After winning their first NBL1 East title last Sunday, The Bears head to Adelaide to compete against Australia’s best.

The Norths Bears are headed to an inaugural National Finals series, representing the NBL1 East, and their passionate North Sydney fanbase. They now face a new challenge - Adelaide, the nation’s best NBL1 teams, and the opportunity to make Norths history.

This season’s NBL1 National Finals are hosted in South Australia, with games being held across courts at the State Basketball Centre, Adelaide between Friday 21st August and Sunday 23rd August. Each of the six teams will participate in an initial fixture on Friday, based on their current NBL1 ranking. Teams are then re-ranked heading into the second day, based on Round One results and points percentage. The two teams sitting top after two games will advance to Sunday’s Championship Game.

The goal for the Norths Bears… three wins in three days, delivering a National Championship banner to the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre.

*Featured image: Aaron Camua/@aaron.camua*

So, how did they get here?

Whilst last Sunday’s Grand Final win was the highlight of their season, the Bears managed 22 games prior and there was plenty to smile about in their 16-4, 2nd place regular season finish.

The saying ‘It takes an army’ lies deep with this team, with each of the 15 rostered players taking to the court across the season, and each member of the coaching staff leading at least one game as well.

Four NBL champions. Nine Norths juniors. A National team head coach. And a whole lot of grit, grind and passion.

The Bears enjoyed a great statistical season at home, dropping only the one game in The Cave to the COE. It was in this same venue that the Bears averaged 90.6 points per game, while only conceding an average of 75.9 points per game, setting the standard across the league.

Their dominance didn’t end at home either, as they carried a 7-3 record on the road, continuing to score the basketball freely, and proving they can win anywhere.

Despite adding marquee firepower in Fabijan Krslovic and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, it was Norths junior and recently returned college four man, Lachie Bofinger that had a breakout season for the Norths Bears in 2026. The much-anticipated return of last season’s NSBA MVP, Hunter Goodrick, proved to be the perfect late season boost for the Bears as they closed out their NBL1 East campaign by lifting the championship banner.

Who will they face?

The Norths Bears (#1 - NBL1 East) will open their National Finals campaign against the Frankston Blues (#5 - NBL1 South) on Friday at 4pm local time (ACST).

The Blues enter the tournament as the NBL1 South champions, having finished the regular season with a 15-7 record in fourth place before producing an impressive Finals run to claim the conference title.

Amongst the mix, they could potentially face the following teams in the later rounds.

#2 - Forestville Eagles - NBL1 Central - 16-2 record, 1st place finish.

#3 - Rockingham Flames - NBL1 West - 18-4 record, 2nd place finish.

#4 - Gold Coast Rollers - NBL1 North - 14-2 record, 2nd place finish.

#6 - Canberra Gunners - NBL1 East - 12-8 record, 6th place finish. (last season’s NBL1 National Finals winner)

How to watch?

Each of the seven NBL1 National Finals games will be streamed live and free via Kayo Freebies.

Tickets can still be purchased HERE for those wanting to catch the action in-person.