Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Ready to Re-Light the Fire Pit

South East Melbourne Phoenix will open the NBL23 season against the last season’s runners-up Tasmania JackJumpers when they re-light the Fire Pit on Saturday night.

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX Vs TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, October 1 at 6pm AEST
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix played the Blitz with their back-ups logging heavy minutes. With Mitch Creek missing all pre-season and then injuries to import duo Trey Kell and Gary Browne, as well as star Ryan Broekhoff, it left Alan Williams as the only starter on the floor.

With the signing of Zhou Qi this week, and players returning from injury, it will be a few weeks until the full roster can show their full potential.

Malcolm Bernard will come into the side as Kell’s injury replacement player until his return. While Tohi Smith-Milner is the nominated replacement player for Broekhoff and Owen Foxwell will replace Browne.

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers also have a couple of injury woes, Clint Steindl and Will Magnay will both miss with knee injuries. Tassie has ex-Phoenix development player Tristan Forsyth as their injury replacement player for Magnay.

(Creek will play his first game for the season.)

The Key Match Up

Mitch Creek v Jack McVeigh

This will be Creek’s first hit-out for the season after recovering from an ankle injury.

McVeigh's early season form saw him take out the MVP of the Blitz. The two former teammates will have a big say on the game's outcome.

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 2 – 1 Tasmania JackJumpers

Last time out – Rd 20, NBL22
Phoenix 80 – 84 JackJumpers

Phoenix
Creek 27p
Munford 17p
Le’afa 11p

JackJumpers
McVeigh 26p
Adams 23p
Magette 12p

(Williams is one to watch on Saturday night.)

The Difference Makers

Alan ‘Big Sauce’ Williams

Already a fan favourite, and a walking double-double, Williams will look to clean the glass at both ends and frustrate his opponents with his defensive presence.

Milton Doyle

The JackJumpers import looks to have the goods; he had a solid Blitz and plays hard on both ends of the floor. Stopping him will be high on the Phoenix coaches’ agendas.

The Entertainment

Doors Open – 5pm

This is a pre-game show you do not want to miss. The re-lighting of the Fire Pit will start Phoenix’s NBL23 campaign. The return of the Phoenix Flames will be a highlight, as will our Pep Band the Heartbeats. Fans should be in their seat at 5:48pm so they don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Make sure you get involved in our Firestarter moment just before tip-off. All Phoenix fans get off your seats and make some noise as the game starts. Stay on your feet until the band stops playing. Bring the energy!

At three-quarter time, one lucky fan will get the chance to shoot a half-court shot for a brand new MG.

If you attend the game and are a Phoenix member, you will get 10 entries for the chance to win a MG at the final home game.

(Make sure to be in your seats by 5:48pm for the pre-game entertainment.)

Quotes

“To see Phoenix fans, turn up on Game 1 and have our backs to a team that’s well organised and have been pretty set for well over a month now. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge for us, but we are looking forward to it and looking forward to seeing the green army there in the stands supporting us.” – Phoenix head coach, Simon Mitchell

“First home game of the season against the JackJumpers; obviously a team we very much respect. I thought personally just watching from afar on TV, they were the best team at the Blitz, and I think all pre-season. We expect the fans to come out in full force first game.” – Phoenix player, Mitch Creek

CLICK HERE to secure your tickets for Saturday night.

Phoenix Media (30/9/22)