North Melbourne Giants Secure First NBL Title in Thrilling 1989 Season
MELBOURNE, Australia – The North Melbourne Giants etched their name in Australian basketball history on October 20, 1989, clinching their first-ever National Basketball League (NBL) championship. The Giants triumphed over the Canberra Cannons in a tightly contested best-of-three series, marking the culmination of the league’s 11th season.
The 1989 NBL season tipped off on April 20, featuring 13 teams from across Australia vying for the coveted title. Each team battled through a grueling regular season, playing 12 games both at home and on the road. The top six teams advanced to the playoffs, setting the stage for a dramatic postseason showdown.
The playoff structure saw teams ranked third through sixth compete in the quarter-finals. The third-place team faced the sixth-place team, while the fourth-place team battled the fifth-place team. The winners of these matchups then advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced the top two teams from the regular season. All playoff rounds were contested in a best-of-three format, adding to the intensity and excitement.
The Canberra Cannons finished the regular season in first place with 18 wins and 6 losses, earning them a top seed in the playoffs.The North Melbourne Giants secured the second seed with a 17-7 record.
The adelaide 36ers, Perth Wildcats, Melbourne Tigers, and Sydney Kings rounded out the top six, securing their spots in the quarter-finals.
The Grand Final series saw the North Melbourne Giants face off against the Canberra Cannons. As the source article notes, “In the final, the North Melbourne Giants in the Best-of-three-Serie Power against the Canberra Cannons in two games and thus achieve their first championship title.”
The Rise of Australian Basketball
The 1989 NBL season highlighted the growing popularity and talent within Australian basketball. The league provided a platform for local players to develop their skills and compete at a high level, while also attracting international talent to enhance the competition.
The success of the NBL has contributed to the overall growth of basketball in Australia. Increased participation at the grassroots level has led to a deeper pool of talent, with more australian players making their mark in international leagues, including the NBA.
However, a counterargument often arises regarding the financial sustainability of smaller NBL teams and their ability to compete with wealthier clubs. Maintaining a level playing field through salary caps and revenue sharing is crucial to ensure the league’s long-term health and competitiveness. Moreover,continued investment in youth development programs is essential for nurturing the next generation of Australian basketball stars.
The following table outlines the teams that participated in the 1989 NBL season, their home cities, venues, capacities, and head coaches:
| Team | City | Venue | Capacity | Head Coach |
|———————-|————————-|—————————-|———-|—————–|
| Adelaide 36ers | Adelaide, South Australia | Apollo Stadium | 3,000 | Gary Fox |
| Brisbane Bullets | Brisbane, Queensland | Brisbane Entertainment Center| 13,500 | Brian Kerle |
| Canberra Cannons | Canberra, ACT | AIS Arena | 5,200 | Steve Breheny |
| Eastside Spectres | Melbourne, Victoria | Burwood Stadium | 2,000 | Brian Goorjian |
| Geelong Supercats | Geelong, Victoria | Geelong Arena | 2,000 | Barry Barnes |
| Hobart Devils | Hobart, Tasmania | Derwent Entertainment Centre| 5,400 | Tom Maher |
| illawarra Hawks | Wollongong, NSW | Illawarra Basketball Stadium| 2,000 | Dave Lindstrom |
| Melbourne Tigers | Melbourne, Victoria | The Glass House | 7,200 | Lindsay Gaze |
| Newcastle falcons | Newcastle, NSW | Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium| 2,200 | Ken Cole |
| North Melbourne Giants| Melbourne, Victoria | The Glass House | 7,200 | Bruce Palmer |
| Perth Wildcats | Perth, Western Australia | Perth Superdome | 4,500 | Alan Black |
| Sydney Kings | Sydney, NSW | State Sports Centre | 5,006 | Bob Turner |
| Westside Saints | Melbourne, Victoria | Keilor Stadium | 2,000 | Colin Addee |
The final standings after the regular season:
| Pl. | Team | Gaming | Siege | Defeats | Siegquote | Points+ | Dot | point difference | Home balance | Away balance sheet |
|—–|————————-|——–|——-|———|———–|———|——|——————|————–|——————–|
| 1. | Canberra Cannons | 24 | 18 | 6 | 75,00 % | 2736 | 2580 | +156 | 10:2 | 8:4 |
| 2. | North Melbourne Giants | 24 | 17 | 7 | 70,33 % | 2993 | 2701 | +292 | 11:1 | 6:6 |
| 3. | Perth Wildcats | 24 | 16 | 8 | 66,67 % | 2681 | 2660 | +21 | 11:1 | 5:7 |
| 4. | Melbourne Tigers | 24 | 16 | 8 | 66,67 % | 2802 | 2620 | +182 | 8:4 | 8:4 |
| 5. | Sydney Kings | 24 | 15 | 9 | 62,50 % | 2471 | 2489 | -18 | 9:3 | 6:6 |
| 6. | Adelaide 36ers | 24 | 15 | 9 | 62,50 % | 2778 | 2668 | +110 | 10:2 | 5:7 |
| 7. | Eastside Spectres | 24 | 14 | 10 | 53,85 % | 2527 | 2454 | +73 | 9:3 | 5:7 |
| 8. | Brisbane Bullets | 24 | 11 | 13 | 45,83 % | 2563 | 2492 | +71 | 7:5 | 4:8 |
| 9. | Westside Saints | 24 | 8 | 16 | 33,33 % | 2522 | 2648 | -126 | 5:7 | 3:9 |
| 10. | Hobart Devils | 24 | 8 | 16 | 33,33 % | 2566 | 2757 | -191 | 6:6 | 2:10 |
| 11. | Illawarra Hawks | 24 | 7 | 17 | 29,17 % | 2826 | 2929 | -103 | 5:7 | 2:10 |
| 12.| Newcastle Falcons | 24 | 6 | 18 | 25,00 % | 2649 | 2799 | -150 | 5:7 | 1:11 |
| 13. | Geelong Supercats | 24 | 5 | 19 | 20,83 % | 2445 | 2722 | -277 | 3:9 | 2:10 |
Scott Fisher of the North Melbourne Giants was awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal as the Grand Final Series MVP.
FAQ: Understanding the NBL and Australian Basketball
Q: What is the NBL?
A: The National basketball League (NBL) is the premier professional men’s basketball league in Australia and New Zealand.It features teams from major cities across both countries and showcases top basketball talent.
Q: How does the NBL playoff system work?
A: Typically, the top teams from the regular season qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs usually involve a series of elimination games or series, culminating in a Grand Final to determine the league champion. The exact format can vary from season to season.Q: Are Australian basketball players in the NBA?
A: Yes, there have been and continue to be several successful Australian basketball players in the NBA. Names such as Andrew Bogut, Ben Simmons, and Josh Giddey demonstrate the talent coming from Australia.
Q: What is “best of three-modus?”
A: “Best of three-Modus” refers to a playoff series format where teams must win two out of three games to advance to the next round or win the championship.
Q: How can I follow the NBL?
A: You can follow the NBL through the league’s official website, social media channels, and various sports news outlets. Many games are also broadcast on television and streaming services.
Which area do you think the NBL should invest in the most to elevate their ability and level of competitiveness?
Exclusive Interview: Bruce Palmer Reflects on North Melbourne Giants’ 1989 NBL Championship Triumph
Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Bruce. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The echoes of the 1989 NBL season, and especially the North Melbourne Giants’ championship win, still resonate with fans. As the head coach of the giants at that time, can you take us back to that exceptional season?
Bruce Palmer (Former Head Coach, North Melbourne Giants): Thank you for having me. It was a season brimming with excitement and, frankly, a lot of hard work. we knew we had a talented squad, but to see it culminate in a championship victory against the canberra Cannons was truly special.
Archyde News Editor: The regular season saw a grueling schedule of 12 home and 12 away games. Your team finished second, just behind the Canberra Cannons. What strategies did you employ to lead the Giants to success throughout the season and prepare them for the playoffs?
Bruce Palmer: We focused on a multifaceted approach. First, we emphasized player progress. We made sure our players were well-conditioned, analyzed team and individual performance data, and enhanced their skills. Secondly, we heavily invested in team cohesion. A united front, on and off the court, was paramount. Lastly, we carefully analyzed the competition.We scouted every opponent and tailored our game plan to exploit their weaknesses.
Archyde News Editor: The playoffs were intense,with all rounds in that best-of-three format. What were the key moments or games, from your perspective, that defined the Giants’ championship run?
Bruce Palmer: The entire playoff run created memorable gameplay.getting past the perth Wildcats in the semi-finals was a massive test of our resolve. The series against the Canberra Cannons in the final was a physical and emotional battle. Each game was a cliffhanger; but the pivotal win in the second game was all that was needed, giving us the championship title. Scott Fisher’s performance in the final was also crucial and well-deserved as the Grand Final Series MVP.
Archyde News Editor: The 1989 season also showcased the budding talent and the growing popularity of Australian basketball. how do you see the impact of that season on the sport’s trajectory in Australia?
Bruce Palmer: It was a watershed moment, indeed.The success of the NBL at the time helped boost participation at the local level, making a professional run in Basketball an achievable dream. We witnessed a rise in support and talent. The league provided a platform for our local players to shine and an avenue for top international talent to compete. That blend accelerated the growth of basketball in this country.
Archyde News Editor: Looking back, what do you think the other NBL teams could have done to be more competitive? Do you think that initiatives like salary caps would have helped?
Bruce Palmer: The landscape then was heavily reliant on the club’s ability to scout and recruit talent. Other factors that were out of the team’s hands were financial backing and resources. Addressing a team’s finances could have helped smaller NBL teams compete, and those financial structures would have aided in team performance along with salary caps and revenue shares.
Archyde News Editor: The article mentions the ongoing discussion regarding the sustainability of smaller teams. From your perspective, how crucial is maintaining a level playing field for the long-term health of the NBL?
Bruce Palmer: It is indeed absolutely critical. Without proper support and backing in the competition, it makes it tough for teams to develop the talent needed to take their team to the next level. Encouraging financial structures is a must. Without them, the success of Australian basketball faces the threat of a decline in quality and sustainability.
Archyde News Editor: And Bruce, what advice would you give to the aspiring young player of today dreaming of an NBL or even an NBA career? What are the most crucial aspects of becoming a champion?
Bruce Palmer: Work hard, believe in yourself, and never stop learning. Basketball, like life, is a journey. Resilience, discipline, and a genuine love for the game are essential ingredients. Find great mentors, and surround yourself with solid people. Be focused, be patient, and have fun. The rewards are worth it.
Archyde News Editor: Bruce,thank you for your insights. It’s been a privilege to reminisce with you about the Giants’ amazing 1989 season.
Bruce Palmer: The pleasure was all mine.
Archyde News Editor: We are interested in your thoughts to help develop the future of Australian Basketball. Which area do you think the NBL should invest in the most to elevate their ability and level of competitiveness? Let us know in the comments below!
