Frankston Basketball’s storied court 5 hosted its final Masters (Over 35s) game at 8:00pm on a cold Sunday evening, which marked the end of an era for the original stadium.
In a fitting send-off, long-time rivals Paperboys and Physio’s Delight battled it out, with Paperboys securing a 49–41 win. While the scoreboard told one story, the real significance of the night was written in the decades of history, with players from both sides sharing stories and soft drinks after the game.
FDBA President Tim Bower, suiting up for Physio’s Delight, recorded two fouls and—by unofficial tally—zero points, but claims many “important plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet,” in true Masters spirit.
On the other side, FDBA Life Member Peter Lawler, 75, was on hand to support the Paperboys. Though he didn’t play in this match, Peter has been a mainstay of Frankston’s Masters basketball for decades.
Court 5 first opened to the public on March 9th, 1979 – and over the years has played host to thousands of players, referees, and fans. Some recalled watching Frankston Bears NBL games on the same court back in 1983—a time when Frankston was part of the national league.
Players and referees shared stories and laughs after the game, recognising the special place court 5 holds in the heart of the association. The event also served as a celebration of those who have helped shape Frankston Basketball, many of whom have been involved for multiple decades.
Reflecting on the game and what’s to come, President Tim Bower said:
“It was great playing in the last ever Masters game held on court 5 as we say goodbye to our old stadium and commence construction on a new state-of-the-art facility we so thoroughly deserve.”
The game marks a symbolic milestone, as Frankston Basketball prepares for the region’s biggest-ever infrastructure project: the long-awaited redevelopment of the Seaford stadium, with construction beginning June 30th, 2025. The project will include new courts and a 1,000-seat show court, ushering in a new chapter for one of Victoria’s most vibrant basketball communities.
President Tim Bower remained tight-lipped about whether he would make a return to the court after the two-year project is complete. Sources say that the speed in which Tim used to grace the courts at Frankston has diminished significantly and the “R” (retirement) word has been circling over his head.
More to come…