First Nations Round
Eastern Suns vs Joondalup Wolves & Goldfields Giants

First Nations Round takes centre stage this weekend.

The weekend begins on Saturday night with the Suns Men travelling to Arena Joondalup for a crucial clash against the Wolves before both teams return home on Sunday to host the Goldfields Giants at The Furnace.

Following a tough outing against Cockburn, both Suns teams will be eager to respond. The Men are looking to re-enter the top four, while the Women will take confidence from an outstanding performance against the reigning champions as they continue their push up the ladder.

A special weekend. Three important games. Plenty to play for.

FORM GUIDE

The Suns Men enter First Nations Round sitting fifth on the NBL1 West ladder with 11 wins after last weekend’s loss saw them slip outside the top four. Despite the result, they remain firmly in the finals race and have another opportunity to strengthen their position this weekend.

The Suns Women continue to show significant improvement, producing one of their strongest performances of the season against the reigning champion Cockburn Cougars. While they sit on four wins, the group continues to prove it can match it with the competition’s best.

Saturday’s opponents, the Joondalup Wolves, continue to be one of the league’s benchmark teams. Their Men hold a 13-win record after defeating Perry Lakes by 11 points last weekend.

Sunday’s visitors, the Goldfields Giants, have won five games this season, including a victory over the Suns earlier in the year. The Giants Men edged past East Perth by seven points last weekend, while their Women sit sixth on the ladder with eight wins despite falling to the Eagles.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Men vs Joondalup Wolves

The Suns Men were involved in one of the highest-scoring games of the season when they last met the Wolves, eventually falling 124–118 in a thrilling contest.

Joe Cook-Green continued his outstanding form with 34 points, while Terrandus Smith added 26 points and five steals. Marley Sam again showcased his all-round game with 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds as the Suns pushed Joondalup right until the final buzzer.

Women vs Goldfields Giants

The Suns Women fell 84–64 to the Giants after Goldfields raced out to a fast start. Despite the early deficit, the Suns responded strongly and remained competitive throughout the remainder of the contest.

Trista Hull was outstanding, producing a dominant double-double with 25 points and 18 rebounds while also recording three assists, two steals and three blocks. Gabriela Bronson continued her consistent season with 11 points and six rebounds, while Alyssa Bowen added nine points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Men vs Goldfields Giants

The Suns Men were edged out 79–76 in another tightly contested matchup with the Giants.

After leading heading into the final quarter, the Suns were unable to hold off Goldfields’ late charge. Marley Sam led the way with 22 points, eight assists and four steals, while Hayden Price recorded an impressive double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Terrandus Smith also made a significant impact with 16 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

The game also marked Reece Maxwell’s 350th SBL/NBL1 appearance, recognising his remarkable contribution to the Eastern Suns program.

ONES TO WATCH

The Suns Women will take enormous confidence from last weekend’s performance against Cockburn, where they controlled large periods of the game against the reigning champions. If they can bring that same defensive intensity and composure, they’ll be well placed to challenge another quality opponent.

For the Men, expect a determined response after narrowly missing out last weekend. With top-four positions on the line and two important games ahead, the Suns will be looking to bounce back and continue their push towards finals.

First Nations Round.

A celebration of culture.

A huge weekend of basketball.

With a Saturday night road trip to Joondalup before returning home to host the Goldfields Giants on Sunday, the Suns have two massive opportunities to build momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Let’s celebrate First Nations Round together and get behind the orange and black.