NICKNAME/S: Moose

NBL EXPERIENCE

Ian Robilliard made his NBL debut with the City of Sydney Astronauts at 17 years of age. He scored eight points in his first game.

Ian Robilliard was a foundational member of the City of Sydney Astronauts in the inaugural 1979 NBL season, coached by Charlie Zammit. The team made history by taking part in the first-ever NBL game, a tight 68–65 loss to the Glenelg Tigers at the Apollo Entertainment Centre. David Leslie (25 points) led the Astronauts in scoring, with Ian Robilliard (8 points) and Claude Williams (8 points) also delivering productive outings.

City of Sydney dropped their first five games before finally breaking through in a nail-biting rematch against Glenelg (81–80). Robilliard again contributed efficiently with 9 points on 50% shooting, joining Claude Williams (16 points), Peter Donnelly (14 points), and Brad Dalton (12 points) in a balanced scoring effort. The Tigers were paced by Steve Sparrow (24 points) and Gerry Clarke (23 points).

The Astronauts found form soon after, riding a six-game winning streak that included key victories over Brisbane, Wollongong, and Canberra. David Leslie (20.4 points) and Claude Williams (14.7 points) carried the scoring load throughout the season, while Ian Andrews (10.8 points) offered impactful support in limited appearances.

Robilliard remained a steady contributor during the stretch, finishing the season averaging 5.9 points per game across 16 appearances.

However, Sydney’s form tapered off late in the season, as the Astronauts managed just one win from their final six games and ended the campaign on a three-game skid. They closed the year with an 8–10 record, placing seventh overall.

1980
In 1980, Ian Robilliard averaged 9.5 points per game as the City of Sydney Astronauts finished tenth on the ladder with a 7–15 record.

1981
Ian Robilliard was a reliable contributor for the Newcastle Falcons during a highly competitive 1981 NBL season under returning head coach Bob Turner, who had stepped back into the role after retiring as a player. Turner’s comeback coincided with a major roster shift, as high-scoring import Owen Wells joined the team to replace injured club legend Dave Ankeney. Wells made an immediate impact, leading the team in scoring and earning Newcastle’s first-ever All-NBL First Team selection.

Wells (24.4 points) was the focal point of the Falcons’ attack, supported by Carl Whitfield (17.7 points), Cal Stamp (12.4), Dan Riley (10.1), and Ian Robilliard, who played in 21 of the team’s 22 games and chipped in 7.8 points per outing in a secondary scoring role.

Newcastle posted a 13–9 record, with Turner earning NBL Coach of the Year honours for guiding the team through a strong campaign. However, the Falcons were heartbreakingly eliminated from playoff contention in a four-way tie scenario. Despite finishing equal on wins with West Adelaide, Nunawading, and Brisbane, Newcastle lost out due to an inferior head-to-head tiebreak record (2–4). The situation became even more complicated when ladder-leading St Kilda (17–5) withdrew from the Finals to compete in the FIBA Club World Cup. This reshuffle pushed Launceston to the top seed and bumped Brisbane into the fourth and final playoff spot, with the Falcons left just outside the postseason picture.

While the season ended in disappointment, Robilliard’s consistency and role within a balanced rotation helped solidify Newcastle as a top-tier team during one of the most unusual finishes in league history.

1982
The 1982 season marked a major shift for the Newcastle Falcons, with headlining additions including import duo George Morrow and Rodney Wright, as well as Australian Boomers swingman Ian Davies, fresh off a title run with Launceston. While Davies (20.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists) quickly became a central figure, Wright impressed early with 22.1 points and 4.5 rebounds across eight games before departing mid-season. Longtime Falcon and club scoring leader Dave Ankeney (8.9 points, 2.8 assists) was recalled to fill the gap.

George Morrow (25.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists) anchored the frontcourt with dominant two-way play and earned All-NBL First Team honours. The squad finished strong—closing the regular season with a five-game winning streak to reach a franchise-best 17 wins—but narrowly missed the playoffs under the league’s divisional format.

Among the supporting cast, Ian Robilliard quietly played an important role across all 26 games. The hard-working forward averaged 5.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, bringing physicality, hustle, and consistent energy off the bench. His contributions helped solidify the second unit and maintain stability through a season of transition.

With rookie guard Michael Johnson (14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds) emerging and veterans like Dan Riley (7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds) offering steady minutes, Robilliard’s presence was a key part of the Falcons’ strong overall depth during a landmark year.

1983
The 1983 NBL season ushered in a new era for the Newcastle Falcons, following the departure of club stalwart Bob Turner, who left to coach the Canberra Cannons. Denis Kibble was appointed head coach and tasked with steering the team through a newly structured league format that introduced Eastern and Western divisions and expanded the finals to include eight teams. Under this revised system, Newcastle reached the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Although the Falcons’ regular season record dipped slightly from the previous year to 13–9, it was enough to secure a postseason berth. Unfortunately, the playoff campaign was short-lived as the Falcons went winless in the divisional round-robin stage, suffering defeats to West Adelaide (93–86), Coburg (101–87), and Sydney (101–94).

While the spotlight shone on breakout guard Michael Johnson (21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds), All-NBL First Team big man George Morrow (20.9 points, 15.6 rebounds), and Boomers veteran Ian Davies (17.8 points, 4.9 rebounds), it was Ian Robilliard who quietly filled an important role on the wing. Appearing in all 25 games, Robilliard averaged 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while ranking among the team leaders in steals (1.7 per game) thanks to his relentless effort on the defensive end.

As the team evolved around its rising stars, Robilliard’s ability to impact games without needing high usage proved valuable. Whether cutting off passing lanes or initiating fast breaks with timely defensive stops, his contributions often flew under the radar but were crucial in supporting Newcastle’s transition into a playoff-calibre team.

1984
Ian Robilliard played a crucial role in the Newcastle Falcons’ best season to date in 1984, as the team underwent major changes under new head coach Dave Ankeney. A former club legend and the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Ankeney replaced Denis Kibble and immediately reshaped the roster around young star Michael Johnson, who had enjoyed a breakout year in 1983. The Falcons also overhauled their import pairing, moving on from George Morrow and Donnie Cruse in favour of athletic forward Jerry Dennard and powerful inside presence Jim Bateman.

Newcastle came out of the gates firing, winning their opening five games—including a marquee 91–80 upset over the 6–0 Brisbane Bullets. Throughout the regular season, the Falcons were locked in a tight three-way battle with Brisbane and Coburg for Eastern Division supremacy. Bateman (24.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals) was a dominant force on both ends, while Johnson (21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists) and veteran Ian Davies (19.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists) continued their strong form.

Robilliard elevated his game in 1984, delivering career-best numbers of 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 steals per game across all 26 appearances. His relentless defensive effort and ability to create turnovers made him one of the league’s most disruptive backcourt defenders, while his playmaking and transition scoring added consistent value throughout the year.

With just three games left, Newcastle remained neck and neck with their Eastern Division rivals. However, a costly 129–117 loss to the Adelaide 36ers allowed Brisbane to finish 19–5, while Coburg leapfrogged Newcastle for second place via point differential, despite both finishing with 18–6 records and a 1–1 head-to-head split. That outcome meant the Falcons would enter the playoffs in third place and face a sudden-death path.

In the elimination final, Robilliard was instrumental in Newcastle’s 108–101 victory over Illawarra, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in an all-around masterclass. He was supported by Davies (26 points), Johnson (23 points), and Bateman (21 points), as the Falcons shot 44% and won the rebounding battle 48–42.

The very next night, the Falcons were eliminated in a 132–109 semi-final loss to Coburg. Robilliard was again among the top contributors with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Wayne Carroll’s 29-point, 7-assist showing for the Giants. Coburg’s efficiency (46% FG and 25-of-29 FT) proved too much as Newcastle’s season came to an end.

Despite the abrupt playoff exit, Robilliard’s 1984 campaign was a standout both individually and collectively. His growth as a two-way threat helped drive the Falcons to an 18–6 record and their first ever playoff victory, marking a high point in Newcastle’s NBL history.

1985
Ian Robilliard was a dependable contributor for Newcastle during the 1985 season, averaging 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while also registering 1.7 steals across all 25 contests. The Falcons were led offensively by Michael Johnson (21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds), George Morrow (20.9 points, 15.6 rebounds), and Ian Davies (17.8 points, 4.9 rebounds), with Robilliard providing a steady presence off the bench and on the defensive end.

1986
Robilliard elevated his impact in 1986, boosting his averages to 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His all-around play was a highlight in a challenging campaign that saw the Falcons finish in tenth place with a 10–16 record.

SYDNEY KINGS
1989
After not playing in the NBL for two seasons, Robilliard joined the newest Sydney franchise, the Sydney Kings, Robilliard delivered 6.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 1989. His veteran leadership helped the Kings secure a 15–9 regular season record and a solid fifth-place finish.

1990
In 1990, Robilliard contributed 6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game for a Kings team that finished sixth on the ladder with a 16–10 record.

1991
Robilliard’s role diminished in 1991, but he still appeared in key moments, averaging 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists as Sydney slipped to a seventh-place finish with a 14–12 record.

Ian Robilliard played eleven seasons across three NBL teams. This included the City of Sydney Astronauts, Newcastle Falcons and Sydney Kings. He averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 274 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (836 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.