2023 PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PREVIEWS
It’s Premier League Grand Final Day, this Saturday with Premier 1 and Premier 2 deciders at Belconnen Basketball Stadium from 1.30pm.
To get you ready for what will be some MASSIVE games, here is our Premier League Grand Final Previews.
Prem 2 Women – Dodgers (1) v Rats (3) – 1.30pm
The Weston Creek Woden Dodgers return to the Premier League Grand Final, looking for redemption after coming runners-up in 2022. Dodgers secured the Minor Premiership in 2023 and booked their place in the Grand Final after a narrow 62-58 win over Canberra City Stallions in the Qualifying Final. Ginninderra Rats, who finished 3rd in 2023, had to go the long way, but were able to see off the defending champions, Vikings, in the Elimination Final, before edging out Stallions 70-69 in the Preliminary Final, to set up a doozy of a decider.
Players to watch – Penny Toledo-Ocampo has been an on-court leader for Dodgers all season, while Keira Mapley has been in top form for the Rats.
Prem 2 Men – Norths(2) v Vikings (1) – 3.30pm
It’s a Grand Final replay, with the defending Champions, Norths facing Tuggeranong Vikings in the Premier 2 decider in 2023. Vikings went into the Finals as Minor Premiers, but Norths took a leaf our of their Prem 1 side’s book, with a victory in the Qualifying Final. Vikings were able to re-group on-court in the Elimination Final with a solid win over Wests to book their spot. Similar to the Prem 1 Grand Final, it’s 1st v 2nd in what will be a cracker of a game.
Players to Watch – Jesse Tait has been solid on-court all season for the Minor Premiers, while Omar Moustakim is a key contributor to Norths success in 2023.
Prem 1 Women – Norths (2) v Rats (3) – 5.30pm
There must be something in the water around Yerrabi Pond, as Norths joined their P1 and 2 Men’s teams in claiming a Qualifying Final victory over the 2023 Minor Premiers, to cement their spot in the Prem 1 Women’s Grand Final. Meanwhile Rats have staved off elimination in two “all or nothing” Finals, with victory over ANU and Dodgers in consecutive weeks, to nail down their chance to defend their title.
Players to Watch – Bianca Dufelmeier has been an outstanding leader for Norths’ young array of stars, while Nikki Worner has shown equal amounts of experience and leadership for Rats.
Prem 1 Men – Norths (2) v Vikings (1) – 7.30pm
Norths’ has certainly unlocked the Premier League “cheat code” in 2023, after jumping Minor Premiers, Vikings in the Qualifying Final, to secure a spot in “the big dance”. Vikings were able to re-group in the Preliminary Final to outlast a gallant Ramblers, so that another defending champion will have a say in who will reign in 2023.
Players to Watch – Glenn Morison has continued his NBL1 East dominance for Vikings in Prem 1, while Mitch Robinson has channeled his Waratah League form into his on-court game for Norths.
Make sure you don your team colours, and get down to Belconnen Basketball Stadium this Saturday to cheer on your team. It will be a warm one, so drop into Oatley Burgers and Cafe for a cool drink (and some hot chips) and settle in.
The Molton Junior Premier League U12 Girls and Boys Grand Finals will act as a curtain raisers for Premier League on Saturday, before a full day of Grand Finals on Sunday – from 9.30am.
For those unable to attend, all games over the 2023 Premier League and Molton Junior Premier League Grand Final weekend will be live-streamed via Basketball ACT’s You Tube Channel. Head to You Tube by clicking below:
BACT You Tube Channel