21
May
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DJ taking Sturt's 9-0 record for Saturday spin
DJ Vasiljevic drives to the bucket. The Sturt Sabres are preparing for a blockbuster showdown with South Adelaide this weekend. Photo: Dan Cowley | @imagesby_dan
DJ Vasiljevic enters South clash determined to prove Sturt remain NBL1 Central’s benchmark.
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The latest episode of NBL1 Central Unleashed focused on the halfway point of the NBL1 Central season as Caldi and Burf revealed their mid-season power rankings, discussed major roster moves and previewed a huge Round 9 schedule across the men’s and women’s competitions.
🎧 Listen Below
Key Takeaways
West Adelaide women emerge as runaway title favourites
The Bearcats were unanimously ranked No.1 in the women’s power rankings after opening the season 9-0 with an average winning margin of more than 30 points.
The hosts praised the impact of Morgan Yaeger, the Hodges sisters and West Adelaide’s league-leading defence while declaring no team currently appears capable of matching their depth and pressure.
Nick Marshall signing headlines major roster news
Former Tasmania JackJumpers wing Nick Marshall is set to join West Adelaide’s men’s program in one of the biggest mid-season signings in NBL1 Central.
The move comes as the Bearcats sit just outside the finals race, with the hosts believing Marshall’s athleticism and shot creation could immediately reshape the club’s second half of the season.
South Adelaide vs Sturt becomes game of the season – Watch the Game here with Bounce Pass
The panel identified Saturday night’s men’s clash between South Adelaide and undefeated Sturt as the biggest matchup of the year so far.
South Adelaide’s seven-game winning streak and elite offensive form has the Panthers tipped to hand the Sabres their first loss of the season, with Jeremy Smith and DJ Vasiljevic framed as the league’s two premier stars entering the showdown.
Forestville men continue to set defensive benchmark
Forestville were ranked the No.1 men’s team in current form after allowing the fewest points in the competition and integrating Jelly Fam into an already loaded roster.
The hosts described the Eagles as the most consistent team in the league and the side every championship contender must measure themselves against.
Norwood and Woodville women rising fast
Both teams received strong praise during the women’s power rankings, with Woodville winning four straight games while Norwood continue to surge behind Kelly Clark and Maddie Hinton.
Their Round 9 clash at St Clair was labelled one of the most important games of the weekend with major finals implications already developing
🎙 What To Expect – NBL1 Central Unleashed will continue to deliver:
- Weekly ladder predictions
- Insider roster discussion
- Player interviews
- Honest assessments (even when uncomfortable)
- The best analysis in the league
If you follow NBL1 Central closely, this is your weekly must-listen.
🎧 Tune in above and stay across all NBL1 Central coverage at basketball.com.au
About NBL1 Central Unleashed Hosts
Chris “Caldi” Caldicott is a long-time basketball lifer and co-host of NBL1 Central Unleashed. Having been involved in South Australian club basketball since 1993 and previously serving as an assistant coach in NBL1 Central, Caldi brings decades of experience and strong relationships throughout the league. His insider perspective helps the podcast deliver fast-paced conversations, behind-the-scenes insight, and relatable stories about the players, coaches, and clubs that make NBL1 Central one of Australia’s most passionate basketball communities.
Jake “Burf” Burfitt is the co-host of NBL1 Central Unleashed and one of the lead play-by-play commentators for the NBL1 Central league in South Australia. Having represented the state as a commentator at the NBL1 National Finals, Burf brings a professional broadcasting perspective and deep understanding of the game. With strong connections across all 10 clubs in the league, he delivers accurate insight and informed analysis on the players, teams, and storylines shaping the competition. Known for his calm, factual approach, Burf provides the perfect balance to co-host Caldi’s explosive energy, helping drive thoughtful and engaging basketball conversations each episode.
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