An All-Melbourne NBL grand final a real possibility

As if Hawthorn’s winning of the premiership, the Storm’s stellar season, and the Victory’s recently-acquired premiership plate were not enough, Melbourne sports fans may be in store for another piece of silverware before too long.

The NBL finals series is just around the corner, and the two Melbourne-based sides – the South Dragons and Melbourne Tigers – are comfortably sitting first and second, respectively, on the NBL ladder.

Nobody, it seems, is looking like challenging them.

There were claims pre-season that the Tigers – because of their “stacked” roster – would be “unbeatable”. Ironically, it became apparent early on, despite all that talent, that no player was suited to playing point guard.

On top of that, injury scares to Sam Mackinnon (blood clots) and Chris Anstey (a “mystery illness”) added to the club’s frustrations. The Tigers maintained a healthy record, but fell way short of expectation.

It wasn’t until a sudden roster shake-up that things changed.

Mackinnon was sidelined and import Rod Grizzard was dumped. In their place, Dave Thomas and Luke Kendall were brought in.

Since the moves, the Tigers are now sitting on a seven-game win streak. They even managed to overcome their cross-town rivals, the Dragons, for the first time this season on Australia Day.

The South boys were also hyped up before a ball had been thrown in anger, but were content living in the shadows of the Tigers.

Since, they’ve held top spot for the majority of the season. Joe Ingles has shown he can stand up when it counts, Mark Worthington has been a standout and the side’s depth is the envy of many a rival club.

Another side that could, until recently, be a consistent performer worthy of challenging for the title is the New Zealand Breakers.

Yes, folks, a team from New Zealand are actually doing something in an Australian league. And if you’re not entertained by that notion, then the back court combination of MVP candidate Kirk Penney and CJ Bruton may just do the trick.

But the rise of the Tigers has seemed to have coincided with a decline for the Breakers. Since the month began, they’ve gone 1-5. That included losses to the lowly Wollongong Hawks and Sydney Spirit.

Three other sides are almost-certain to round out the top six.

The Townsville Crocs and Perth Wildcats are squabbling over fourth place, which is likely to determine which of the two will have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

But both sides appear a fair way behind the pack. Nothing more than a tight semi final – in the mould of the Wildcats’ clash with the Sydney Kings last year – should be expected.

The Adelaide 36ers look likely to lock up sixth place. Despite the fire in the belly caused by Julius Hodge’s controversial departure, you’ve got to doubt whether they can push deep. Their next few games may reveal more, however.

If the Breakers can work their way out of free-fall, then an instant challenger will be created. If the Crocs, Wildcats or Sixers can generate a fairytale run, then an instant challenger will be created.

But right now, those are pretty big if’s.

The Tigers have finally gotten their act together. The Dragons aren’t showing signs of slowing down. Nobody, as of just over two weeks prior to the playoffs, is sticking their hand up to challenge them.

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