The Frankston Blues Men are through to their first NBL1 South Grand Final after producing a huge second-half comeback to defeat the Melbourne Tigers 82–79 at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
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Frankston trailed by 11 at the main break and by as many as 12 early in the third quarter before turning the game around. Two huge triples from Tom Garrett late in the third helped swing the momentum back Frankston’s way and set up the final-quarter charge.
The Blues held Melbourne to just 26 second-half points and took control in the fourth, with three clutch free throws from Jack Stanwix helping seal the result in the closing seconds.
Dibaji Walker led the Blues with 19 points and six rebounds, while Austin Shelley continued his strong finals campaign with 18 points, including nine in the final frame, as Frankston made its charge. Jeremy Combs added 14 points and eight rebounds before fouling out late.
A huge travelling Frankston contingent also made its presence felt at MSAC. Armed with the traditional pots and pans and plenty of voice, Blues supporters did everything they could to make life uncomfortable for an excellent Melbourne side and drown out an intense home crowd.
A massive thank you to every Blues supporter who made the trip and got behind the team.
After reaching the semi finals in 2022 and 2023 and the preliminary final in 2024, the Blues have now broken through to the NBL1 South championship game.
Grand Final Preview: Frankston Blues vs Eltham Wildcats
One game remains.
Frankston will face the Eltham Wildcats at the State Basketball Centre with the NBL1 South championship on the line – and we want to see the stands packed in Blue.
The Wildcats got the better of Frankston in their only meeting of the regular season, winning 95–81 at Eltham back in April. The Blues found themselves chasing the game early, trailing by 17 at half-time, and will know that a much sharper start will be required on Saturday.
Eltham showed just how dangerous they can be from outside in that meeting, with their captain Samuel Whelan knocking down six of seven three-point attempts on his way to a season-high 21 points.
They have threats across the floor. American import TJ Weeks has averaged 18 points per game this season, while young gun Zak Cunningham has produced 16 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. NBL veteran Mitch McCarron brings another level of experience and playmaking, averaging 12 points and six assists, while Harrison Hornery showed his ability to change a game off the bench with 11 points in just 15 minutes against Frankston earlier this season.
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In 2026, the Blues have proven their ability to respond when challenged.
They survived against a fast-finishing Knox in the Qualifying Final, before overcoming an 11-point half-time deficit against the regular season champion Tigers in the Preliminary Final. Austin Shelley has continued to take on increased ball-handling responsibility alongside captain Lucas Barker, while Walker and Combs have provided Frankston with consistent scoring and physicality.
Jeremy Combs and Tom Garrett both battled foul trouble for much of the Preliminary Final, which limited their minutes and impact at times. The Blues will be hoping to have both on the floor for longer stretches in the Grand Final.
Walker enters the decider following his team-high 19 points against Melbourne, while Shelley added 18 and Combs 14. Frankston will again be looking for contributions across the board as they attempt to turn the tables on Eltham.
Frankston has spent the past few seasons knocking on the door. Now, there is one opportunity left to finish the job and secure the club’s first major senior men’s silverware since the 2009 SEABL South Conference title.