Spectres Set for Tough Road Test Against Falcons

The 2025 NBL1 South season tips off this Saturday night, with the Nunawading Spectres hitting the road to take on the Waverley Falcons in what promises to be a blockbuster Round 1 matchup.

Women’s Preview: Spectres Look to Make a Statement

The Nunawading Spectres women’s squad faces a tough first test against the defending NBL1 South and NBL1 National Champions. Waverley will unveil their championship banners pregame, adding extra energy to what is already set to be a high-intensity contest.

Returning captain Rachel Antoniadou leads a strong core, including Taia McMechan, Taylah Schmidtke, Zoe Shanahan, Rachel Brewster, Izzy Feller, Jordan Pyle, and Kate Tanner. However, the Spectres will be without promising forward Zoe Shanahan, who signed with Pepperdine University over the summer but is sidelined due to injury.

New additions bring excitement and depth to the roster. Teagan Potter, a standout from the Spectres’ U18 program, is set to make her NBL1 debut. Laina Snyder arrives from the championship-winning Tauranga Whai in New Zealand’s Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league, where she competed against Spectres Head Coach Paul Flynn, who was at the helm of the Mainland Pouakai. Snyder brings championship pedigree and a strong inside-outside game.

Faith Dut, a 6’4” powerhouse from the University of Florida, adds much-needed size and defensive presence to the Spectres’ frontcourt, addressing an area of need in recent seasons. Gracie Roberts-Hare (Southern Hoiho, New Zealand) and Natalie Kerian (Spectres Youth) further bolster the team’s depth.

For Nunawading to upset the reigning champs on their home floor, they’ll need to disrupt Waverley’s rhythm early and capitalize on their new-found interior presence.

Men’s Preview: A New-Look Spectres Ready to Challenge

The Spectres men’s team enters 2025 with a refreshed roster and a point to prove, facing a strong Waverley Falcons squad in Round 1.

Returning players Jack Gandolfo, Joe Mutimer, Christian D’Angelo, Daniel Baxter, Curtis Brecko, Nic Tata, and Dihan Wiggett provide continuity, while a talented group of new faces looks to elevate the squad. Nic Tata rejoins the team after spending the NBL season with Melbourne United, bringing valuable experience to the lineup.

The frontcourt receives a major boost with the arrival of BJ Mack II from the University of South Carolina. His size and strength in the paint will be pivotal against a physical Waverley team. Meanwhile, Cameron Cranston, a crafty left-handed shooter from Western Oregon University, will stretch the floor and provide a consistent perimeter threat.

Tristan Devers returns to his junior club after a stint in NBL1 North with the Brisbane Capitals. Having spent the last two years with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL, Devers adds high-level experience and versatility to the backcourt. Another key addition is Abe Nyok, a former Spectres junior who played with Kilsyth last season. Luke Liesegang (Camberwell Big V) rounds out the roster, adding depth and toughness.

Waverley is always a tough opponent, especially on their home floor, but the Spectres’ blend of experience and exciting new talent sets the stage for a thrilling contest.

Game Night Details

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Waverley Basketball Stadium
Women’s Tip-Off: 6:30 PM | Men’s Tip-Off: 8:30 PM

The stage is set for an electric opening night. Can the Spectres spoil Waverley’s championship celebration and start their season on a high? Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed evening of NBL1 South basketball.