Game Day Preview vs. SEM Phoenix

Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne Phoenix

7:30pm, Monday 21^st September

MyState Bank Arena

Watch live on ESPN via Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo or Fetch

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SEASON OPENER

The Tasmania JackJumpers will take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix in front of a home crowd on Monday night in the team’s first game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

It’s the first time that JackJumpers fans can see a born and bred Tasmanian rostered player in the green-jersey, with Taran Armstrong taking to the court for a home-town-hero moment.

The JackJumpers have nine returning players this season and three new faces including Armstrong, Ben Gold and Dakota Mathias.

Who will take the court for the team’s first hit-out is in the hands of the coaches, who have a couple of game day decisions resting on their shoulders.

Assistant Coach Mark Radford said Ben Ayre was out as he continued to recover from a hip flexor injury, and questions over the availability of Josh Bannan and Anthony Drmic.

“There’s some game time decisions, Drmic has a grumbly back and JB (Bannan) has a little back muscle around the rib that is improving, he could be a chance to play but we’ll see,” Radford said.

“As for the starting five, there’s still some thoughts around the combination. One thing we’ve got this year is depth, and matching guys to play with other guys is important just as much as who we’re matching up against on the opposition.”

The JackJumpers are gearing up for the season after finishing 6^th in NBL26, with two losses at Blitz and a draw against the Sydney Kings in a pre-season game. The Phoenix notched up two wins at the Blitz over the Kings and Bullets, on the back of finishing 3^rd in NBL26.

The Phoenix will be playing two-games in NBL27 round one, with the team taking on the Perth Wildcats in Perth on Saturday night, September 19.

The last time the teams clashed here at home, the JackJumpers defeated the Phoenix  87 to 84 on December 29, 2025. The Phoenix and the JackJumpers last encounter in NBL26 was at John Cain Arena on February 14, with the Phoenix winning 120 to 104.

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INJURIES

Tasmania JackJumpers

OUT: Ben Ayre (Hip Flexor)

Josh Bannan and Anthony Drmic (game time decision)

South East Melbourne Phoenix
OUT:

MYSTATE BANK ARENA – BAG CHECKS

MyState Bank Arena will be conducting bag checks for this event, in line with NBL and WNBL requirements, for your safety and expedited entry to the venue. Backpacks and large bags are not permitted; handbags are welcome and will undergo a contactless screening on entry. There is no cloakroom or storage facility for backpacks or large bags at the venue, and patrons carrying these will be required to return them to their vehicle before entry. Exceptions will be made for guests with medical necessities and small childcare/nappy bags (with an accompanying infant/child), subject to inspection.

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CONCOURSE INFORMATION

Head to the MyState Bank Arena external concourse from 5.30pm to enjoy activities and give aways from the JackJumpers and our commercial partners.

Pre-game activities will include;

• Meet the Tasmania Jewels Mascot: Queenie

• Face painting

• Temporary Tattoos and Glowsticks

• Chemist Warehouse Giveaways

• Basketball at our Hoops Trailer, thanks to SRT

• St Lukes Activities and Giveaways

• JMC Vehicles on display

• Slick Branding games and giveaways

• Clappers, thanks to Tyrepower

• Ant Army Merchandise Display

• JackJumpers Merch Stall