams navigate this stretch could have an early impact on the ladder and reveal which programs are built to withstand disruption.

4. Swain faces former side

There is added intrigue in Nunawading, where Knox recruit Shanice Swain comes up against her 2025 team, the Spectres.

Swain’s impact was clear last season, averaging 15.1 points, 3.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, while also creating disruption defensively across her nine appearances. Now, she returns in new colours.

Player movement is part of the league’s evolution, but these matchups always carry extra edge. Familiar systems, former teammates and a point to prove.

Swain gets an early opportunity to measure herself against the club she knows best.

5. Early ladder clash in Bendigo

It may still be early, but Bendigo and Dandenong meet in a matchup that already holds weight at the top end of the standings.

First versus third, with both sides coming off strong Round 2 performances led by Biwali Bayles and Harry Froling. It has been announced that neither player will return to the Illawarra Hawks for the NBL 2026/27 season, adding another layer to their individual motivation, as they look to impress and secure their next opportunity.

Bayles has opened the season in dominant form, averaging 33.0 points, 7.0 assists and 4.0 threes per game, while Froling has anchored Dandenong with 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

While finals implications are still a long way off, these are the games that shape early separation and give a glimpse into which teams are building something sustainable.

If Round 3 is about establishing identity, this is where it starts to show.