STANLEY MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix set for Taipans home opener

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX v. CAIRNS TAIPANS
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, September 20 at 5:30pm
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The Phoenix will Relight the Fire Pit with returning Phoenix favourite Dane Pineau set to light up the stadium and kick off the season.

South East Melbourne has retained their core local group from NBL25, with Nathan Sobey, Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover, Owen Foxwell and Next Star Malique Lewis all returning.

With a full pre-season under his belt, head coach Josh King has brought a defence-first mentality to his squad. 

New imports John Brown III and Hunter Maldonado add size, versatility and grit to complement the locals.

After falling just one game short of a championship series last season, the Phoenix produced a strong pre-season, finishing 4-2. They’ll be looking to carry that momentum into Round 1 as they chase their maiden championship.

The Taipans, meanwhile, enter NBL26 with plenty of change. After parting ways with their coach at the end of last season, they’ve welcomed Adam Forde back to the helm. They’ve also retooled their roster, bringing in marquee local Jack McVeigh and well-travelled NBL import Marcus Lee.

The two sides clashed in pre-season at the State Basketball Centre, where the Phoenix ran out 22-point winners. That said, the Taipans were undermanned on the night, so this will be a very different contest.

Both sides will be desperate to start their campaigns on the right note.

Getting hyped for tomorrow’s game! 🔥

🎟️ https://t.co/bXgUuVVSvi pic.twitter.com/pHuVIE9UNx

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) September 19, 2025

TEAMS

Phoenix

Daniel Foster returns to the team after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the Blitz. Akech Aliir will remain out of the side due to personal reasons. He will be replaced by DP Ellis Biggar. Pat Ryan has been elevated to full roster in the interim, while the club looks to sign their final import spot.

Taipans

The Taipans will be without key centre Sam Waardenberg due to ankle surgery. They will also be without new import Andrew Andrews and Mawot Mag (ankle).

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Mean Machine: JB III

Coach Josh King has been clear about building a defence-first squad, and John Brown III is the centrepiece of that plan. Fans have already had a glimpse of his impact during the pre-season, but expect him to step it up when the real games begin. If Brown can anchor the defence and disrupt opposition offences, he’ll quickly put himself in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 11-8 Taipans

Last time out – Rd 16, NBL25
Phoenix 113-102 Taipans

Phoenix
Hurt 33p
Sobey 31p
Wieskamp 16p

Taipans
Bannan 23p
Armstrong 20p
Bradshaw16p

GAME DAY HUB

The Phoenix are back at the Fire Pit for their first game of NBL26. With the AFL Preliminary Final also on at the MCG, the precinct will be buzzing - so make sure you’re across all the key game day information by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.