Unleashed: West Adelaide, Forestville for Central titles

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West Adelaide will win the women’s championship and Forestville to claim the men’s title in 2026, those are Burf and Caldi's predictions on the latest episode of NBL1 Central Unleashed

🎧 Listen Below

Women – clear top five emerging

• Both hosts agreed the women’s ladder appears split between a strong top five and developing bottom five.
• Eastern Mavericks were tipped to struggle after losing key contributors including Daisy Hawking and Morgan Yeager.
• South Adelaide was labelled an exciting but inexperienced group, likely to be competitive but turnover-prone.
• Sturt remains respected for continuity and defence, though another major signing may be required to challenge.
• North Adelaide has elite talent but depth and injury history remain concerns.
• Forestville was praised for roster balance and import recruitment.
• Woodville, the defending champion, was widely viewed as the strongest regular-season team on paper with Brittany Hodges headlining key additions.
• West Adelaide was tipped to peak late and ultimately win the championship behind its young core and strong coaching structure.

Predicted Women’s Champion: West Adelaide

Men – Forestville clear favourite, ladder volatile

• North Adelaide was projected to finish last after an underwhelming off-season roster build.
• Southern Tigers and Norwood were also placed in the bottom group due to scoring and depth concerns.
• Woodville divided opinion — one host had the Warriors missing finals, while the other backed their system and coaching to keep them in the top five.
• Eastern Mavericks were viewed as talented but inconsistent, particularly in fourth quarters.
• Sturt emerged as a wildcard depending on potential import recruitment and the return of key players mid-season.
• South Adelaide received a major boost in projections with the inclusion of Jeremy Smith.
• West Adelaide was considered a likely top-three side again despite significant roster turnover.
• Central Districts remained a contender based on returning core talent.
• Forestville was the consensus No.1, with Jordan Forbes joining a deep and experienced lineup expected to dominate the regular season.

Predicted Men’s Champion: Forestville

🎙 What To Expect This Season

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.