South Starting Five – Round 9

Heritage Round takes centre stage across the NBL1 South this weekend, with clubs, players, officials and supporters celebrating the rich history that has helped shape basketball in the South

From throwback uniforms and classic rivalries to the return of a former star and a battle between two of the competition's most historic clubs, Round 9 provides plenty of storylines as the race towards finals continues to heat up.

1. Heritage Round honours generations of officials

Heritage Round is often remembered for the players and teams that helped build the game, but this weekend will also recognise those who have officiated it.

Referees across NBL1 South will wear heritage-inspired uniforms that pay tribute to the styles worn throughout the SEABL era, acknowledging the officials who have played an important role in basketball across the region for decades.

For long-time supporters, the throwback look will bring back memories of some of the most iconic moments from the SEABL years.

2. New and returning faces arrive across the South

With player eligibility deadlines fast approaching, Heritage Round shapes as an important weekend across the NBL1 South.

Clubs are continuing to finalise their rosters ahead of the run towards finals, with several new signings, returning players and fresh faces expected to appear throughout the competition.

While some additions have already been announced publicly, others may make their first appearances with little fanfare, making this a weekend where supporters should pay close attention to team sheets and box scores.

As the deadline approaches, clubs across both the men's and women's competitions are looking to strengthen their line-ups, with current and former NBL and WNBL players among those arriving throughout the league.

Whether it's players returning from overseas commitments, current NBL and WNBL talent joining their NBL1 South clubs, Australians returning home following college careers in the United States, or familiar faces making their long-awaited return from injury, Heritage Round could provide the first glimpse of players who may play a significant role in shaping the second half of the NBL1 South 2026 season.

If you're following the action this weekend, don't just watch the scores. Keep an eye on the names appearing in the box scores, because there may be a few new and returning faces making an impact across the South.

3. Clubs turn back the clock

Several clubs will celebrate their history through heritage uniforms throughout the weekend.

The Melbourne Tigers, Nunawading Spectres, Dandenong Rangers and Bendigo Braves are among the associations embracing throwback designs that recognise significant moments and eras from their past.

Heritage Round provides an opportunity for current players to wear colours that connect directly to former generations who represented their clubs. For supporters, it is a chance to relive memories of championship teams, club legends and some of the rivalries that helped define basketball across Victoria and Tasmania.

While the uniforms may look different, the pride in representing those clubs remains unchanged.

4. Tasmania rivalry renewed

There is always added significance when Tasmania's two NBL1 South clubs meet.

The Northern Force and Hobart Chargers will renew their rivalry this weekend in a matchup carrying importance across both competitions.

In the men's competition, Hobart enters the round at 7-6 and remains firmly in the finals race. Every victory becomes increasingly valuable as the Chargers attempt to climb back into the top eight and strengthen their postseason position.

For the Northern Force, the game represents an opportunity to claim local bragging rights and finish the first half of the season with momentum.

The women's matchup is equally important. Northern Force enters the weekend riding a five-game winning streak and sitting just outside the finals positions, while Hobart remains within striking distance despite a challenging run of results.

Whenever these two clubs meet, ladder positions often become secondary to state pride, and another passionate Tasmanian contest is expected.

5. Tigers and Spectres headline Heritage Round

Few matchups are more fitting for Heritage Round than Melbourne Tigers and Nunawading Spectres.

The two clubs share decades of history and remain among the most recognisable names in Victorian basketball. This weekend's clash also carries significant ladder implications, with Melbourne entering Round 9 atop the men's standings at 9-2 and Nunawading sitting third at 8-4.

The Tigers continue to be led by one of basketball's most famous surnames. Andrew Gaze has guided Melbourne back into championship contention, while son Mason Gaze remains a key contributor as the Tigers attempt to build on last season's run to the Grand Final. As Mason reflected during Heritage Round week, the connection between the Gaze family and the Tigers stretches back generations and remains central to the club's identity. 

Melbourne enters the contest on a four-game winning streak and looking every bit a championship contender, while Nunawading continues its pursuit of a top-four finish.

With two historic clubs, major ladder implications and Heritage Round celebrations surrounding the game, it shapes as one of the marquee contests of the season so far.