South Starting Five - Round 8

Round 8 of the NBL1 South 2026 season arrives with major community recognition, emotional tributes, high profile roster additions and one of the league’s most popular themed nights returning to the calendar.

Here are this week’s Starting Five storylines to watch.

1. NBL1 South celebrates National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is being recognised across Australia this week, with Basketball Victoria celebrating the volunteers and community members who continue to shape basketball across the state.

As part of the 2026 Basketball Victoria Service Awards, volunteers were acknowledged for 15, 25, 35, 50 and 60 years of continuous service to the game, recognising generations of contribution across clubs, associations and local communities.

From coaches, referees and scorebench officials to venue managers, administrators and committee members, volunteers remain at the heart of basketball communities throughout Victoria.

NBL1 South thanks all volunteers across the league and wider basketball community whose passion, time and commitment continue to help the game grow every single week.

2. Diamond Valley honours Brian Harvey

Sunday afternoon’s Kayo Freebies Game of the Week carries extra significance as the Diamond Valley Eagles host the Bendigo Braves while officially unveiling the Brian Harvey Showcourt at Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre.

A Life Member of the Diamond Valley Basketball Association, Harvey played a major role in shaping the association and broader Victorian basketball community over several decades.

From founding the renowned Civic League and helping establish the Great Australian Shootout, to supporting wheelchair basketball, venue development and grassroots programs, Harvey’s impact stretched across all levels of the game.

He also played a key role in the growth of Diamond Valley basketball, the association’s entry into the CVIBL and the partnership that formed the Northeast Melbourne Arrows.

The connection to Sunday’s matchup also runs deeper, with Harvey’s family continuing to hold strong ties to the Bendigo Braves program through both his son Ben and granddaughter Mia, who remain heavily involved within the Bendigo basketball community.

The unveiling will serve as a fitting tribute to one of Victorian basketball’s most respected and influential figures as the Eagles and Braves meet on Sunday afternoon in front of a big home crowd at Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre.

3. Major signings continue to arrive across the league

Clubs continue adding talent to their rosters heading into the second half of the NBL1 South 2026 season, with several high profile signings arriving this week.

The Dandenong Rangers announced the addition of former WNBA player and current WNBL import Haley Peters, bringing elite international experience to the Rangers lineup.

Peters has competed across the WNBA, Europe, Mexico and the WNBL following a decorated collegiate career at Duke University, where she earned All ACC Second Team honours and helped lead the Blue Devils to multiple conference championships.

Dandenong Head Coach Jaysn Harvey described Peters’ experience, professionalism and versatility as a major addition for the Rangers both on and off the court.

With finals races beginning to tighten, clubs across the competition continue searching for the extra pieces that could shape the remainder of the season.

4. Megan Mullings joins Frankston

One of the league’s standout imports is set to arrive in NBL1 South this weekend, with Megan Mullings joining the Frankston Blues fresh off a championship winning season in the United Kingdom.

Mullings helped lead the Sheffield Hatters to the Super League Basketball championship while producing one of the most decorated individual campaigns in recent memory, claiming League MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All First Team and All Defensive Team honours.

She was also part of championship winning teams across both the league and playoffs, cementing herself as one of the competition’s premier two way players.

NBL1 South fans will already be familiar with Mullings following her previous stints in the league, including helping the Ringwood Hawks win the 2022 NBL1 South Women’s Championship.

Most recently in NBL1 South, Mullings averaged 16.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with the Launceston Tornadoes during the 2025 season.

Her arrival provides a major boost for Frankston heading into an important stretch of the year.

5. Kilsyth’s Retro Night returns

One of the league’s favourite themed events returns this weekend as the Kilsyth Cobras host Retro Night at Kilsyth Sports Centre.

The Cobras will take the floor in throwback 90’s uniforms as they host the Melbourne Tigers in another highly anticipated edition of the event.

Retro Night has become a fan favourite across the NBL1 South calendar, combining basketball, entertainment and nostalgia into one of the competition’s most unique game night experiences.

Fans will once again have the opportunity to take part in the popular Retro Night catwalk, with supporters encouraged to dress in their best 70’s, 80’s and 90’s outfits.

With themed entertainment, activations and prizes planned throughout the evening, another huge crowd is expected at Kilsyth Sports Centre.