South East Melbourne Phoenix: Five things you need to know

• Founded in 2019 as Melbourne’s second NBL franchise
• Still yet to reach a Grand Final
• Searching for consistency and a winning identity

The South East Melbourne Phoenix entered the NBL in 2019, becoming the league’s second Melbourne based team. While no longer the newest team in the competition (that title belongs to the Tasmania JackJumpers), the Phoenix are still carving out their place in the league. With flashes of brilliance but no deep finals run yet, they're a team with potential waiting to be realised and to break out of the shadow of Melbourne United. The next few seasons will be crucial as the Phoenix look to establish a stronger winning culture, define what it means to wear their jersey, and be known not just as Melbourne’s second team, but as a contender in their own right.

2024-25 Season Summary 

• Record (16-13)
• Finish 4th (Eliminated in semi-finals)
• All NBL Selections: Matthew Hurt (First team)

2025 Off-Season Additions

• Akech Alir
• Daniel Foster
• DJ Mitchell
• Gorjok Gak
• Vrenz Bleijenbergh

South East Melbourne’s 2025 off-season has been one of quiet reshaping rather than headline-grabbing signings. The biggest blow came early, with the departure of star forward Matt Hurt, the team’s best player last season, who signed with a club in Italy. His exit leaves a major hole in the frontcourt and in the Phoenix’s offensive production. In response, the team has added a mix of role players and untapped potential, headlined by athletic Belgian forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh, known for his length, versatility and European flair.

The arrivals of Gorjok Gak and DJ Mitchell add size and hustle to the frontcourt, while Akech Alir and Daniel Foster bring depth and defensive prowess. While none of the additions replace Hurt’s individual impact, they suggest a team aiming to retool by committee and build a more balanced, high-effort roster. With questions still lingering around star power and offensive identity, South East Melbourne’s season may depend on how quickly these new pieces click.

Potential NBL26 Line-up

1. ‍PG: — | Owen Foxwell‍
2. SG: Nathan Sobey | Angus Glover | Daniel Foster (DP)‍
3. SF: — | Malique Lewis (NS)‍
4. PF: Vrenz Bleijenbergh (IP) | DJ Mitchell‍
5. C: Jordan Hunter | Gorjok Gak | Akech Aliir

Team History

The South East Melbourne Phoenix made their NBL debut in the 2019-20 season, launching the league’s first expansion franchise in over a decade. Their arrival brought a second Melbourne based team into the competition and they wasted no time making an impression. In their very first game, the Phoenix stunned the basketball world with a statement win over cross town rivals Melbourne United, immediately fuelling hopes of a fairytale first season.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix were officially founded in 2018, marking the return of a professional basketball team to the southeast region of Melbourne after the South East Melbourne Magic and Victoria Titans had previously represented the area in the 1990s and early 2000s. The Phoenix were created as part of the NBL’s expansion strategy, aimed at growing the league’s footprint and tapping into Melbourne’s strong basketball culture. The team was also seen as a natural rival to Melbourne United, forming the “Throwdown” rivalry, which has become one of the most anticipated matchups in the NBL.

The team’s name, Phoenix, symbolises rebirth and a new era for basketball in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne. With a strong management team led by owner Romie Chaudhari and head coach Simon Mitchell, the Phoenix set out to build a competitive roster that would quickly make them a contender in the NBL.

However, while the debut campaign began with a bang, it soon gave way to growing pains. Inconsistent play and a lack of depth saw the Phoenix fall down the standings, eventually finishing 8th and missing the finals. Still, the foundation was set and at the centre of it all was Mitch Creek. The former NBA forward became the face of the franchise, embodying toughness and swagger, and becoming their go to scorer. Across six seasons, Creek would earn five All-NBL team selections in Phoenix’s Green and White colours and serve as the cornerstone of their culture.

In just their second season, they made the finals, reaching the semi-finals in 2021 before being knocked out by Melbourne United in a fierce rivalry series. That would be the closest they came to a grand final appearance during Creek’s tenure.

South East Melbourne would return to the postseason in 2023, only to fall short in the play-in tournament. But it was last season with their 2024-25 campaign that the Phoenix truly showed what this team has the potential to be. After starting the season 0-5, the Phoenix staged a remarkable turnaround. Rallying behind interim coach Josh King, they clawed their way back into the playoff picture, finishing 4th.

In the play-in, they pulled off a stunning comeback win over the Adelaide 36ers, overturning a big half time point deficit and reigniting the hopes of their fanbase. Then, in the semi-finals, they pushed the eventual champions the Illawarra Hawks to a decisive game three, coming just one win shy of a grand final berth. 

Five Fast Facts

1. The Melbourne Derby is called the “Throwdown”
2. “The Phoenix” symbolises rebirth, referencing how they rose from the ashes of the now defunct South East Melbourne Magic
3. The SEM Magic won 2 grand finals in just their 7 year existence, both against the Melbourne Tigers/United
4. The Phoenix play their home games in 2 different arenas, the John Cain Arena which they share with Melbourne United and the State Basketball Centre
5. The Phoenix are playing against the New Orleans Pelicans in October in the first NBA/NBL game on Australian soil

Club Timeline

• ‍2019–20: Debut season‍
• 2020: Mitch Creek becomes franchise cornerstone.‍
• 2021: Reach semifinals and are eliminated by United‍
• 2023: Fall short in play-in tournament.‍
• 2025: Comeback win over Adelaide in play-in. Narrowly miss Grand Final

The Phoenix have had a pretty decent first six years in the league with by no means being able to call them the laughing stock of the league like some teams in their first decade. SE Melbourne’s NBL26 campaign should be an intriguing chapter in the franchise’s young story, not just about chasing wins, but about building something sustainable. With Matt Hurt and Mitch Creek gone, the spotlight now turns to a new mix of imports, emerging locals, and veteran leadership to carry the torch.

While questions remain about where the scoring will come from and whether the roster has enough top-end firepower, the Phoenix are eager to prove they are more than just Melbourne’s second team.