SEABL basketball began a couple of weeks back and Albury/Wodonga Bandits played their first home game last weekend.
With a new look team and coach for both the men and women a big season awaits.
In recent years the Bandits have struggled to be competitive in what has become a strong winter fixture.
Last week's game saw new recruit Fernandez Lockett take the court and show his style.
With some great athleticism he stole the show for the local crowd however he wasn't the only highlight for the evening.
New Zealanders Antonia Edmondson and Lisa Wallbutton took the court for the Lady Bandits and of course the usual local stars chipped in to show some promise for the season ahead.
Go Bandits!
Trevor.
I was asked to go shoot some water polo last weekend and jumped at the opportunity.
Saturday consisted of junior grand finals while Sunday's games were preliminary finals for the seniors.
Water polo is a sport I've had nothing to do with in the past and only ever viewed the spectacle during the Olympic Games and other such events.
While expecting a tough hit out I was surprised by the physical nature of the game.
A lot obviously goes on under the water and the level of overall fitness required is something to be admired.
The Grand Finals take place this weekend and I was happy to be asked to return and cover those as well.
After being thrown in the deep end last weekend I'm pumped about the upcoming games and looking forward to some great images.
Trevor.
With a few personal dramas along the way I was unable to attend many games in the latter half of the NBL season.
I did however make it to the final game of the season.
This turned out to be game five of the grand final series.
Melbourne Tigers had managed to level the series at two games all and faced South Dragons at Hisense Arena.
On entry to the court it was obvious space was at a premium, not in the crowd but court-side for capturing images of the event.
Settling down at one end I began shooting.
The Tigers set out in an inspired fashion as was expected of such a class outfit.
The Dragons had other ideas and soon closed to gap to stamp their authority on the game.
As is now history they took the game in dominant style.
For my part it was a bittersweet experience having once followed the great Sydney Kings.
Without a team in the league I was forced to look elsewhere.
I'd originally liked the look of the Dragons but ultimately leaned towards the re-badged Sydney Spirit.
In this particular game my money was on the Tigers as I'd been made to feel very welcome at their home court, The Cage.
Despite my dilemma it was anything but a disappointing final.
The Dragons thoroughly deserved the win and as far as entertainment value goes it was right up there.
My photographic efforts now turn to SEABL and other local sports.
I'm hoping for a solid season for the Albury/Wodonga Bandits although some rebuilding has taken place.
Time will tell.
Trevor.
On Saturday 27th December the Tigers once again hosted the 36ers.
No different to last game?
Well this time a certain Julius Hodge was on the court!
I hadn't yet had the opportunity to see this man in action so I sat under the basket at the 36ers end and set about my work.
It wasn't long before Hodge began to show why some say he's the best player in the league at this point in time.
His energy alone was enough to guarantee the Sixers a win against the home side.
I had to keep an eye on him in order to snap any decent shots as I discovered early in the first where he made a beautiful steal and before I could lift the camera he executed a brilliant dunk!
Not impressed!
But then even when prepared for such a scenario his pace and uncertainty was hard to track.
All in all I was treated to one of the most exciting games so far this season.
The Tigers fought back valiantly in the third but were unable to overcome a regenerated Adelaide line up.
Adelaide are looking very dangerous for the last half of the season and I'm hoping for another crack at Julius Hodge before season's end.
Trevor.
Another great game was held on Saturday 20th December at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.
The Dragons, who are fast becoming the team to beat this season hosted the Crocodiles and it was shaping up to be a beauty with Townsville having beat South last time they met in Melbourne.
I found myself a nice spot under the basket at the Crocs end and started shooting with some great action from the word go.
I even stuck the 50mm 1.8 on the D700 to see how it performed and I have to say it did a great job.
It has to be the best value Nikkor lens on the market, not the fastest, but for what you pay you get one hell of a lens!
I found it focused fast enough to catch plenty of action, despite the lack of an AFS motor and there's never been any doubt about it's sharpness.
After the first quarter I changed back to the 70-200 and concentrated on some tight shots, a much tougher ask.
The game itself had everything, the Crocs leading in the first half, the Dragons coming back, the climax revealing a 4 point game.
The Dragons regained their pride and took the game out to the delight of the crowd.
This competition just gets tougher each week.
Whoever said basketball was dead in this country was dreaming, they just don't know where to look!
Trevor.
They say it never rains, it pours!
After driving through several hours of the wet stuff to reach the Cage this was just the scenario that faced me.
Fans poured into the venue, photographers poured onto the court and the game began like a torrent!
This was set to be the game of the season so far and didn't disappoint.
The Tigers came out hard as everyone expected given their last demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Dragons.
They looked like holding on, sneaking out to a big lead in the third term but Goorjian's boys stepped up the defensive intensity and drowned the Tigers on the floor of the Cage!
If anyone doubts the value of defense in a game of basketball go watch the Dragons and see how it's done.
When the going gets tough those Dragons certainly get going!
The pic shows a dejected Anstey as Burston takes him on on the way to the hoop, typical of the last quarter of play.
Trevor.
Well I finally made it back to Melbourne to photograph the Dragons and Hawks at Hisense Arena.
I've been looking forward to a Dragons game for a number of reasons, one of them being Brian Goorjian.
Here he is at his animated best appearing to be praying to the hoop Gods, or some other power after a call goes to the Hawks!
He's certainly a colourful character!
Both teams put on a display worthy of the trip down the Hume.
With the Hawks leading for the most part of the first half the Dragons regrouped and by the time the final term arrived had their measure and took out a hard fought win.
In a fast paced and physical encounter I dodged balls and players, cups of beer and thoroughly enjoyed the night.
Those Dragon boys just keep on keeping on!
Trevor.
SEABL basketball began a couple of weeks back and Albury/Wodonga Bandits played their first home game last weekend.
