NICKNAME/S: Mahervellous

BIO: Brett Maher was born in Adelaide (SA) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Sturt basketball program where was spotted playing for the Sturt Sabres in the Australian Basketball Association. His outstanding form soon saw him earn a contract with the Adelaide 36ers. Maher received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 1989. He spent three years year there and played for the program’s state league team (1989, 1990, 1991).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Brett Maher made his NBL debut with the Adelaide 36ers at 18 years of age. He scored 11 points in his first game.

Local favourite and former captain Darryl Pearce (to North Melbourne) left Adelaide following the 1991 semifinal run, while head coach Don Shipway retained captain Mark Davis, import point guard Butch Hays, Mark Bradtke, Mike McKay, Graham Kubank and Mick Corkeron.

Shipway added 18-year-old Brett Maher (via AIS), Jerry Dennard and 18-year-old Paul Rogers, while Adelaide left Apollo Stadium and moved into the new 8,000-seat Clipsal Powerhouse at Findon, where the club sold 6,000 memberships on opening day and every home game was played before a sell-out crowd.

Adelaide opened the Powerhouse on April 4 with a 106-84 victory over North Melbourne, where Brett (11 points) came off the bench and made an immediate impact in his NBL debut.

Maher (6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 23 games) averaged almost 26 minutes per game and provided Adelaide with another ball-handler in the backcourt during his rookie season.

The opening victory was followed by seven consecutive losses, with Maher (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) producing his best performance of the slide as Adelaide fell 116-102 to South East Melbourne at the Powerhouse on May 16.

Shipway was also suspended for four games, reduced to two on appeal, after slapping a spectator during a timeout in Adelaide’s road loss to Hobart.

Maher (12 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 1 steal) delivered another strong performance on May 29, although Brisbane escaped the Powerhouse with a 100-98 victory.

His next major performance came on June 27, when Maher (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made five of ten shots and his only three-point attempt as Gold Coast edged Adelaide 92-91 at Carrara Stadium.

Bradtke (20.1 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks across 17 games) had become the competition’s leading rebounder and established himself as the NBL’s best local big man before the league stopped for the Barcelona Olympics.

In his final Adelaide appearance on July 17, Bradtke (43 points and 25 rebounds) produced career highs against Geelong at the Powerhouse.

After Bradtke and McKay (18.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) represented Australia at the Olympics, Bradtke (to Juver Murcia) accepted a deal reportedly worth $200,000 to finish the year in Spain, leaving Adelaide without its starting centre for the remainder of the season.

Davis (23.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) again led Adelaide in scoring and rebounding, while Hays (21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.2 steals) directed the offence and carried much of the backcourt workload.

Kubank (8.6 points and 1.2 steals) and Dennard (5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds) provided the next level of support, while the teenage Rogers appeared in five games during his rookie season.

Davis won Adelaide’s club MVP award and claimed a record fifth Woollacott Medal, while also becoming an Australian citizen and completing his final NBL season classified as an import.

Without Bradtke, the 36ers were unable to replace his production inside and remained outside the playoff positions entering their final game.

Adelaide closed the season at Geelong on September 12, where Maher (18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) delivered his best game of the year alongside McKay (33 points), Hays (27 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Davis (25 points, 22 rebounds, and 3 assists), while Bobby Locke (32 points) led the Supercats as the 36ers won 115-99 and finished ninth with an 11-13 record.

1993
Following two consecutive losing seasons, Adelaide replaced head coach Don Shipway with American Don Monson and lost Mark Bradtke (to Melbourne), Butch Hays (to Illawarra) and Graham Kubank (to Townsville), while captain Mark Davis, Mike McKay, Brett Maher and Jerry Dennard returned to the Clipsal Powerhouse.

Monson added Boomers captain Phil Smyth (via Canberra), Willie Simmons (via Canberra), Scott Ninnis (via South East Melbourne), Chris Blakemore (via AIS) and import Paris McCurdy as the 36ers attempted to return to the playoffs.

Adelaide opened the season on April 18 with a 118-105 road win over North Melbourne, where Brett (3 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) came off the bench while Scott (36 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists), Phil (24 points and 7 assists), Paris (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Mike (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the 36ers, while Jason Reese (39 points and 18 rebounds), Paul Maley (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and former Adelaide captain Darryl Pearce (20 points, 4 assists, and 6 three-pointers) were best for the Giants.

Maher (8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 26 games) established himself as a regular member of Adelaide’s backcourt during his second season, increasing his playing time to more than 22 minutes per game.

After nine games, McCurdy (12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals) was released and replaced by David Robinson, giving Adelaide another scoring and rebounding option in the frontcourt.

Davis (22.8 points and 12.9 rebounds) led Adelaide in scoring and finished as the NBL’s leading rebounder, while Ninnis (19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals) became the team’s main perimeter scorer after returning from two seasons in Melbourne.

Robinson (18.3 points and 8.9 rebounds), McKay (13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals), Smyth (10.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Blakemore (5.7 points and 4.9 rebounds) rounded out the main rotation.

On May 16, Maher (12 points and 3 assists) provided one of Adelaide’s few bright spots during a 121-88 road loss to Canberra, delivering his highest-scoring game over the opening month of the season.

Maher (11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) made five of eight shots against Townsville on June 25, but the Suns came from behind to defeat Adelaide 105-103 at the Powerhouse.

His best game came on July 4 during the highly anticipated return of the former Adelaide centre, with Maher (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) leading the 36ers’ offensive revival before half-time as Adelaide defeated Melbourne 109-94 in front of a hostile sell-out crowd.

Mark (26 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists), David (21 points) and Scott (19 points) also played key roles in the victory, while Andrew Gaze (22 points) led the Tigers as Adelaide pulled away behind its defence during the fourth quarter.

Ninnis was named the NBL’s Most Improved Player after producing the best season of his career, while Blakemore won Rookie of the Year honours during his first season with the 36ers.

Adelaide closed the regular season on September 18 with an 86-84 loss to South East Melbourne, where Maher (6 points and 4 rebounds) contributed from the bench as the 36ers finished seventh with a 14-12 record and returned to the playoffs.

The quarterfinal series opened at the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Maher (8 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists), Davis (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Robinson (21 points and 6 rebounds) and McKay (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Adelaide, while Tony Ronaldson (30 points and 6 rebounds), Robert Rose (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bruce Bolden (18 points and 9 rebounds) carried the defending champion Magic to a 99-93 win.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Maher (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Davis (28 points and 17 rebounds) and Robinson (20 points and 9 rebounds) could not prevent the Magic completing the sweep, with Ronaldson (23 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Bolden (21 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) leading South East Melbourne to a 102-87 win.

1994
David Robinson and Jerry Dennard were not retained after Adelaide’s quarterfinal exit, while Don Monson left the coaching role after one season, leaving captain Mark Davis, Scott Ninnis, Mike McKay, Phil Smyth, Brett Maher, Chris Blakemore and Willie Simmons as the main returning players.

New coach Mike Dunlap strengthened the undersized roster with reigning NBL MVP Robert Rose (via South East Melbourne) and 6’8″ forward Andrew Svaldenis (via Hobart) as Adelaide chased its first Grand Final appearance since 1986.

Adelaide opened the season at Carrara on April 8, where Brett (3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) contributed from the starting lineup and Robert (26 points) led the scoring, but Gold Coast held on for a 95-92 win.

Maher (13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals across 33 games) established himself as a full-time starter during his third NBL season, playing 33.7 minutes each game while shooting 46.2 per cent from the field, 46.7 per cent from three-point range and 83.3 per cent at the free throw line.

His best game came the following night in Newcastle, where Maher (19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 7-of-13 shots and four three-pointers, while Robert (28 points) and Scott (17 points) also contributed as Adelaide edged the Falcons 95-93, with Derek Rucker (22 points) and Terry Dozier (19 points) leading Newcastle.

Maher (13 points and 7 rebounds) provided support for Mark (30 points and 11 rebounds) and Robert (26 points and 5 rebounds) during a 110-74 home win over Wollongong on June 24, while former 36er Butch Hays (21 points) was the Hawks’ best.

On August 27, Maher (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal) made two three-pointers and all four of his free throws as Adelaide defeated Sydney 96-83 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, with Mark (24 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists), Robert (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Chris (17 points and 8 rebounds) also contributing, while Leon Trimmingham (31 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Mario Donaldson (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Kings.

Maher (13 points and 3 steals) helped Adelaide defeat Gold Coast 102-90 on September 16, with Mark (40 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Chris (15 points and 9 rebounds) leading the 36ers, while Matthew Reece (22 points) and Tony De Ambrosis (22 points) were the Rollers’ best.

Adelaide closed the regular season on September 24, where Maher (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) equalled his season-high scoring performance as Robert (26 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 steals), Chris (22 points and 12 rebounds) and Mark (19 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 steals) led the 36ers to a 107-76 win over Canberra, while Jason Reese (16 points and 19 rebounds) and Justin Withers (14 points and 16 rebounds) were the Cannons’ best.

The victory left Adelaide fourth with an 18-8 record after finishing level with South East Melbourne but falling behind the Magic on percentage.

Rose (22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.6 steals across 29 games) became Adelaide’s leading scorer, while Davis (20.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 32 games) finished second in the NBL in rebounding and led the league in offensive rebounds.

Blakemore (13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds across 33 games) produced a breakout season, while Ninnis (12.6 points and 1.4 steals across 33 games), McKay (8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds across 31 games), Smyth (6.6 points and 1.2 steals across 33 games) and Svaldenis (4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 32 games) rounded out Adelaide’s main rotation.

Rose won Adelaide’s club MVP award, ending Davis’ run of winning the honour every year from 1985 through 1993, although Rose was surprisingly overlooked for the NBL All-Star Game.

Blakemore was named the NBL’s Most Improved Player after increasing his production from 6 points in 19 minutes per game to 13 points in 33 minutes, while Davis and Rose were selected to the All-NBL Second Team.

Adelaide also received a record fine for alleged salary-cap breaches, but the off-court setback did not prevent the 36ers entering the playoffs as one of the league’s strongest teams.

The quarterfinals opened in Brisbane, where Rose (34 points) helped Adelaide build a 99-92 lead inside the final two minutes, but Shane Heal (42 points) hit the three-pointer which forced overtime and Leroy Loggins (30 points) helped the Bullets recover for a 116-105 win.

Game two moved to the Powerhouse, where Maher (7 points and 5 rebounds) contributed as Davis (37 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Rose (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Adelaide, while Loggins (29 points and 9 rebounds) and Andre Moore (17 points and 13 rebounds) were Brisbane’s best before the 36ers levelled the series with a 99-91 win.

Maher (17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) delivered at both ends in the deciding game, applying constant defensive pressure to Heal while Davis (26 points and 18 rebounds), Rose (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Smyth (12 points) led Adelaide, with Heal (20 points and 6 rebounds), David Colbert (18 points) and Loggins (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals) leading Brisbane as the 36ers won 101-84.

The semifinals opened at the Powerhouse, where Maher (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Rose (18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and McKay (17 points) led Adelaide, while Andrew Gaze (30 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals), Lanard Copeland (24 points and 7 rebounds) and Mark Bradtke (19 points and 16 rebounds) were Melbourne’s best in a 101-88 win for the 36ers.

The victory came at a major cost when Davis (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) grabbed a defensive rebound during the third period and dislocated his right shoulder after Dave Simmons attempted to swat away his long outlet pass but collected his arm instead.

Game two moved to Melbourne without Davis, where Maher (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Rose (21 points and 7 rebounds), Blakemore (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals), Smyth (17 points and 3 steals) and Svaldenis (16 points and 12 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Gaze (25 points and 10 assists), Copeland (25 points) and Simmons (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists) were strongest for Melbourne as the 36ers won 110-101 and completed the sweep.

The Grand Final opened at the Powerhouse, where Davis returned following intense physiotherapy and Maher (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped Adelaide recover from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit, while Rose (33 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 steals) carried the offence as the 36ers forced overtime after tying the game at 84-84.

Paul Maley (25 points and 12 rebounds), Darryl McDonald (17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Paul Rees (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led North Melbourne, with McDonald hitting the winning shot as the Giants claimed game one 95-93.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Maher (15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers and Rose (31 points and 7 rebounds) again led Adelaide, while Davis (4 rebounds and 1 steal) was held scoreless in 16 minutes due to his injured shoulder.

Maley (21 points and 10 rebounds), Rees (20 points and 7 rebounds on 7-of-7 shooting) and McDonald (11 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals) led North Melbourne to a 117-97 win, with Rees named Grand Final MVP as the Giants completed the 2-0 sweep.

1995
Phil Smyth (to Sydney) left Adelaide following the 1994 Grand Final, with Mike Dunlap entering his second season as coach and retaining Mark Davis, Robert Rose, Chris Blakemore, Brett Wheeler, Mike McKay and Scott Ninnis while continuing to build around the club’s younger guards.

Adelaide opened the season at the Clipsal Powerhouse on April 22, where Brett Maher (2 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) contributed across the floor despite a difficult shooting night, while Tonny Jensen (27 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals) and Michael Johnson (26 points) led Newcastle to a 98-91 win.

Maher (14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 steals) appeared in all 31 games and increased his scoring for the fourth straight season, establishing himself as one of Adelaide’s primary backcourt contributors.

Rose (26.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 steals) led the 36ers in scoring and earned All-NBL Team honours, while Davis (17.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) controlled the glass and was selected to the NBL All-Star Game for the eighth straight season.

Blakemore (10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds), Wheeler (8.0 points and 6.2 rebounds), McKay (7.1 points) and Ninnis (5.6 points) provided the remainder of Dunlap’s main rotation.

With Davis able to occupy a local roster position, Dunlap used Adelaide’s second import spot on former Chicago Bulls guard Jo Jo English (via Chicago), who joined the team during the season.

English (14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) added another scorer to the backcourt and gave Adelaide greater depth as the season progressed.

Before the NBL season, Maher, Davis, Wheeler and Blakemore also made their Boomers debuts against the touring Magic Johnson All-Stars in March.

Maher (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) played a leading role in Adelaide’s 110-89 road victory over Illawarra on September 2, helping the 36ers continue their strong finish to the regular season.

His best performance of the year followed one week later in Townsville, where Maher (27 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) shot 10-of-14 from the field and 5-of-6 from three as Adelaide defeated the Suns 118-105.

Rose (30 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals) and Davis (27 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) also starred in the win, while Cameron Dickinson (27 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Clarence Tyson (26 points and 15 rebounds) and Derek Rucker (18 points and 11 assists) led Townsville.

Adelaide completed the regular season against Illawarra on September 15, where Maher (22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) helped the 36ers win 84-74 for their ninth straight victory, with Rose (21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals) and Davis (17 points and 20 rebounds) in support, while Melvin Thomas (23 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) and Chuck Harmison (18 points and 8 rebounds) were best for the Hawks.

The result completed Adelaide’s 17-9 regular season and secured fourth place on the ladder.

Away from the NBL, Maher (25 points and 22 rebounds) led Sturt into the South Australian state league Grand Final, where the Sabres lost 89-84 to South Adelaide and he became the first man in SA basketball history to win Grand Final MVP while playing for the losing team.

Adelaide opened the quarterfinals in Newcastle, where Jensen (35 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks), Butch Hays (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Reggie Smith (14 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks) led the Falcons to a 101-93 win.

Maher (13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals) applied pressure in the backcourt, while Rose (23 points), English (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals), Blakemore (16 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Davis (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Adelaide’s other main contributors.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Rose (46 points and 5 rebounds) carried Adelaide to a 94-84 victory, with Maher (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Davis (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals) in support, while Jensen (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Hays (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Newcastle.

Adelaide completed the series comeback two nights later, defeating Newcastle 99-92 behind Rose (28 points), Davis (20 points), English (18 points), Blakemore (13 points) and Maher (11 points), while Jensen (21 points), Hays (18 points) and Smith (17 points) were best for the Falcons.

The semifinals began in Adelaide, where Rose (27 points and 7 rebounds), Davis (13 points and 12 rebounds), Ninnis (12 points) and Maher (9 points and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Scott Fisher (27 points and 7 rebounds), Martin Cattalini (16 points and 9 rebounds) and Ricky Grace (16 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks) carried Perth to a 94-78 victory.

The game received national attention after Blakemore (4 points) elbowed the Perth forward, leaving him with a cut to his mouth that required 15 stitches, almost starting a brawl and earning Blakemore a suspension for game two.

Rose requested a pay rise following the season, but Adelaide rejected it amid a belief that the 31-year-old had already played his best basketball, leading to Rose (to Canberra), McKay (to Brisbane) and Blakemore (to Canberra) leaving the club, with Blakemore’s departure also following an end-of-season altercation with Dunlap over the Cattalini incident.

Game two moved to Perth, where Fisher (26 points and 9 rebounds) again led the Wildcats, while Rose (22 points) and English (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Adelaide’s best in an 85-76 loss that ended the 36ers’ season against Perth for the fourth time in eight years (1987, 1989, 1991 and 1995).

1996
After Adelaide’s 1995 season ended against Perth in the semifinals, a series remembered for Chris Blakemore’s vicious elbow to the head of Wildcats forward Martin Cattalini, coach Mike Dunlap had fallen out with both Blakemore (to Canberra) and club MVP Robert Rose (to Canberra). Long-distance specialist Mike McKay also found Dunlap difficult to play for and left Adelaide to join the Brisbane Bullets.

Despite losing three important members of the previous year’s rotation, Adelaide recruited strongly for the 1996 season. Slam-dunking forward Leon Trimmingham (via Sydney) joined the 36ers, along with Cattalini (via Perth), who had been on the receiving end of Blakemore’s elbow during the previous postseason. Reigning Rookie of the Year John Rillie (via Brisbane) was also added to play alongside Brett Maher in the backcourt, while new import Rick Brunson arrived after narrowly missing selection in the NBA Draft. Mark Davis, Brett Wheeler and Scott Ninnis were among the other key players returning for Dunlap’s third season as coach.

Adelaide opened the season at the Clipsal Powerhouse on April 14, where the young guard (8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals) pressured Townsville’s backcourt, while Trimmingham (26 points) and Brunson (25 points) led the scoring in a 117-77 victory.

Maher (15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals) appeared in all 31 games, finished third on the team in scoring and earned his first NBL All-Star selection as his role in Adelaide’s backcourt continued to grow.

Brunson (21.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.5 steals) led the 36ers in scoring and won club MVP honours, while Trimmingham (19.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) provided Adelaide with its leading interior scorer and rebounder.

Rillie (13.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), Davis (12.7 points and 8.2 rebounds), Wheeler (9.0 points and 6.6 rebounds) and Cattalini (8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds) completed Dunlap’s main rotation.

Maher was also selected for the Australian Boomers at the Atlanta Olympics during the NBL season, helping Australia finish fourth after losing the bronze medal game to Lithuania.

On May 17, Maher (23 points) led Adelaide’s scoring and established his season-high at that point, although Canberra defeated the 36ers 118-86 at the AIS Arena.

After returning from the Olympics, Maher (30 points and 7 rebounds) carried Adelaide’s offence in a 93-88 home win over Sydney on August 30, with Rillie (19 points) and Brunson (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists) in support, while Bruce Bolden (29 points) and Brad Williams (16 points) led the Kings.

Maher (37 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) produced his best performance of the season against Brisbane on September 14, shooting 13-of-15 from the field and 11-of-12 from three as Adelaide won 105-98, matching the club record for three-pointers made in a game.

Brunson (24 points and 9 assists), Trimmingham (16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Rillie (15 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) supported him, while Leroy Loggins (34 points and 2 blocks), Steve Woodberry (27 points) and Mike Mitchell (13 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Brisbane.

Adelaide completed the regular season in sixth place with a 16-10 record and returned to the playoffs for the third consecutive year under Dunlap.

The campaign proved Dunlap’s last with Adelaide after the sudden death of his father led him back to the United States, while the club board retained Davis after the coach requested the veteran be released to create more opportunities for the team’s younger players.

Adelaide opened the quarterfinals at home on October 4, where Brunson (27 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) controlled the backcourt and Maher (8 points and 3 rebounds) contributed as the 36ers defeated Perth 103-93.

Game two moved to the Perth Entertainment Centre, where James Crawford (23 points and 12 rebounds), Ricky Grace (21 points and 6 rebounds), Todd Lichti (20 points and 5 rebounds) and Anthony Stewart (15 points) led the Wildcats to a 115-92 win, while Brunson (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), Trimmingham (12 points and 6 rebounds) and Maher (8 points and 5 rebounds) were best for Adelaide.

Two nights later, Adelaide won the deciding game 114-104 in Perth behind Brunson (21 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Maher (21 points), eliminating the Wildcats and advancing to the semifinals.

Adelaide returned home for game one against South East Melbourne, where Trimmingham (23 points and 9 rebounds), Brunson (17 points and 4 rebounds) and Maher (14 points) kept the 36ers within one possession, while Tony Ronaldson (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Magic to an 87-86 win.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Sam MacKinnon (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Chris Anstey (14 points and 6 rebounds) led the eventual champions, while Brunson (17 points and 5 assists), Trimmingham (10 points) and Maher (9 points and 3 rebounds) were Adelaide’s main scorers in a 112-81 loss.

1997
Having just shown head coach Mike Dunlap the door, the 36ers hired his assistant and former Gold Coast Rollers coach Dave Claxton as his replacement for the 1997 NBL season. While Adelaide was able to retain the majority of its roster this season, the only changes being the addition of Rupert Sapwell (Geelong) and replacing import guard Rick Brunson, who returned to the US, with ibig man Jeff Brown. Perhaps the biggest change to the roster wasn’t during free agency, but when Brett Maher was handed the team captaincy from club legend Mark Davis (something he would hold until his retirement in 2009).

Brett Maher, who early in his career was stuck at the end of a very stacked 36ers bench behind legendary guards like Butch Hays, Mick McKay and Phil Smyth had a breakout season in 1997. Maher delivered 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while being ranked in the top five players in the league for three point percentage and free throw percentage. While Brown had been signed to pair with 36ers leading scorer Leon Trimmingham and Mark Davis it became apparent six games that he wasn’t the player the 36ers needed and he was quickly replaced with 35 year old, former 36ers big man Willie Simmons who hadn’t played in the NBL since 1994. Needless to say Adelaide struggled through the remaining games and finished in 7th place (with a 14–16 record) and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

1998
At the end of 1997 the 36ers replaced head coach Dave Claxton, who was only signed by the club at the last moment due to unexpectedly losing Mike Dunlap, was only signed for one season and following the 1997 season was replaced by rookie coach and former player Phil Smyth. Smyth had been hired without any head coaching experience, in fact, his only previous coaching experience being a specialist coach at the Australian Institute of Sport during his playing days in Canberra.

During the off-season local product Brett Maher engaged in serious talks with the Sydney Kings and almost moved to the nation’s capital to form a all-Australian backcourt with Aaron Trahair. Ultimately, he decided to re-sign with the Adelaide 36ers, who then recruited 205 cm centre Paul Rees (via North Melbourne). After former Denver Nuggets Darnell Mee (who previously played with Canberra) signed on to play for the team, he recommended his former teammate Kevin Brooks to the 36ers and they signed the former NBA forward to a two-year deal. After his first training session with the team, Brooks’ teammates thought he wouldn’t last a week in the NBL with a shooting style that saw him release the ball almost from behind his head. However, they soon found Brooks (19.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists) was for real as he went on to lead the team in points per game with Brett Maher (17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) and Mee (14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4 assists) providing the additional scoring punch.

The 36ers gamble on Smyth’s playing experience translating into coaching success also paid off, with Adelaide recording the most wins since 1988 and finished in second place (19–11).

Brett Maher’s first game as Adelaide’s captain in a playoff series concluded with the 36ers delivering a emphatic 114-97 punch to Perth’s play-off chin, setting up a 2-0 semifinal knock-out. The 36ers seized a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three Semi Final series behind a sensational 36-point career-high game by Maher, who also led the Sixers with six assists (shooting 74 percent, including 7-of-11 three-pointers). Darnell Mee was his usual effective self, adding a game-high 14 rebounds to his 16 points as he terrorised Perth’s backcourt and set a aggressive defensive tone from the outset. Adelaide would defeat Perth just as easily as it had in game one, winning 117–110 to set up a Grand Final matchup against the South East Melbourne Magic.

Adelaide was not expected to defeat the Brian Goorjian led Magic, who had compiled a 26-4 record during the regular season and then swept the Brisbane Bullets in the semifinals. In game one, Brooks finished game high scorer with 24 points (10/18 shooting) and 8 rebounds as the 36ers stunned all, delivering a 100-93 defeat to the defending champs on their home court. Amazingly, game one of the Grand Final was only the second time the 36ers had defeated the Magic since the Eastside Melbourne Spectres and Southern Melbourne Saints had merged to form the Magic in 1992.

The 36ers, who had started the season off slowly, had really found their form by the time of the Grand Final series and come game two, obliterated the Magic at home (90-62). Adelaide held the Magic to less than 15 points in three of the game’s quarters. Brooks (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks) and Martin Cattalini (20 points and 6 rebounds) were brilliant for the 36ers in a game decided by turnovers and free throws, with South East Melbourne finishing with 26 turnovers and 6 of 8 from the free throw line to Adelaide’s 14 turnovers and 25 of 33 from the stripe.

Adelaide collected their first NBL championship since 1986 and Kevin Brooks was named Grand Final MVP in what was the last winter season for the National Basketball League.

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1998/99
The NBL’s move to summer didn’t stop the defending champions, Adelaide, as they finished the 1998-99 regular season with their first minor premiership since 1988 with a 18–8 record. Adelaide was able to return with almost their entire championship team from 1998, the only key change being John Rillie, who left for more playing opportunities in West Sydney. The team replaced Rillie with David Stiff, who was able to pair with Mark Davis as the team’s ‘two-headed’ centre.

Captain Brett Maher (19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals) led the team in most categories, alongside high scoring forward Martin Cattalini (14.9 points and 7.0 rebounds) and import duo Kevin Brooks (17.3 points and 6.1 rebounds) and Darnell Mee (14.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals), who both elevated their games in the second season.

The 36ers made their way into the grand final undefeated in the postseason, eliminating Perth in the Qualifying Finals and Wollongong in the semifinals, both in two straight games. Once into the Grand Final, Adelaide faced off against the Victoria Titans, a team comprised mostly from the roster of the South East Melbourne Magic roster whom they defeated in the previous year’s grand final.

The opening matchup delivered a battle of the point guards with McDonald (23 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals) and 36ers import Darnell Mee (25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks) led both team’s in scoring. Mee was able to come out on top in this one, with Adelaide winning the game (104-94) and Mee also forcing McDonald into making 8 turnovers.

The Titans would even the series in game two, winning 88-82. Brett Maher led Adelaide with 25 points, but the Titans’ defence saw the remainder of the 36ers struggle, with no one else able to score more than 12 points and the team shooting 39% from the field. Tony Ronaldson (22 points), Brett Wheeler (18 points, 9 rebounds) and McDonald (12 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists) doing most of the damage for the Titans.

With the 36ers finishing in first place during the regular season the deciding game would be held in Adelaide where more than 7,000 Sixers fans willed the team over the line to become back-to-back NBL champions. Martin Cattalini (19 points and 9 rebounds) led the 36ers in scoring while Brett Maher (15 points and 7 rebounds) was named Grand Final MVP. Ben Pepper (15 points) top scored for the Titans who shot a woeful 26/78 from the field (38%) in the deciding game.

Adelaide became three-time NBL champions and the first team to win back-to-back titles since Perth in 1990 and 1991. Captain Brett Maher was voted the Grand Final MVP, and coach Phil Smyth claimed his second championship win in just two years of coaching in the NBL.

1999/00
Coming off winning back-to-back championships, Adelaide seemed primed for a NBL dynasty and bolstered their roster by signing Paul Maley. Maley, who had contemplated retiring after his experience with the Victoria Titans, was thought to be everything the team needed to achieve a three-peat, but then, economic factors impacted the 36ers’ season in a way no one could have predicted.

The NBL wasn’t in as good a financial shape as the 36ers, and in a cost-cutting move aimed at assisting struggling NBL clubs, the league reduced the league salary cup from $70,000 to $625,000. This reduction in cap resulted in the team being unable to re-sign star Kevin Brooks for the same money without breaching the cap, considering it also had added Maley only a few weeks earlier. Although the league applied for consideration on this, it was denied, and Brooks was forced to make a move to Sydney to play with the Kings.

Days later, high-scoring forward Martin Cattalini agreed to play in France for ASVEL Villeranne, which would have been ‘double whammy’, but prior to the season tipping off, he backflipped and re-signed with Adelaide in the hopes that a big year would result in being selected for the 2000 Olympics to be held in Sydney.

The season kicked off the season with a 109–89 win over Perth at home, with the 36ers fielding a starting lineup of leading scorer Martin Cattalini (20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists), team captain Brett Maher (20.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists), Darnell Mee (13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks) who filled almost every category on the stat sheet and veterans Paul Rees (7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists) and Paul Maley (12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists).

As a result of winning the 1999 NBL championship, the 36ers were again invited to participate in the McDonald’s Cup, held at the 12,000 seat Fila Forum in Milan, Italy which was scheduled during the first month of the regular season. After losing their first game 90–79 to Brazilian side CR Vasco da Gama (who went all the way to meet the San Antonio Spurs in the final), the team won the 5–6 place playoff 91–84 over Lebanese team Hekmeh BC.

After returning to Australia, Adelaide never skipped a beat. They won three straight games before heading to Townsville, a game where Maher nailed five from five threes, scored 15 points in the first quarter, and finished with a career-high 40 points as Adelaide lost its first game of the season in overtime.

Maley missed a number of games due to a recurring back injury which saw David Stiff enter the starting lineup, where he responded with a career-high 35-point game (70% from the field) in a 111-103 win over Wollongong.

On 6 February 2000, the 36ers participated in the league’s first ‘open air’ game where 10,318 fans gathered to see the Titans deliver a rare loss (83-75) at Melbourne Park.

Adelaide again finished in first place during the regular season (22–6). Due to finishing in the top two, both Adelaide and Townsville were given first-round byes. The elimination finals saw Perth defeat West Sydney on one side of the bracket, and Victoria knock out Melbourne on the other, resulting in the 36ers facing off against a Brian Goorjian led team for the third year in a row.

The Titans, who had discarded Paul Maley (12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game) to see him become a valuable bench contributor for Adelaide, entered the series as favourites. The Titans would win game one 101-86 in Melbourne, with Ronaldson leading the team with 26 points and 5 rebounds and MacDonald filling the box score with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks before the series moved to Adelaide for game two and three.

Game two saw the 36ers return to their high-scoring offence, which had proven unstoppable over the past two seasons. Martin Cattalini’s 24 points and 7 rebounds, combined with Darnell Mee’s all-around brilliance, collecting 22 points,7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, the 36ers evened the series with a 95-72 win.

With many pencilling in another Titans elimination from the 36ers, the team rallied behind MacDonald, who again impacted the game from every angle, finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. His counterpart Darnell Mee seemed equally up to the task and finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, but the remaining 36ers squad struggled to score through the impenetrable Titans defence, and with Victoria winning the decider 89-93 the Titans celebrated as though they’d shaken King Kong off their back.

It was a year of upsets with Townsville being eliminated by Perth in the other semi final bracket in three games. Not surprisingly, Victoria had nothing left for Perth in the Grand Final and lost in two straight games

Following the 1999/00 season, Brett Maher and Martin Cattalini were both selected to represent the Australian Boomers at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

2000/01
After Victoria ended Adelaide’s bid for a third consecutive championship in the 2000 semifinals, leading scorer Martin Cattalini (to Seville) left the club to play in Spain, while captain Brett Maher, Darnell Mee, David Stiff, Paul Maley, Mark Davis, Paul Rees, Rupert Sapwell and Jason Williams returned for Phil Smyth’s third season as coach.

Smyth brought former Grand Final MVP Kevin Brooks (via Sydney) back to Adelaide after his one season with the Kings and added Mark Nash (via Brisbane), who was expected to help replace the size and versatility lost through Cattalini’s departure.

Adelaide opened the season at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 21, where the captain (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), the defensive guard (18 points, 4 steals, and 3 blocks), the returning import (17 points and 8 rebounds), the reserve forward (14 points and 5 rebounds) and the starting centre (12 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) led the 36ers to a 92-84 win over the defending champions, while Paul Rogers (20 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Scott Fisher (20 points and 14 rebounds) and Andrew Vlahov (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Perth’s best.

Maher (20.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals) led Adelaide in scoring across 33 games, while Brooks (19.6 points and 7.1 rebounds) returned as one of the team’s main offensive weapons and Mee (18.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks) filled every column of the box score.

Nash (9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds) became an important part of the starting lineup, while Maley (9.0 points), Stiff (7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds), Rees (6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds), Davis (6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds), Sapwell (6.0 points) and Williams (4.7 points) completed Smyth’s main rotation.

Stiff aggravated a groin injury during the opening win in Perth and was eventually diagnosed with osteitis pubis, limiting Adelaide’s starting centre to 19 games and forcing him to miss more than half of the regular season.

Maher also returned from representing Australia at the Sydney Olympics, where the Boomers finished fourth, and was later named the 2001 Gaze Medal winner as Australia’s international player of the year.

The opening-night victory began a 5-0 start before Adelaide suffered its first loss at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre on November 13, where Maher (18 points) and Brooks (29 points and 5 rebounds) led the 36ers, but Mat Campbell (23 points), Matt Garrison (23 points and 7 rebounds), Axel Dench (21 points and 7 rebounds) and Glen Saville (11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) carried the Hawks to a 120-117 win.

Maher (41 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) produced his best game of the season against Townsville on November 17, shooting 14-of-21 from the field, 7-of-9 from three and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line as Adelaide won 121-105.

Brooks (20 points and 9 rebounds), Mee (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Nash (16 points and 13 rebounds) supported him, while Pat Reidy (23 points and 12 rebounds), Mike Kelly (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Peter Crawford (15 points and 2 steals) led Townsville.

Eight days later, Maher (26 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) narrowly missed a triple-double as Adelaide defeated Canberra 102-81, with Brooks (33 points and 7 rebounds) and Mee (20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 9 blocks) also dominating, while Jayson Wells (22 points and 8 rebounds) and Troy Pilon (19 points) were the Cannons’ leading scorers.

Maher (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) delivered another of his best performances against Melbourne on December 2, combining with Mee (33 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), but Andrew Gaze (31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists), Mark Bradtke (30 points and 17 rebounds) and Lanard Copeland (25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the Tigers to a 121-115 win.

On February 3, Maher (20 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) tied the score at 94-94 during overtime before Adelaide pulled away for a 104-98 home win over Wollongong, with Mee (25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Rees (22 points and 13 rebounds) leading the 36ers, while Damon Lowery (21 points), Melvin Thomas (18 points and 12 rebounds), Garrison (14 rebounds) and Saville (13 rebounds) led the Hawks.

Six days later, Maher (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Brooks (21 points and 5 rebounds), Stiff (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Mee (15 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 steals) helped Adelaide establish a 52-36 halftime lead and an 88-74 advantage with 7:05 remaining, but Lowery (20 points), Thomas (19 points) and Dench (16 points and 6 rebounds) led a 13-0 closing run as Wollongong held the 36ers scoreless over the final 4:28 and won 96-93.

Adelaide’s only victory from its final seven regular-season games came against Victoria on February 24, where Maher (24 points and 9 assists), Brooks (27 points and 13 rebounds), Mee (12 points, 12 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Nash (11 points and 7 rebounds) led a 99-92 win, while Chris Anstey (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Darryl McDonald (15 points and 4 assists) and Jason Smith (14 points and 6 rebounds) were best for the Titans.

The regular season ended in Melbourne on March 31, where Maher (28 points), Mee (29 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Brooks (15 points and 6 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Smith (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals), Tony Ronaldson (23 points), Anstey (18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) and McDonald (15 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals) carried Victoria to a 113-98 win, leaving the 36ers sixth with a 16-12 record after four consecutive losses.

Mee was selected to the All-NBL First Team and won his third consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player award, but Adelaide was unable to retain him after the season because of salary-cap restraints.

The campaign also proved the last in Adelaide for Brooks (to Södertälje), while Maley retired after his back injury forced career lows across every major statistical category.

Davis also retired after 482 games, all with Adelaide, as the NBL’s all-time leader with 5,200 rebounds and the 36ers’ record holder with 8,752 points and 301 blocks.

Adelaide opened the Qualifying Finals at home against first-placed Victoria, where Anstey (27 points, 16 rebounds, and 1 block), Brett Wheeler (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and McDonald (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) led the Titans to a 101-96 win, while Brooks (24 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), Maher (19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Mee (18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) were Adelaide’s best.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Brooks (34 points and 9 rebounds), Maher (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Mee (12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Maley (10 points and 4 rebounds) carried Adelaide to a 96-83 win, while Ronaldson (22 points and 7 rebounds), Wheeler (12 points and 11 rebounds) and McDonald (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Victoria.

Game three remained in Melbourne, where Adelaide defeated Victoria 115-103 to win the series 2-1, with Brooks (25 points and 7 rebounds per game across the series) and Mee (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game across the series) driving the 36ers, although the first-placed Titans still advanced as the highest-ranked losing team from the Qualifying Finals.

Adelaide opened the semifinals at the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Maher (22 points and 4 rebounds), Mee (18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Brooks (14 points and 11 rebounds) and Stiff (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the 36ers, while Thomas (18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Saville (14 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists) carried Wollongong to an 84-83 win after contact on Adelaide’s final two scoring attempts went uncalled.

Game two moved to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, where Brooks (30 points), Mee (24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 steals, and 3 blocks), Maher (20 points and 7 assists), Rees (11 points and 6 rebounds), Stiff (10 points and 6 rebounds) and Nash (8 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Adelaide to a 111-100 win after the 36ers made seven consecutive three-pointers and outscored the Hawks 36-18 during the fourth quarter.

Dench (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists), Thomas (22 points and 11 rebounds), Saville (17 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Campbell (14 points) were Wollongong’s main contributors as Adelaide forced a deciding third game at The Sandpit.

The deciding game remained in Wollongong, where Brooks (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Maley (21 points and 4 rebounds), Nash (20 points and 5 rebounds), Maher (16 points and 3 rebounds), Mee (14 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Stiff (8 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Adelaide, while Thomas (28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks), Lowery (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Campbell (19 points and 4 rebounds), Garrison (14 points and 4 assists) and Saville (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) kept Wollongong within reach.

Adelaide led 108-106 after Brooks split two free throws with 54.2 seconds remaining, but the Hawks regained possession after the captain missed a drive and Mee blocked Lowery’s final three-point attempt before referee Eddie Crouch called a shooting foul with less than half a second left.

Lowery hit all three free throws after the buzzer, the last bouncing around the rim eight times before dropping to give Wollongong a 109-108 win.

2001/02
Following a semi-final exit in 2001, Adelaide 36ers head coach Phil Smyth made the bold decision to overhaul his roster. Legendary import duo Kevin Brooks and Darnell Mee, along with veteran forwards Paul Maley (34 years old) and Mark Davis (40 years old), were not re-signed as the club aimed to rebuild with a younger roster.

Smyth traveled to the Long Beach Summer League in the United States, where he scouted and signed 26-year-old Willie Farley, a high-scoring shooting guard whom he believed could replace Mee. Unlike previous seasons, the 36ers entered 2001/02 with only one import, placing greater responsibility on local stars Brett Maher, David Stiff, Paul Rees, Rupert Sapwell, and Mark Nash. The team also introduced promising local juniors Oscar Forman and Jacob Holmes.

The roster shake-up proved to be a success, as Farley (25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists) quickly became a fan favorite in his first NBL season, finishing as the league’s second-leading scorer behind Brisbane’s Randy Rutherford. His high-energy play and ability to take over games complemented team captain Brett Maher (21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists), while David Stiff (12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) and Paul Rees (10.2 points and 7.2 rebounds) provided a strong interior presence.

The 36ers started the season 6-4 and were in playoff contention, but when financial difficulties forced the Cairns Taipans to release import Matt Garrison—who had played a key role in the Wollongong Hawks’ 2001 NBL Championship—Smyth quickly signed him for the remainder of the season. The move paid off, with Garrison (10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) playing the final 26 games and helping Adelaide finish the regular season in third place (17-13).

Adelaide opened their playoff campaign against Wollongong in the Qualifying Finals. The 36ers stunned the defending champions with a 107-90 victory at WIN Entertainment Centre, with Farley (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Sapwell (19 points and 11 rebounds), and Maher (16 points and 6 assists) doing most of the damage before closing out the series at home with a 101-95 win. Farley (33 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Maher (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) delivered huge performances to seal the series.

In the semi-finals, Adelaide faced Victoria, where, in a major upset, they claimed a road victory in Game 1 (99-92) behind Farley (25 points and 4 rebounds) and Maher (23 points and 8 rebounds), continuing to be a nightmare for opposition teams.

The Titans responded with an 86-81 victory in Adelaide, holding Farley (24 points) and Maher (15 points) to their lowest combined total of the postseason.

Adelaide bounced back at home, however, securing a 103-92 win behind another dominant performance from Farley (33 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), Maher (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists), and big man Paul Rees (16 points and 9 rebounds), helping to book their place in the Grand Final.

Adelaide entered their sixth NBL Grand Final, facing the West Sydney Razorbacks, who were making their first-ever championship appearance. Game 1 saw the 36ers claim a 106-97 victory at Adelaide Arena, led by Farley (34 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals) and Maher (25 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds).

Game 2 saw Defensive Player of the Year Simon Dwight (20 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and former Adelaide guard John Rillie (28 points – 7/12 from three) deliver monster performances for West Sydney, evening the series with a nail-biting win at the State Sports Centre (103-100). Farley (24 points and 8 rebounds) and Maher (25 points and 7 assists) couldn’t prevent the series from heading to a winner-takes-all Game 3.

There, the 36ers delivered one of the most dominant performances in NBL Grand Final history. They set a record-breaking 19-of-31 (61.2%) from three-point range—an NBL Grand Final record—and exploded for 125 points, the highest score ever recorded in an NBL Grand Final game. Farley (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Maher (30 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists) torched the Razorbacks, securing a 125-107 victory and the club’s fourth NBL championship.

Maher would go on to collect the Finals MVP trophy, averaging 26.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.3 steals over the three-game series.

2002/03
Adelaide entered the 2002/03 season as defending champions but was forced to reshape its rotation after Grand Final hero Willie Farley (to West Sydney), starting centre David Stiff (to Sydney), Matt Garrison (to Wollongong) and Rupert Sapwell (to Cairns) all left the club.

Phil Smyth entered his sixth season as coach with captain Brett Maher, Paul Rees, Mark Nash, Jason Williams, Matt Illman, Jacob Holmes and Oscar Forman returning, while former championship forward Martin Cattalini (via Seville), Charles Thomas (via Wollongong), Paul Rogers (via Perth) and Brad Davis (via Eastern Mavericks) were added.

Adelaide opened the season at the State Sports Centre on October 2, where the captain (23 points), Cattalini (22 points) and Thomas (16 points) led the scoring, but Simon Dwight (21 points), Scott McGregor (17 points) and former 36er Farley (17 points) carried West Sydney to a 104-92 win.

Maher (21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) appeared in 31 games, led Adelaide in scoring and won the club MVP award, while earning All-NBL First Team honours and finishing runner-up to Sydney import Chris Williams in the league MVP voting.

He also recorded a season-high 39 points during the campaign.

Cattalini (19.3 points and 6.6 rebounds) provided Adelaide’s second-leading scorer and earned All-NBL Third Team honours, while Thomas (18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.1 steals) gave the 36ers another scorer and playmaker in the backcourt.

Nash (10.6 points and 7.8 rebounds), Rogers (9.7 points and 8.9 rebounds across 12 games), Rees (8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds), Holmes (8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds), Williams (6.3 points) and Illman (5.0 points) completed Smyth’s main rotation.

On November 2, Maher (28 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led Adelaide through a tight home contest against Townsville, with Thomas (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Cattalini (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) providing support as the 36ers won 115-111.

Robert Rose (26 points), Pat Reidy (25 points and 7 rebounds) and Mike Kelly (18 points and 8 rebounds) were Townsville’s leading contributors.

Maher (26 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) delivered another of his best performances on December 4, combining with Cattalini (27 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals), Thomas (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists), Holmes (15 points and 8 rebounds) and Rees (14 points and 7 rebounds) to lead Adelaide past Wollongong 113-101.

Cortez Groves (26 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Melvin Thomas (20 points and 12 rebounds) and Axel Dench (15 points and 7 rebounds) led the Hawks.

Three nights later, Maher (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists) narrowly missed a triple-double as Adelaide defeated Canberra 114-109, with Cattalini (33 points and 5 assists), Nash (18 points and 8 rebounds) and Thomas (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) also contributing.

Dave Thomas (26 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals), Mike Chappell (21 points and 9 rebounds) and Brad Williams (15 points) were Canberra’s best.

With Rogers limited to 12 appearances, Adelaide strengthened its frontcourt in January by signing Dusty Rychart (via Victoria).

Rychart (17.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) appeared in the final 10 games and immediately added another scorer and rebounder to the defending champions’ rotation.

In his first game with the club on January 29, Rychart (11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed as Adelaide defeated West Sydney 128-105 behind Maher (20 points, 12 assists, and 3 steals), Rees (18 points and 8 rebounds), Cattalini (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Thomas (15 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals).

Rychart (38 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) produced his best game for Adelaide against Wollongong on February 14, with Thomas (26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Maher (21 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) helping the 36ers to a 116-100 road win.

Matt Garrison (29 points and 10 rebounds), Glen Saville (27 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Groves (16 points and 4 steals) led Wollongong.

Adelaide entered its final regular-season game having lost two straight, and Maher (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), Rychart (20 points and 9 rebounds), Holmes (18 points), Thomas (13 points and 7 assists), Rees (13 points and 6 rebounds) and Nash (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the scoring against Cairns.

Ben Knight (30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals), Jayson Wells (27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Anthony Stewart (20 points) and Darnell Mee (17 points and 6 assists) carried the Taipans to a 128-109 win, leaving Adelaide fifth with a 16-14 record after three consecutive losses.

Adelaide opened its elimination series at the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Nash (30 points) led the 36ers, but Ricky Grace (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists), Stephen Black (25 points) and James Harvey (17 points) carried Perth to a 119-116 win.

Game two moved to Perth, where Adelaide trailed by 26 points at three-quarter time before Maher (22 points) and Cattalini (22 points) led a 45-11 final quarter, completing a remarkable 99-91 comeback and forcing a deciding game.

The deciding game remained in Perth, where Grace (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Brett Wheeler (18 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Rob Feaster (11 points and 11 rebounds) led the Wildcats, while Maher (23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Rychart (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Thomas (17 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks) were Adelaide’s best as Perth won 94-86 and eliminated the defending champions.

2003/04
Paul Rogers (to Spain), Paul Rees (to Brisbane) and Matt Illman exited Adelaide, leaving head coach Phil Smyth to reshape the roster around captain Brett Maher, Martin Cattalini, Dusty Rychart, Charles Thomas, Jacob Holmes, Jason Williams, Mark Nash, Oscar Forman and Darren Ng.

Smyth added Derek Moore (via France), Nathan Hawkes, Nick Hambour and Christian Bell to complete the squad.

Adelaide opened the season in New Zealand on October 1, where Brett (9 points and 5 assists) missed his first seven shots before scoring all nine of his points and handing out three assists in the final six minutes as the 36ers erased a 21-point deficit, but a late Breakers free throw left them with a 111-110 loss in New Zealand’s inaugural NBL game.

Maher (17.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.4 steals) appeared in 24 games during a deeply personal campaign, with his one-year-old son Hudson dying in a Sydney hospital on November 6 after battling a rare form of bone marrow cancer.

Maher and his family had moved to Sydney for Hudson’s treatment during the pre-season, while Adelaide and Melbourne wore black armbands in his memory on November 8.

Martin Cattalini (22.2 points and 6.2 rebounds) and Dusty Rychart (21.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) were Adelaide’s two leading offensive players, while Charles Thomas (15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals), Jacob Holmes (12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), Jason Williams (6.5 points), Mark Nash (6.4 points and 5.0 rebounds), Oscar Forman (5.9 points and 4.0 rebounds), Derek Moore (5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds across 6 games) and Darren Ng (4.3 points) provided the supporting cast.

Rychart was named NBL Player of the Month for November.

On December 13, Maher (26 points and 4 rebounds) hit five three-pointers as Adelaide overcame Townsville 104-99 in overtime, with Rychart (25 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals), Cattalini (22 points and 4 rebounds) and Holmes (17 points and 14 rebounds) supporting him, while Pat Reidy (24 points and 14 rebounds) and Robert Rose (21 points and 9 rebounds) led the Crocodiles.

Maher (35 points and 9 assists) delivered his season-high on February 14 as Adelaide defeated Perth 124-111 in overtime, with Thomas (28 points) and Cattalini (27 points and 11 assists) also starring, while Rashad Tucker (32 points) and James Harvey (23 points) led the Wildcats.

One week later, Maher (28 points) produced another of his best games of the season, but Adelaide fell 123-111 to Melbourne.

Maher (18 points) helped Adelaide close the regular season with a 93-88 win over New Zealand on February 28, with Cattalini (31 points), Rychart (21 points) and Thomas (17 points) leading the scoring as the 36ers secured eighth place and the final playoff position with a 14-19 record.

Adelaide travelled to the State Netball and Hockey Centre for its elimination final against Melbourne, where Andrew Gaze (31 points), Mark Bradtke (25 points) and Dave Thomas (23 points) led the Tigers back from a 10-point halftime deficit to win 111-107, while Adelaide was led by Cattalini (31 points), Rychart (27 points) and Charles Thomas (16 points).

2004/05
Martin Cattalini (to Spain), Charles Thomas, Derek Moore, Nathan Hawkes, Mark Nash and Christian Bell exited Adelaide, leaving head coach Phil Smyth to rebuild around captain Brett Maher, Dusty Rychart, Jacob Holmes, Jason Williams, Oscar Forman and Darren Ng.

Smyth brought Willie Farley (via France) back to Adelaide after two seasons away, while Paul Rees (via Brisbane) also returned and David Cooper, Brad Hill, Brad Gerlach and Todd Gower completed the squad.

Adelaide opened the season in New Zealand on September 29, where Dusty (25 points) led the scoring and Brett (19 points) hit a three-pointer to halt a fourth-quarter Breakers run as the 36ers defeated New Zealand 106-94, despite Shawn Redhage (27 points) and Aaron Olson (21 points) leading the home side.

Maher (19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 27 games) continued to direct Adelaide’s offence and finished second in the NBL in assists. He was named to the All-NBL Second Team and captained the Aussie All-Stars at the 2005 NBL All-Star Game.

Farley (23.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 33 games) led Adelaide in scoring, won the club MVP award and earned All-NBL Third Team honours, while Rychart (21.4 points and 10.8 rebounds across 32 games) delivered his best NBL season and joined Maher on the All-NBL Second Team.

Holmes (11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds across 33 games) and Forman (10 points and 6.3 rebounds across 33 games) developed into two of Adelaide’s core pieces, with Forman leading the NBL in three-point shooting percentage. Cooper (7.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 33 games), Hill (8.7 points across 9 games) and Rees (5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 31 games) provided additional depth.

Maher (28 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) delivered his season-high against Sydney on November 3, with Farley (26 points and 6 rebounds) and Rychart (18 points and 5 rebounds) supporting him, but C.J. Bruton (29 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Kings to a 122-106 win that ended Adelaide’s four-game winning streak.

Maher (24 points) helped the 36ers rebound on November 13, leading Adelaide to a 102-85 home win over West Sydney despite Simon Dwight (23 points) leading the Razorbacks.

Eight days later, Maher (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Adelaide past Perth 95-93, with Rychart (22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Farley (16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) also filling the stat sheet, while Rashad Tucker (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Wildcats.

Maher (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped Adelaide push Cairns to the final possession in its last regular-season game, with Rychart (19 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Forman (15 points and 8 rebounds) providing support, but Chris Burgess (33 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Anthony Stewart (18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) carried the Taipans to a 101-99 win as the 36ers finished fourth with a 19-13 record.

Adelaide hosted Brisbane in its quarter-final, where Rychart (21 points), Farley (19 points) and Cooper (17 points) led the 36ers, while Bobby Brannen (25 points), Stephen Black (23 points) and Luke Matthews (21 points) carried the Bullets to a 125-110 win.

2005/06
Darren Ng, Jason Williams and Brad Gerlach exited Adelaide, while head coach Phil Smyth retained captain Brett Maher, Willie Farley, Dusty Rychart, Jacob Holmes, Oscar Forman, Mark Nash, Brad Hill, David Cooper, Paul Rees, Nick Hambour and Todd Gower.

Smyth made no major additions, keeping the established rotation together after its captain returned from an off-season stint with Beşiktaş in Turkey.

Adelaide opened the season at home against Perth on September 2, where Brett (19 points and 8 assists), Willie (23 points) and Dusty (22 points and 17 rebounds) broke a 66-66 tie late in the third quarter and led the 36ers to a 102-93 win.

Maher (18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals across 29 games) directed Adelaide’s offence, finished second in the NBL in assists and led the league at 86.1 per cent from the free-throw line.

He won the club MVP award, earned All-NBL First Team honours and was selected for the Aussie All-Stars at the 2006 NBL All-Star Game.

Farley (19.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals across 33 games) led Adelaide in scoring, while Rychart (18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds across 31 games) anchored the frontcourt.

Holmes (13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 33 games), Forman (10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 33 games), Nash (7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds across 27 games), Hill (6.4 points across 32 games), Cooper (5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 33 games) and Rees (4.9 points across 30 games) completed Smyth’s main rotation, with Farley and Rychart selected for the World All-Stars and Smyth named coach of the squad.

Maher (31 points) delivered his season-high during Adelaide’s campaign.

On October 14, Maher (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) helped Adelaide defeat Wollongong 113-103, with Rychart (20 points and 15 rebounds), Holmes (18 points and 13 rebounds), Farley (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Cooper (13 points and 4 blocks) supporting him.

Maher (24 points) and Rychart (24 points) led Adelaide past Melbourne 109-92 on November 26, with Farley (20 points) providing support while Dave Thomas (28 points) led the Tigers, as the 36ers remained unbeaten at home.

Maher (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists) produced another of his best all-around games on December 21, with Rychart (24 points and 10 rebounds), Farley (18 points and 7 assists), Holmes (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Forman (11 points and 6 rebounds) supporting him, but Chris Anstey (24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists), Darryl McDonald (20 points and 8 assists) and Thomas (20 points and 7 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 111-104 win.

Maher (23 points and 9 assists) helped Adelaide defeat New Zealand 100-91 on January 11, while Rich Melzer (24 points) led the Breakers.

Adelaide finished the regular season with three straight losses but secured fourth place with a 19-13 record, including a 14-2 mark at home, after Wollongong claimed third on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Adelaide hosted Cairns in its quarter-final, where Maher (17 points) was hampered by a calf injury but threw the long pass that created the buzzer-beating lay-up which forced overtime.

Rychart (25 points) and Farley (24 points) led the 36ers, while Gary Boodnikoff (20 points and 7 rebounds), Aaron Grabau (20 points and 7 rebounds), Darnell Mee (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Martin Cattalini (14 points and 7 rebounds) carried Cairns to a 106-103 overtime win.

2006/07
Following a second straight quarterfinal exit, Adelaide lost Dusty Rychart (to Brisbane), Jacob Holmes (to South Dragons), Oscar Forman (to New Zealand) and Paul Rees, leaving coach Phil Smyth to rebuild around captain Brett Maher, Willie Farley, Mark Nash, Brad Hill and David Cooper.

Smyth brought Lanard Copeland (via Brisbane) back to Adelaide and added Nick Horvath (via West Sydney), Adrian Majstrovich (via New Zealand) and Brett Wheeler (via Sydney), while Darren Ng, Matt Sutton, Jordan Dodman and Erik Burdon filled out the roster.

The 36ers opened the season in Singapore on September 20, where their captain and the new-look Adelaide group fell 98-91 to the expansion Slingers.

Maher (18.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists) remained Adelaide’s floor leader across 27 games, leading the NBL in assists while shooting 45% from the field, 40% from three and 91% at the free-throw line, and he won the club MVP award for the sixth time.

Farley (19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals) led Adelaide in scoring and was named a World All-Star starter, while Horvath (19.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) was named in the NBL Blitz All-Star Five before earning a reserve place with the World All-Stars.

Copeland (13.1 points), Ng (9.5 points), Majstrovich (8.6 points and 4.9 rebounds) and Cooper (7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks) supplied the other main contributions around Adelaide’s leading trio.

Three games into the season, Maher (24 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal) hit six three-pointers and pushed Sydney into overtime, but Adelaide was outscored 13-6 in the extra period and lost 122-115 despite Horvath (22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Farley (21 points and 3 rebounds), while Mark Worthington (34 points), E.J. Rowland (25 points) and Luke Kendall (21 points) led the Kings.

By early December, Adelaide had fallen to 5-12 and 10th on the ladder, and injuries to Copeland and rookie guard Sutton (3.4 points) led the club to seek NBL approval to sign veteran Marcus Timmons as a short-term replacement.

Timmons (8.3 points across 16 games) joined the rotation, but the veteran addition could not reverse a season in which Adelaide struggled to find consistency.

Maher (25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) came within one assist of a triple-double on December 16, guiding Adelaide to a 102-100 home win over Singapore as Copeland (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Horvath (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) supported him, while Marquin Chandler (20 points) and Mike Helms (20 points) led the Slingers.

Maher (29 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists) delivered his best game of the season against South Dragons on February 7, when Copeland (25 points and 2 rebounds) forced overtime with a three-pointer on the final shot of regulation before the captain’s last drive was blocked in a 149-147 loss, despite Horvath (34 points and 11 rebounds) and Majstrovich (16 points) helping Adelaide erase a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Adelaide finished 11th with an 11-22 record, the club’s worst ladder position at the time, and missed the playoffs for the first time since Smyth took over as coach.

The 36ers closed the season at home on February 9 by defeating Cairns 98-89.

2007/08
In the 2007 off-season, Adelaide chose not to re-sign Adrian Majstrovich, Brett Wheeler, and Marcus Timmons. To fill the gaps, veteran guard Brad Davidson (via Singapore) joined the squad, while import duo Willie Farley and Nick Horvath (to South Dragons) were replaced by Mike Chappell (via New Zealand) and Adam Ballinger (via Wollongong).

Coach Joey Wright signed Ballinger (22.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 30 games) based on a recommendation from NBL legend Cal Bruton, who had initially intended to recruit Ballinger to the Hunter Pirates had the franchise survived after replacing Bruton’s Canberra Cannons. Wright praised Ballinger early in training sessions, stating, “I think he’s somewhere between [Scott] Fisher and [Tim] Dillon – he’s got Fisher’s strength and Dillon’s touch. He’s got that three-point range.”

Long-time team captain Brett Maher (16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 18 games) remained central to Adelaide’s plans despite battling injuries and missing 12 games during the season. Maher consistently delivered standout performances, notably a season-high 27 points (7–10 3P), 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in a narrow 109–116 loss to New Zealand.

Other top performances included nearly recording a double-double against Gold Coast, posting 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists in a tight 94–98 loss, and scoring 26 points (9–16 FG, 4–8 3P) along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists in an emotional game against Melbourne, where former teammate Lanard Copeland had his jersey retired by the Tigers—a game where Chris Anstey (29 points) made sure the 36ers went home empty handed (92–110).

Mid-season adversity struck when import Mike Chappell (11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across) succumbed to injury, prompting Adelaide to reluctantly release him after 15 games. They quickly filled this void by signing Julius Hodge (via Italy) on December 21, 2007. Hodge (6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) debuted against the South Dragons on Boxing Day, contributing to Adelaide’s 119–114 victory.

Adam Ballinger (22.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) delivered an outstanding season, earning selection to the All-NBL Second Team. Additional key contributors included Brad Davidson (13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists), Darren Ng (13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), and veteran Lanard Copeland (9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists).

Despite their individual successes, the 36ers struggled with consistency throughout the season. A late playoff push saw them win their final two contests against Cairns (113–104) on February 9 and Singapore (126–97) on February 13, with Maher notably contributing 16 points (7–14 FG, 2–7 3P), 7 rebounds, and 1 assist in the latter matchup. However, this late surge fell short; Adelaide narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing ninth with a 14–16 record, just behind eighth-placed Gold Coast Blaze (15–15).

2008/09
Adelaide entered the 2008/09 season with significant roster turnover. Lanard Copeland, Axel Dench, and Neil Mottram all retired, while Darren Ng departed to join the Singapore Slingers. Former club captain Jacob Holmes returned to the 36ers following a stint with the South Dragons. Additional additions included Brad Hill (via South Dragons), Ryan Kersten, and Paora Winitana (both via New Zealand).

The 36ers opened the campaign with Adam Ballinger and Mark Tyndale as their imports. Tyndale (13 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) showed promise but was ultimately released mid-season after a string of inconsistent outings, including a three-point, seven-turnover performance against the South Dragons. In his place, the club re-signed 2007/08 star Julius Hodge (26.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), who had just returned from an NBA stint with the New Jersey Nets. Despite protracted negotiations, Hodge officially rejoined the team on November 15 and immediately delivered, earning Round 10 Player of the Week honours after averaging 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6 assists. His 27-point, 8-rebound, and 8-assist game against the South Dragons prompted Boomers coach Brian Goorjian to label him “possibly the best player in the league.”

Hodge continued to dominate, collecting another Player of the Week award in Round 15 after tallying 31 points (13–19 FG) and 8 rebounds in a crucial win over Melbourne. However, his tenure would end abruptly. In early January, after the team had won four of six games, Hodge failed to show for a home fixture against Wollongong, citing unresolved payment issues. Despite the club claiming his salary had been advanced, the relationship deteriorated rapidly. His departure caused confusion within the locker room and fractured communication with teammates. He was later replaced by Rod Grizzard (10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), who played the final eight games of the season.

Brett Maher (12.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists) captained Adelaide in his 14th and final NBL season. After overcoming injury setbacks in the previous year, Maher remained a steadying force throughout the campaign. Despite roster instability, he guided a rejuvenated squad back to playoff contention. On February 7, 2009, in front of over 8,000 fans at the Dome, the court was officially renamed The Brett Maher Court to honour his legacy. The venue had served as Maher’s home floor throughout his career, with the club moving into the then-named Clipsal Powerhouse during his rookie season. Maher was also one of only four players to have his number retired by the club.

Maher’s accolades were extensive. He helped lead Adelaide to three championships (1998, 1998/99, and 2001/02), won the club MVP award six times, and was named to four NBL All-Star Games (1996, 1997, 2005, 2006). He earned All-NBL First Team honours in 2000 and 2003, Second Team selections in 1997 and 1998, and Third Team recognition in 1999 and 2002. He is one of only two players to win the NBL Grand Final MVP twice, claiming the Larry Sengstock Medal in both 1999 and 2002. The other is Perth Wildcats legend Ricky Grace.

Maher retired as the 36ers’ all-time leader in games played (526), points (8,941), field goals (3,140), three-pointers made (1,162), assists (2,267), and steals (703). He is one of only four players to win three or more titles with the club and one of only two championship-winning captains alongside Bill Jones.

Led by Maher, Ballinger (20.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), and returning NBA center Luke Schenscher (16.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists), the 36ers re-established their interior dominance. Ballinger and Schenscher were both named to the All-NBL Second Team. First-year point guard Aaron Bruce (9.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists) won NBL Rookie of the Year. Key contributors included Holmes (9.5 points and 6.7 rebounds), Hill (8.5 points and 3.7 rebounds), and Davidson (5.7 points and 2.5 assists).

Adelaide finished the regular season at 15–15, securing sixth place and their first playoff berth since 2005/06. Their campaign ended with a 131–101 Elimination Final loss to the New Zealand Breakers in Auckland—Maher’s final appearance in a storied career that defined an era for the 36ers.Brett Maher played eighteen seasons the Adelaide 36ers. He averaged 16 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 525 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 8th in total games played.
– 14th in total points
– 42nd in total rebounds
– 7th in total assists
– 11th in total steals