# Nunawading Spectres

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Melbourne-based basketball club

Nunawading Spectres Leagues NBL1 South Founded 1979 History NBL/WNBL: Men: Nunawading Spectres 1979–1986 Eastside Spectres 1987–1991 Women: Nunawading Spectres 1982–1991 SEABL/NBL1 Men: Nunawading Spectres 1990–present Women: Nunawading Spectres 1992–present Arena Nunawading Basketball Centre Location Burwood East, Victoria Team colors Royal blue, red, white Main sponsor Quest Burwood East Head coach M: Andrew Cutler W: Paul Flynn Championships Men: SEABL (1) 2011 NBL1 (1) 2019 Women: WNBL (6) 1983 1984 1986 1987 1988 1989 Conference titles Men: SEABL (3) 1995 2011 2014 Website NBL1.com.au

**Nunawading Spectres** is a [NBL1 South](/source/NBL1_South) club based in [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne), [Victoria](/source/Victoria_(state)). The club fields a team in both the Men's and Women's NBL1 South. The club is a division of Melbourne East Basketball Association (MEBA), the major administrative basketball organisation in the [City of Whitehorse](/source/City_of_Whitehorse). The Spectres play their home games at Nunawading Basketball Centre.

## Club history

### NBL/WNBL

Eastside Spectres logo (1987–1991)

In 1979, a Nunawading Spectres men's team entered the [National Basketball League](/source/National_Basketball_League_(Australia)) (NBL), joining nine other teams for the league's [inaugural season](/source/1979_NBL_season). In 1987, the team changed their name to Eastside Spectres and spent five years under that moniker before merging with the [Southern Melbourne Saints](/source/Southern_Melbourne_Saints) in 1992 to become the [South East Melbourne Magic](/source/South_East_Melbourne_Magic).[1] During their time in the NBL, the Spectres were two-time grand finalists, losing to [Launceston](/source/Launceston_Casino_City_Tigers) in 1981 and [Perth](/source/Perth_Wildcats) in 1991.[2]

Between 1982 and 1991, a Nunawading Spectres women's team played in the [Women's National Basketball League](/source/Women's_National_Basketball_League) (WNBL). The team won six championships in ten seasons under coach [Tom Maher](/source/Tom_Maher) and guard [Robyn Maher](/source/Robyn_Maher),[3] including four in a row between 1986 and 1989.[4] Following the 1991 season, the team's WNBL license was obtained by the [Dandenong Rangers](/source/Dandenong_Rangers).[5]

### SEABL/NBL1

In 1990, with the Eastside Spectres still a championship contender in the NBL, a Nunawading Spectres men's team re-emerged in the form of a [South East Australian Basketball League](/source/South_East_Australian_Basketball_League) (SEABL) franchise. In 1992, a Spectres women's team debuted in the SEABL.[6]

In 1995, the men's team collected their first title as they won the SEABL East Conference championship. The women's team were SEABL runners-up in both 2000 and 2008, while the men were conference runners-up in 1999 and 2004.[6]

In 2011, the men's team won their second conference title and their first [SEABL championship](/source/List_of_SEABL_champions) after defeating the [Bendigo Braves](/source/Bendigo_Braves) 88–61 in the grand final. Spectres guard [Shane McDonald](/source/Shane_McDonald) had a game-high 28 points to earn the MVP award.[7][8]

After finishing as conference runners-up in 2013,[9] the men's team won their third conference title in 2014 behind the likes of [Mitch Creek](/source/Mitch_Creek), [Tommy Greer](/source/Tommy_Greer), Shane McDonald, Simon Conn and Matt O'Hea.[10] They went on to lose 85–71 in the SEABL grand final to the [Mount Gambier Pioneers](/source/Mount_Gambier_Pioneers).[11]

In 2018, the Spectres men finished as SEABL runners-up after losing in the grand final to the [Hobart Chargers](/source/Hobart_Chargers).[12]

In [2019](/source/2019_NBL1_season), following the demise of the SEABL, the Spectres joined the [NBL1](/source/NBL1).[13] The men went on to win the championship with a 99–90 win over the [Bendigo Braves](/source/Bendigo_Braves) in the grand final.[14][15][16] The [NBL1 South](/source/NBL1_South) season did not go ahead in 2020 due to the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Australia).[17]

## NBL Season by season

NBL champions League champions Runners-up Finals berth

Season Tier League Regular season Post-season Head coach Finish Played Wins Losses Win % Nunawading Spectres 1979 1 NBL 3rd 18 13 5 .722 Did not qualify Barry Barnes 1980 1 NBL 4th 22 14 8 .636 Lost semifinal (St. Kilda) 77–101 Barry Barnes 1981 1 NBL 4th 22 13 9 .591 Won semifinal (West Adelaide) 74–71 Lost NBL final (Launceston) 54–75 Barry Barnes 1982 1 NBL 3rd 26 19 7 .731 Lost semifinal (Geelong) 59–71 Barry Barnes 1983 1 NBL 3rd 22 15 7 .682 Qualified round robin 2–1 Lost semifinal (West Adelaide) 77–84) Barry Barnes 1984 1 NBL 4th 23 14 9 .609 Won elimination final (Adelaide) 108–101 Lost qualifying final (Geelong) 91–115 Barry Barnes 1985 1 NBL 3rd 26 19 7 .731 Lost elimination final (Newcastle) 97–103 Barry Barnes 1986 1 NBL 9th 26 12 14 .462 Did not qualify Barry Barnes Eastside Spectres 1987 1 NBL 8th 26 13 13 .500 Did not qualify Barry Barnes 1988 1 NBL 8th 24 11 13 .458 Did not qualify Brian Goorjian 1989 1 NBL 7th 24 14 10 .583 Did not qualify Brian Goorjian 1990 1 NBL 2nd 26 18 8 .692 Lost semifinals (Brisbane) 0–2 Brian Goorjian 1991 1 NBL 2nd 26 17 9 .654 Won semifinals (North Melbourne) 2–0 Lost NBL finals (Perth) 1–2 Brian Goorjian Regular season record 311 192 119 .617 0 regular season champions Finals record 18 7 11 .389 0 NBL championships

As of the end of the **1991 season**

**Note: In 1983 and 1984, the NBL was split into Eastern and Western divisions during the regular season.*

Source: [Eastside Spectres Year by Year](https://web.archive.org/web/20040813075957/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.asp?s=giants_yearbyyear)

## Honour roll

NBL Championships: None NBL Finals Appearances: 8 (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991) NBL Grand Final Appearances: 1 (1991) NBL Most Valuable Players: None NBL Grand Final MVPs: None All-NBL First Team: Kent Lockhart (1989) All-NBL Second Team: Vince Hinchin (1987), Dean Uthoff (1988, 1989), Bruce Bolden (1990), Kent Lockhart (1990) NBL Coach of the Year: Barry Barnes (1980) NBL Rookie of the Year: Steve Lunardon (1986) NBL Most Improved Player: Darren Lucas (1988) NBL Best Defensive Player: None NBL Best Sixth Man: None

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Howell, Stephen (19 January 1992). ["The making of Melbourne Magic"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94421715/the-making-of-melbourne-magic/). *The Age*. p. 68. Retrieved 7 February 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Hickey, Matt (16 December 2021). ["The Nunawading Spectres: An Aussie basketball factory"](https://pickandroll.com.au/p/the-nunawading-spectres-an-aussie). *pickandroll.com.au*. Retrieved 11 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["ROBYN MAHER ON HER INCREDIBLE CAREER"](https://wnbl.basketball/blog/news/robyn-maher-on-her-incredible-career/). *wnbl.basketball*. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Tom Maher inducted to the FIBA Hall of Fame"](https://www.australia.basketball/news/3339285/tom-maher-inducted-to-the-fiba-hall-of-fame). *[Basketball Australia](/source/Basketball_Australia)*. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["History"](https://wnbl.basketball/southside/history/). *wnbl.basketball/southside*. Retrieved 11 March 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-media-guide_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-media-guide_6-1) ["SEABL 2017 Media Guide"](http://seabl.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SEABL2017_MediaGuide_COMPLETE2.pdf) (PDF). *SEABL.com.au*. p. 71. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Dole, Nathan (18 September 2011). ["Braves outmuscled in national championship final"](http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/718524/braves-outmuscled-in-national-championship-final/). *BendigoAdvertiser.com.au*. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Dole, Nathan (18 September 2011). ["Braves fall at last hurdle"](http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/718652/braves-fall-at-last-hurdle/). *BendigoAdvertiser.com.au*. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Pioneers net win in nailbiting south conference final"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-09/pioneers-net-win-in-nail-biting-south-conference/4945598). *abc.net.au*. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Hustwaite, Megan (8 September 2014). ["Young star lifts Nunawading Spectres over the line in South-East Australian Basketball League final against Geelong Supercats"](http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/sport/young-star-lifts-nunawading-spectres-over-the-line-in-southeast-australian-basketball-league-final-against-geelong-supercats/news-story/e6f9ace4637052e99f0523c8194ee191). *HeraldSun.com.au*. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Hill, Kate; Sneath, Gretel (15 September 2014). ["Championship win 'redemption' for Pioneers"](http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2014/09/15/4087588.htm). *ABC.net.au*. Retrieved 8 June 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["HOBART CHARGERS' DEFENCE SEES THEM WIN 2018 GRAND FINAL"](http://seabl.com.au/hobart-chargers-defence-sees-them-win-2018-grand-final/). *SEABL.com.au*. 18 August 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["NBL1 to Showcase Next Level of Australia's Basketball Talent"](http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/nbl1-to-showcase-next-level-of-australias-basketball-talent). *NBL.com.au*. 15 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Grand Final - Nunawading vs Bendigo"](https://nbl1.com.au/news/article/grand-final-nunawading-vs-bendigo). *NBL1.com.au*. 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Spectres vs Braves"](https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NBL1/1315906/bs.html). *FIBALiveStats.com*. 17 August 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["SPECTRES CHAMPIONSHIP ENDS BENDIGO FAIRYTALE"](https://www.nunawadingbasketball.com.au/spectres-championship-ends-bendigo-fairytale/). *nunawadingbasketball.com.au*. 20 August 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Arsenis, Damian (20 March 2020). ["2020 NBL1 season facing uncertainty as South teams withdraw"](https://pickandroll.com.au/2020-nbl1-season-facing-cancellation-as-south-teams-withdraw/). *pickandroll.com.au*. Retrieved 20 March 2020.

## External links

- [Nunawading Basketball's official website](https://www.nunawadingbasketball.com.au/)

- [Official NBL1 club website](https://www.nbl1.com.au/club/nunawading-spectres)

v t e NBL1 2025 NBL1 season Current teams South Conference Ballarat Miners Bendigo Braves Casey Cavaliers Dandenong Rangers Diamond Valley Eagles Eltham Wildcats Frankston Blues Geelong United Hobart Chargers Keilor Thunder Kilsyth Cobras Knox Raiders Melbourne Tigers Mount Gambier Pioneers Northern Force Nunawading Spectres Ringwood Hawks Sandringham Sabres Waverley Falcons North Conference Brisbane Capitals Cairns Dolphins (Women) Cairns Marlins (Men) Gold Coast Rollers Ipswich Force Logan Thunder Mackay Meteorettes (Women) Mackay Meteors (Men) North Gold Coast Seahawks Northside Wizards Rockhampton Cyclones (Women) Rockhampton Rockets (Men) South West Metro Pirates Southern Districts Spartans Sunshine Coast Phoenix Townsville Flames (Women) Townsville Heat (Men) Central Conference Central Districts Lions Eastern Mavericks Forestville Eagles North Adelaide Rockets Norwood Flames South Adelaide Panthers Southern Tigers Sturt Sabres West Adelaide Bearcats Woodville Warriors West Conference Cockburn Cougars East Perth Eagles Geraldton Buccaneers (Men) Goldfields Giants Joondalup Wolves Kalamunda Eastern Suns Lakeside Lightning Mandurah Magic Perry Lakes Hawks Perth Redbacks Rockingham Flames South West Slammers Warwick Senators Willetton Tigers East Conference Albury Wodonga Bandits BA Centre of Excellence Bankstown Bruins Canberra Gunners (Men) Canberra Nationals (Women) Central Coast Crusaders Hills Hornets Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders Illawarra Hawks Inner West Bulls Maitland Mustangs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Newcastle Falcons Norths Bears Penrith Panthers Sutherland Sharks Sydney Comets Associated National Basketball League Women's National Basketball League Big V Related Basketball Australia Others Champions

v t e Defunct National Basketball League teams Bankstown Bruins Canberra Cannons Devonport Warriors Eastside Spectres Forestville Eagles Frankston Bears Geelong Supercats Glenelg Tigers Gold Coast Blaze Gold Coast Rollers Hobart Devils Hunter Pirates Launceston Casino City Newcastle Falcons North Melbourne Giants Singapore Slingers South Dragons S.E. Melbourne Magic Southern Melbourne Saints Sydney Supersonics Townsville Crocodiles Victoria Titans West Adelaide Bearcats West Sydney Razorbacks

v t e Women's National Basketball League Current teams Adelaide Lightning Bendigo Spirit Canberra Capitals Geelong United Perth Lynx Southside Flyers Sydney Flames Townsville Fire Future teams Tasmania Jewels Defunct teams Adelaide City Comets Australian Institute of Sport Brisbane Blazers Catholic Young Men's Society (CYMS) Christchurch Sirens Coburg Cougars Geelong Cats Hobart Islanders Logan Thunder Melbourne Telstars Melbourne Tigers Noarlunga Tigers North Adelaide Rockets Nunawading Spectres South East Queensland Stars St. Kilda Saints Sutherland Sharks West Adelaide Bearcats Associated National Basketball League NBL1 Central NBL1 East NBL1 North NBL1 South NBL1 West Related Basketball Australia Women's Basketball Conference Others Awards Seasons Finals Grand Final MVP Players current rosters, international players

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nunawading Spectres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunawading_Spectres) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunawading_Spectres?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.