21st May 2025
Author: Maree DeGeorge
We’re halfway through the 2026 Big V season, and if the opening months are anything to go by, the race to finals is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Across the competition, several teams remain undefeated heading into the second half of the season, with every division beginning to build its own storylines, rivalries and genuine contenders.
And this weekend, all eyes turn to one blockbuster the Division One Women’s showdown.
Two undefeated teams. One court. Early-season bragging rights on the line.
Melbourne University and Altona, both sitting at 7-0, will meet in one of the biggest matchups of the season so far, with both sides quickly establishing themselves as serious championship contenders.
Melbourne University have made a huge impression under new head coach and current Assistant and Technical Coach for the WNBL’s Bendigo Spirit Josiah Smith, playing with high energy and consistency throughout the opening half of the year. Off-season additions Lana Hollingsworth and Ai Yamada have added even more class to an already talented group, helping drive Melbourne Uni’s unbeaten start.
Standing opposite them will be an Altona side that continues to prove why they’ve been one of the strongest and most consistent programs in Big V over recent seasons.
Led by respected coach Randy Shanklin, Altona once again look balanced, experienced and incredibly tough to beat. The addition of star Kobe Tehau King-Hawea has only strengthened a group that already had strong foundations in place.
With both teams still undefeated, this weekend’s clash already feels like a genuine finals preview.
In Championship Men, Hume City have stormed out to a perfect 9-0 start after falling just short as runners-up last season. There’s clearly plenty of motivation around the Bronco’s this year, with new Championship Men coach Simon Gray making an immediate impact after stepping up from the club’s Youth Men Program.
And the roster looks every bit as dangerous as their record suggests.
Former NBL and NBL1 player Robbie Heath has brought high-level experience and scoring power, Lachlan Wood has transitioned to Big V after competing in NBL1 South with Eltham last season, while the return of Ricardo Time continues to add another layer to a group determined to go one step further in 2026.
Over in Division Two Men, Sherbrooke are proving last year’s dominant season was no fluke.
After finishing runners-up in 2025, the club retained its core group and has come back even hungrier this season, racing to a 9-0 record under the guidance of highly respected coach Ryan Rooney, who continues to build one of the league’s strongest and most disciplined programs. Led by two-time league MVP Malik Potter, Sherbrooke’s continuity and chemistry have made them one of the benchmark teams in Division Two Men so far.
Few teams have turned more heads this season than Darebin’s Youth League Two Men.
After competing in Youth League Three Men last year, Darebin have embraced the challenge of moving up a division and haven’t looked back, opening the year with a remarkable 10-0 record. With ambitions of continuing their rise toward Youth League One, the group has played with confidence, energy and belief all season long.
Basketball Victoria’s Big V League Manager Andrew West said the opening half of the season has highlighted both the depth and talent across the league and strength of programs continuing to build year after year.
“It’s been fantastic to see so many teams come out with real purpose and consistency to start the season,” West said.
“What’s exciting is that every division has its own storylines developing. You’ve got experienced programs trying to go one step further, younger teams making statements, and every week the competition just keeps getting tighter.
“The atmosphere around the league has been outstanding and you can really feel the energy building as we head toward the second half of the season.”
While the undefeated starts have grabbed attention, what’s been just as exciting is how competitive the 2026 Big V season has been right across the board.
The race at the top remains tight, challengers are closing in, and every weekend is starting to reshape the ladder. With finals edging closer, the margin for error is only getting smaller.
If the opening half of the season has shown us anything, it’s that there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played, and plenty more twists still to come.
-Ends-
For all Media Enquiries
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
