NICKNAME/S: Vinnie Chase, Vinnie, Toddy

BIO: Born and raised in Mackay, Queensland, Todd Blanchfield attended Mackay State High School and quickly established himself as one of the region’s most promising young talents. He began playing representative basketball for the Mackay Basketball Association from the under-12 level and was selected in his first Queensland state team as a Year 7 student. His performances at junior level earned him widespread recognition within state schoolboys programs.

In 2007, at just 15 years of age, Blanchfield made his senior league debut with the Mackay Meteors in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL), becoming a valuable contributor despite his youth. The following year, in January 2008, he was selected to join an Australian schoolboys team that toured North Carolina in the United States, gaining early international exposure and experience against top-level high school competition. Blanchfield received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2008. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Todd Blanchfield made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 17 years of age. He scored one point in his first NBL game.

The Townsville Crocodiles signed Todd Blanchfield as a development player in July 2009 following standout stints with the Mackay Meteors in the QBL (2007, 2009–10) and the Australian Institute of Sport in the SEABL (2008).

Townsville had just moved forward without Rosell Ellis, John Rillie (to New Zealand), Daniel Egan, and Anthony Susnjara from last year’s roster, after the Crocodiles had reached the semifinals the previous year.

Corey Williams, Brad Williamson, Russell Hinder, Kelvin Robertson, Michael Cedar and Cameron Tovey returned from the previous season’s group, while Trevor Gleeson added Peter Crawford (via Perth), Stephen Hoare (via Melbourne), Rolan Roberts, Jeff Dowdell.

The Crocodiles signed Blanchfield in July 2009 following standout stints with the Mackay Meteors in the QBL and the Australian Institute of Sport in the SEABL, giving the 17-year-old his first opportunity at NBL level.

His best game came in Townsville’s 99-77 road loss to Wollongong on 24 October, where the teenager scored 8 points and grabbed 2 rebounds while making all three of his field-goal attempts, including his only three-pointer.

Brad Williamson (25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Townsville in the loss, while Tywain McKee (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Cameron Tragardh (14 points and 7 rebounds) and Tim Coenraad (13 points) led Wollongong.

Blanchfield (1.1 points across 10 games) averaged only 3.7 minutes in his first season, seeing limited court time as a development player but gaining experience alongside one of the league’s strongest groups.

Williams (18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals) led Townsville offensively, won the NBL Most Valuable Player award and earned All-NBL First Team honours.

Brad Williamson (10.1 points) and Crawford (10 points) were the Crocodiles’ next leading scorers, while Hinder (9.6 points and 5.4 rebounds), Roberts (9.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks), Cedar (8.5 points), Hoare (7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds) and Tovey (6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds) gave Gleeson a balanced rotation.

Townsville emerged as one of the competition’s form teams during January, putting together four consecutive wins and defeating fellow contenders Perth and Gold Coast as the Crocodiles climbed towards the top of the ladder.

The Crocodiles finished with a 16-12 record, level with Wollongong and Gold Coast, but the three-way head-to-head tiebreaker placed the Hawks second, Townsville third and the Blaze fourth.

The semifinals opened in Wollongong, where the Hawks defeated Townsville 87-68 behind Tragardh (26 points and 7 rebounds) and Larry Davidson (17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks, 5 assists, and 3 steals), while Williams (12 points) was Townsville’s leading scorer.

Game two moved to the Townsville Entertainment Centre, where Williams (23 points), Hinder (16 points) and Tovey (15 points) powered the Crocodiles to a dominant 82-53 win, while Rhys Martin (15 points) and Tragardh (11 points) were Wollongong’s best.

The deciding game returned to Wollongong, where Martin (16 points), David Gruber (15 points and 5 rebounds), Tragardh (14 points and 6 rebounds), Mat Campbell (14 points and 4 assists) and Glen Saville (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals) led the Hawks to a 88-76 win, while Williams (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cedar (14 points) and Roberts (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals) were Townsville’s best.

2010/11
Townsville reshaped its roster for the 2010/11 season, with Corey Williams (to Melbourne), Rolan Roberts, Stephen Hoare (to Gold Coast), Cameron Tovey (to Perth), Kelvin Robertson and Jeff Dowdell (to Adelaide) exiting the team.

Peter Crawford, Brad Williamson, Russell Hinder and Michael Cedar returned from the previous season’s main rotation, while Todd Blanchfield remained with the Crocodiles after making ten appearances as a development player.

Trevor Gleeson added Luke Schenscher (via Perth), Nathan Crosswell (via Melbourne), Will Blalock, Gabe Freeman and Ben Allen, while the Crocodiles rewarded the young Queenslander with a three-year contract in June 2010.

Blanchfield (2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds) appeared in 27 games during his first full season, increasing his playing time from 3.7 to 9.7 minutes per game. His best scoring game produced a season-high 9 points as he began taking the first steps from development player into Townsville’s regular rotation.

Freeman (9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 11 games) left the Crocodiles in December to return to the Philippines, with former Townsville import Rosell Ellis signed as his replacement.

Schenscher (13.7 points and 6.8 rebounds) and Crawford (13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) were Townsville’s two leading offensive players. Schenscher was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and won the club MVP award, while Crawford earned All-NBL Third Team honours.

Michael Cedar (10.8 points and 3.1 rebounds) produced his best NBL season to date, while Blalock (10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) directed the backcourt. Hinder (8 points and 5.7 rebounds) led the NBL in three-point percentage at 44.8 percent, while Ellis (6.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals), Crosswell (5.6 points) and Williamson (5.6 points) strengthened the supporting rotation.

With Blanchfield now receiving regular minutes, Townsville finished second with a 17-11 record. The Crocodiles were dominant at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, compiling a 13-1 home record, while Gleeson was named NBL Coach of the Year.

The semifinals opened in Townsville, where Crawford (17 points), Schenscher (15 points and 14 rebounds) and Michael Cedar (13 points) led the Crocodiles to a 76-73 overtime win over Cairns, while Ayinde Ubaka (19 points) and Ron Dorsey (17 points) were best for the Taipans.

Game two moved to Cairns, where Ian Crosswhite (15 points), Alex Loughton (14 points) and Dorsey (11 points and 9 rebounds) led the Taipans to a 74-57 win, while Ellis (14 points and 6 rebounds) and Schenscher (12 points) were Townsville’s best.

The deciding game returned to the Townsville Entertainment Centre, where Crawford (29 points and 7 rebounds), Michael Cedar (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Schenscher (13 points) led the Crocodiles, while Daniel Dillon (21 points), Dusty Rychart (16 points), Ubaka (12 points) and Crosswhite (12 points and 9 rebounds) carried Cairns to a 93-83 win.

2011/12
After three consecutive semifinal exits under coach Trevor Gleeson, the Townsville Crocodiles decided to make a coaching change, appointing American Paul Woolpert. Alongside this shift, the team parted ways with imports Will Blalock and Rosell Ellis, bringing in former NBA guard Eddie Gill and Elvin Mims as their replacements. The Crocodiles largely retained their local core from the prior season, with Jacob Holmes (joining from Adelaide) and Townsville native Mitchell Norton stepping in for Nathan Crosswell (departed to Adelaide) and retiring veteran Brad Williamson.

Just before the season opener, Russell Hinder sustained a broken leg, ruling him out for the entirety of the NBL season. The team signed Greg Vanderjagt, who had missed out on making an NBL roster the previous year, as his replacement.

Peter Crawford (14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists) and Eddie Gill (13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists) led Townsville’s statistical efforts, but a major boost came from Todd Blanchfield, who had a breakout season. Averaging 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds, Blanchfield went from bench player to starter, doubling his minutes from 9.7 to 21.3 per game. His 47% shooting percentage provided critical floor spacing, which opened up scoring opportunities for frontcourt players like Jacob Holmes (10.4 points, 9 rebounds, 2.1 assists), Luke Schenscher (10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists), and Elvin Mims (9.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals).

Townsville hovered between third and fifth place throughout the season, but a two-game losing streak to close the season left them tied with Cairns Taipans for fourth (both at 15–13). Although the teams split their season series 2–2, Townsville edged Cairns out of playoff contention due to a superior points percentage.

In the semifinals, Townsville took on top-seeded New Zealand, pulling off an impressive game one win (99–82) on the road. However, New Zealand bounced back, taking game two (94–83) in Townsville and decisively clinching the series in game three (97–80). The Breakers would go on to capture the championship by defeating Perth in the Grand Final series.

2012/13
Following a semifinal exit the previous season, the Townsville Crocodiles entered the 2012/13 NBL campaign with Paul Woolpert returning for his second season as head coach and a retooled roster. The club opted not to bring back veterans Luke Schenscher and Greg Vanderjagt, nor did they retain star import Eddie Gill or fellow American Elvin Mims. In their place, Townsville initially signed Jason Forte and Curtis Withers, but both were released during the pre-season after underwhelming performances at the NBL Pre-season Tournament in Melbourne. Crocs CEO Ian Smythe made the call early, stating, “Usually I’ve erred on the side of caution and waited. This time, we made the hard decision.”

The season was marked by instability even before tip-off, with the club making the bold decision to release both import signings. Forte had struggled in his role at point guard, while Withers was made expendable due to the promising form of local big man Ben Allen. Smythe explained, “Neither showed enough to indicate there was anything worth waiting for.”

With the regular season looming, Townsville quickly pivoted and signed 2011 NBL MVP Gary Ervin just one week before the season opener. They also brought back former import Larry Abney, hoping his experience could stabilise the frontcourt. Russell Hinder was again named team captain, but despite the new additions and established leadership, the Crocodiles opened the year in disastrous fashion, slumping to ten consecutive defeats and sitting last on the ladder at 0–10.

To address their glaring need for size and interior defence, the Crocs released Larry Abney (4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds) after nine games and signed centre Luke Nevill, who had just completed the NBA preseason with the Indiana Pacers following a prior stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009. Nevill joined in time for a matchup against Adelaide and immediately delivered the team’s first win. His arrival sparked a five-game win streak that pulled Townsville off the bottom of the ladder and back into playoff contention.

Coach Paul Woolpert praised Nevill’s ability to bring balance to the roster and open up scoring opportunities for the team’s shooters. Gary Ervin (16.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) led the Crocs offensively, while Nevill (13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks) anchored the frontcourt and provided the inside presence the team had been lacking. Todd Blanchfield built on his breakout season, increasing his production from 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds to 9.4 points and 4.1 rebounds, and veteran guard Peter Crawford remained a steady contributor with (12 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists).

Despite their resurgence, Townsville closed the season with back-to-back losses, ultimately finishing second last on the ladder with a 10–18 record—two wins shy of a playoff berth. Gary Ervin was recognised for his individual brilliance, earning selection to the All-NBL Second Team.

2013/14
In 2013, the Crocodiles faced an uncertain future when Barrier Reef Basketball relinquished its NBL license, placing the team’s 2013/14 season in jeopardy. The Crocs managed to stay afloat by transitioning to a community-owned club, which led to the departure of head coach Paul Woolpert and the hiring of former Perth Wildcats assistant Shawn Dennis as his replacement.

Dennis focused on building around the team’s younger players, particularly Todd Blanchfield and Mitchell Norton, with the vision of developing a competitive roster over the next few seasons. Veterans Peter Crawford, Jacob Holmes, and captain Russell Hinder returned, and Australian Boomers player Steven Markovic was signed after spending several years in Europe. Imports Joshua Pace and Brian Conklin rounded out the lineup.

Conklin quickly proved to be a valuable asset, scoring 33 points in his second game—a 91-78 win over the New Zealand Breakers. This was the second-highest individual score for a Crocs player since the NBL introduced 40-minute games in 2010. Despite predictions that placed Townsville at the bottom of the standings, the Crocs recorded surprise wins over Melbourne (90-75) and Adelaide (98-94) early in the season and defeated New Zealand twice, finding themselves just outside the playoffs in fifth place by round 10.

However, the performance of Pace (14.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) and Markovic (13.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists) fell short of expectations, and the team’s inexperience became apparent as they slid into an eight-game losing streak.

Despite the setbacks, Conklin (16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) stood out, leveraging his athleticism to overcome size mismatches and ending the season among the league’s top scorers. A hamstring injury late in the season sidelined him for the final four games, leaving Townsville to finish second-last with a 10-18 record. Conklin’s efforts were rewarded with All-NBL Second Team honours.

Blanchfield played in all 28 games, averaging 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

2014/15
Townsville entered the 2014/15 season with Joshua Pace, Peter Crawford (to Adelaide), Russell Hinder (retired), Scott Kenny and Joshua Myles exiting the team. Brian Conklin, Steven Markovic, Todd Blanchfield, Jacob Holmes, Mitchell Norton, Greg Vanderjagt and Mirko Djeric returned from the previous season’s group, while Shawn Dennis added former NBA centre Mickell Gladness (via Reno), Clint Steindl (via Cairns), Leon Henry (via Southland), Tom Howard, Ben Dixon and Christopher Kann.

The Crocodiles opened the season with a 92-83 road loss to Wollongong, where Blanchfield (14.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) began his breakout year with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals in 21 minutes.

One of his strongest early performances came in Townsville’s 91-82 road loss to Cairns on 30 November, where Blanchfield (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) led all scorers and gave the Crocodiles their best offensive option throughout the night.

On 3 January, Conklin (18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) produced 33 points and 11 rebounds against Cairns, while Blanchfield (8 points and 3 rebounds) added support as Townsville fell short 79-75.

Blanchfield’s best game of the season came on 25 January, when he delivered 27 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block in an 81-69 road win over Melbourne. He connected on five three-pointers and combined with Conklin (24 points and 8 rebounds) to hand the Crocodiles one of their strongest wins of the season.

Two weeks later, Blanchfield (27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) led Townsville to a 79-71 home win over eventual champions New Zealand, while Conklin (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) provided an all-round performance against the Breakers.

The two 27-point performances earned Blanchfield NBL Player of the Week honours in rounds 16 and 18 as his increased scoring, rebounding and confidence established him among the league’s leading Australian forwards.

Townsville became a difficult team to beat at home, recording its first winning home record since 2012 at 8-6, but managed only three wins from 14 road games. The Crocodiles finished sixth with an 11-17 record and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Conklin and Blanchfield were Townsville’s two leading offensive players. Conklin shot 50.7 percent from the field, finished fourth in the league in scoring and was named NBL Most Valuable Player, selected to the All-NBL First Team and awarded the Crocodiles’ club MVP.

Blanchfield’s improved production drew attention from NBA scouts and saw him named the NBL Most Improved Player and selected to the All-NBL Second Team.

Markovic (9.9 points and 4.3 assists) directed the offence, while Steindl (9.6 points and 3.2 rebounds) added perimeter shooting in his first season with Townsville. Gladness (9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks) led the NBL in blocked shots, while Norton (7.9 points) continued his development in the backcourt.

Townsville’s season ended in Perth, where Conklin (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), Blanchfield (14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Markovic (14 points and 5 assists) were unable to stop DeAndre Daniels (24 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks), Shawn Redhage (16 points) and Tom Jervis (14 points and 8 rebounds) in an 81-71 loss.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2016/17
With the league allowing three import players per team, Melbourne United replaced import duo Stephen Holt and Hakim Warrick with Cedric Jackson, Ramone Moore, and Devin Williams. They essentially signed a fourth import by adding Tai Wesley (via New Zealand), who was allowed to sign as a local under the Asian player rule, and swapped one Boomers big man for another, with David Andersen (via Europe) replacing Daniel Kickert (to Sydney).

In coach Dean Demopoulos’ second season, United started poorly (3-7), with Jackson (10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals) quickly shown the door due to a poor attitude and failing to buy into the team’s defensive principles. Casper Ware arrived as his replacement shortly after, immediately changing the squad’s direction.

Around this time, Chris Goulding (17.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals), who missed six games with ankle issues, began to find his form, and David Barlow (5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) returned from a calf injury that had kept him off the court for two years.

Behind Ware (22.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) and a healthy roster, United turned things around, winning 10 of their last 18 games. With the team still capable of reaching the playoffs, Devin Williams (3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds), who surprisingly lasted 16 games before being cut, had faced criticism for his lack of production. With a third of the season remaining, Josh Boone (10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) arrived, excelling in several advanced metrics like PER, ORtg, DRtg, eFG%, TRB%, and BLK%, and proving to be one of United’s most efficient players.

While he avoided Jackson’s fate, Ramone Moore (10.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) didn’t deliver the impact expected of an import either. Injuries and offensive meltdowns defined the season. Tai Wesley (8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) and Majok Majok (5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks) were the only two players to compete in all 28 games for United. Only six players suited up for at least 75% of games, and Melbourne finished with the second-worst true shooting percentage in the league and a 2-5 record in close games.

Ware earned a place on the All-NBL First Team despite playing 18 games, and Melbourne’s strong finish generated excitement among fans, with a near-capacity crowd of 9,545 at their last home game despite the team having nothing to play for.

Demopoulos struggled with managing player relationships, and by season’s end, his tense dynamic with certain players became public. United finished sixth (13-15), and Demopoulos and the club parted ways. Blanchfield had a season that didn’t fully meet expectations associated with his prior NBA prospect status, averaging 8.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists over 22 games.

SYDNEY KINGS
2017/18
After missing the playoffs the previous season, Sydney parted ways with Greg Whittington, Josh Powell, Steve Blake, Aleks Maric, Garrett Jackson and Craig Moller (to Melbourne). Brad Newley, Kevin Lisch, Jason Cadee and Tom Garlepp returned, while head coach Andrew Gaze added Todd Blanchfield (via Melbourne), Perry Ellis, Travis Leslie, Isaac Humphries (via Kentucky), Dane Pineau (via Saint Mary’s) and Amritpal Singh (via Pune).

Following two seasons with Melbourne where his role and production had fallen, the 25-year-old joined Sydney on a two-year deal looking for increased court time and a return to the form that had previously placed him on NBA radars.

Sydney opened the season on 7 October with a 105-96 home loss to Adelaide, where Todd (7 points) started in his Kings debut.

Blanchfield (8.7 points and 4 rebounds across 23 games) settled into a regular starting role, shooting 41 percent from the field while receiving the increased playing opportunities he had been seeking.

Captain Lisch (10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 9 games) suffered a calf injury after the opening three games and missed most of the regular season, leaving Sydney without its primary ball-handler during a difficult start.

With the Kings sitting at 2-6, Leslie (12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 8 games) was released and replaced by former NBL MVP Jerome Randle (via Turkey), while former NBA big man Jeremy Tyler (via China) and temporary guard Jeremy Kendle were also added before Tyler was released two months later.

Blanchfield (8 points) suffered a serious concussion following an accidental head clash with a teammate during Sydney’s 81-72 win over Cairns on 30 November, forcing him to miss the next three games.

His best scoring game came on 23 December, when Blanchfield (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) made five three-pointers and provided important scoring down the stretch as Sydney defeated Brisbane 101-95.

Against his former club and the eventual champions on 28 January, Blanchfield (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) top-scored for Sydney in a 93-76 loss to Melbourne.

Randle (19.6 points and 5.3 assists across 17 games) and Ellis (15.6 points and 5.8 rebounds across 25 games) became Sydney’s two leading offensive players, while Newley (12 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 25 games) and Cadee (10.3 points and 3.3 assists across 26 games) were the other main contributors around Blanchfield.

Randle became the first player since 1989 to lead the NBL in both scoring and assists and earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Humphries (6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 25 games) was named the NBL Rookie of the Year.

After losing 16 of their opening 21 games, the Kings recovered to win six of their final seven but finished seventh with an 11-17 record and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, while Blanchfield’s former team Melbourne won the championship.

In Sydney’s final game on 18 February, Blanchfield (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) produced his second-highest score of the season, while Cadee (30 points and 3 assists) and Randle (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Kings to a 101-86 win over New Zealand.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
2018/19
Following a close playoff miss in 2018, Illawarra Hawks faced a roster overhaul, losing key players Demitrius Conger, Rotnei Clarke, Nicholas Kay, Delvon Johnson, and retirees Cody Ellis and Rhys Martin. AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, Nic Pozoglo, and team captain Kevin White returned, while Jordair Jett, Brian Conklin, and Cedric Jackson joined the squad, alongside rookies Emmett Naar and Daniel Grida.

The Hawks had a turbulent start to the season, opening with a quadruple-overtime loss to Melbourne (122–123), followed by a heavy defeat to Perth (101–61). Despite the rocky beginning, they rebounded in Round 2 with a win over Cairns on the road (104–93). A brief two-game win streak in October saw them secure victories over Brisbane (86–78) and Adelaide (120–109), momentarily placing them fifth. However, inconsistency plagued the team, and they later endured a four-game losing streak in November. The season ended with a seventh-place finish and a 12-16 record.

In his tenth NBL season and first with the Hawks, Blanchfield delivered one of his best seasons, posting 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He set a career high with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists against Cairns on October 21, 2018, and added notable performances throughout the season, including a 27-point effort against New Zealand on January 18, 2019.

Blanchfield also shot a career-best 48% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc, with his perimeter skills playing a crucial role for the Hawks. He was named the team’s MVP at season’s end.

Conklin (14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists), Jett (11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), and Ogilvy (9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) joined Blanchfield in leading the team’s offense, but Illawarra struggled to find consistency in an especially competitive NBL season.

2019/20
The Hawks became a global basketball talking point in 2019/20 after signing LaMelo Ball to a Next Stars contract, which was designed to develop young players ahead of the NBA Draft. Although Ball played only 12 games, Blanchfield became a mentor to him, and they formed a strong bond, with Blanchfield frequently defending the young guard as he adjusted to the professional level.

On October 24, 2019, the Hawks faced New Zealand in what became the most-watched game in NBL history, reaching nearly two million views globally on Facebook due to Ball’s matchup with fellow Next Star RJ Hampton.

While Ball averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in 31 minutes, Blanchfield contributed 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists as a key offensive player. Despite the global attention, the Hawks struggled in the standings, finishing with the league’s worst record at 5-23. Blanchfield earned the Hawks’ MVP award for the second consecutive season, while Ball took home the NBL Rookie of the Year award before heading to the NBA.

PERTH WILDCATS
2020/21
After clinching the previous season’s Grand Final due to Sydney’s withdrawal amid COVID-19 concerns, Perth faced early challenges in NBL21 as the league navigated pandemic obstacles. With Terrico White and Nick Kay departing for overseas opportunities, Perth signed John Mooney to bolster their frontcourt. However, the NBL’s decision to limit imports from three to two also prevented Perth from re-signing Miles Plumlee. After numerous delays to the season start, games commenced without a fixed schedule, leaving teams uncertain about who and where they’d play each week due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Perth initially struggled to secure wins, sitting in seventh place after five rounds. To address travel challenges, the NBL relocated all teams to Melbourne for the NBL Cup, aiming to keep the season running amid restrictions. It was during this time that Bryce Cotton (23.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals) elevated his game, creating space for newcomer Todd Blanchfield (via Illawarra) to shine. Blanchfield (15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) set a Wildcats record for most three-pointers in a season and, together with Mooney (16.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals), formed a formidable trio that drove Perth back to the top of the standings.

As the season neared its conclusion, Perth seemed set for a third consecutive title until Cotton suffered a season-ending injury against Melbourne (64–78). Although Cotton would still be named league MVP, his absence was felt in the playoffs.

In round 13, Melbourne United edged out Perth for first place, with United finishing (28-8) and Perth in second (25-11). Despite a game-one loss to Illawarra (72–74), Perth rebounded with contributions from Luke Travers (13 points and 10 rebounds) and John Mooney (18 points and 10 rebounds) in game two, securing a 79-71 victory. In the decisive game three, Blanchfield (24 points and 5 rebounds) and Mitchell Norton (15 points and 4 rebounds) rose to the occasion, propelling the Wildcats past Illawarra (79-71) in a thrilling semifinal series.

Perth then faced a formidable Melbourne United, who had maintained impressive form all season. COVID-19 restrictions led to the first two games being played in Perth. Despite Blanchfield’s strong performance (27 points and 7 rebounds) in game one, United held on to win by three points (70–73). In game two, Chris Goulding (21 points) and Jock Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds) proved too much for Perth, who again fell short (74-83).

Norton (8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists) battled injuries down the stretch, further weakening Perth’s backcourt. Kevin White stepped up with the best three-game series of his career (10, 12, and 14 points, respectively), but it wasn’t enough. In game three, played in front of a sellout 5,000-strong crowd at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, United triumphed 81-76, with Landale’s outstanding performance (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) securing him the Finals MVP as United clinched their sixth NBL title.

2021/22
This season saw the departure of coach Trevor Gleeson, who joined the NBA’s Toronto Raptors after leading Perth to five championships in seven seasons. Perth faced additional challenges as mid-season signing Will Magnay and key bench players Clint Steindl, Jarrad Weeks, and Jarred Bairstow signed with Tasmania under former assistant coach Scott Roth.

Perth rebuilt its squad, appointing US coach Scott Morrison as head coach, and adding imports Vic Law (via Brisbane), Michael Frazier III, and big man Matthew Hodgson (also via Brisbane).

Blanchfield sustained a knee injury early in the season, requiring surgery. Though he returned, he re-injured the same knee in his second game back, impacting his performance as he worked to regain fitness.

The Wildcats began with five home games before a grueling 14-game road stint due to COVID-19 border closures. Despite these challenges, Perth remained in the top four for much of the season and was a strong contender for the Grand Final. Cotton (22.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Law (20.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks) were an explosive duo, ranking among the top three league scorers while driving Perth to lead the league in scoring (89.1 points per game).

Upon returning to Western Australia for their last nine games, Perth chose to replace Frazier with John Brown III. However, Brown’s previous team withheld clearance, preventing him from playing, and Perth had to reintegrate Frazier back into the lineup. A season-ending knee injury sidelined Law with a few games remaining, and Cotton also missed critical games as Perth won only three of their final nine home games. In their last regular-season game, needing a win against South East Melbourne to secure a playoff spot, Perth’s eight-point lead in the second half wasn’t enough as the Phoenix surged back to end Perth’s remarkable 37-season playoff streak with a two-point overtime victory. Both Cotton and Law received All-NBL First Team honours for their efforts.

2022/23
Perth entered NBL23 after its 35-year playoff streak ended with a fifth-place finish the previous season. Scott Morrison stepped down after one year to return to Canada for family reasons, with former Townsville Crocodiles guard John Rillie appointed as head coach on a three-year deal. Kevin White (to Illawarra), Matt Hodgson (to Taiwan), Vic Law and Michael Frazier II departed, while Bryce Cotton and Jesse Wagstaff re-signed, Kyle Zunic was elevated from development player and Corey Webster (via Franklin Bulls), TaShawn Thomas (via Le Mans) and Brady Manek (via North Carolina) joined the returning group.

Todd Blanchfield re-signed on a three-year contract which was expected to keep him in Perth until the end of the 2024/25 season.

“I really enjoyed my last two years in Perth; everything from the community to the club. I’m excited to be back for three years and to look to build something with this group,” Blanchfield said. “My main goal is to win a championship. I’d love to be able to get one under the belt before I retire, and Perth’s proven over the years that it’s the kind of environment where you’re able to do that.”

Perth opened against Brisbane at RAC Arena on October 2, where Blanchfield (6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block) started as the Wildcats recovered from 24 points behind to win 87-73. Cotton (23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and Wagstaff (14 points) led Perth, while Devondrick Walker (16 points and 5 rebounds) was Brisbane’s leading scorer.

Blanchfield (4.4 points across 26 games) started his first 12 appearances before moving to the bench as Rillie altered his rotation. A blow to his right shoulder during training before Perth’s second game created concern because of previous problems with the joint, but he completed a full practice and was cleared to face Illawarra without missing a game. Perth opened 3-0 and moved to the top of the ladder before five consecutive losses dropped the Wildcats to seventh, with Blanchfield later admitting he had not started the season as well as he wanted.

As Perth pushed for the postseason, Rillie shortened his rotation and Blanchfield did not play against New Zealand on January 10, Sydney on January 20 or Tasmania on January 29. He was also left out of the Play-In Qualifier against South East Melbourne, with all four non-appearances being coaching decisions rather than injury-related absences.

Blanchfield’s best game came in his 350th NBL appearance against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 10, where he made five three-pointers and finished with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Cotton (24 points and 7 rebounds) and Mitchell Norton (16 points and 9 assists) led the support, while Keanu Pinder (18 points and 15 rebounds) was Cairns’ best as Perth won 105-76 and improved to 3-0.

One of Perth’s biggest moments came against Melbourne at RAC Arena on December 12, where Blanchfield (8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) helped overturn an 89-84 deficit with nine seconds remaining. He made a three-pointer while being fouled, missed the bonus free throw, grabbed his own offensive rebound and found Webster (20 points and 3 assists), who made the game-winning three-pointer. Cotton (29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Wildcats, while Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Melbourne’s best as Perth won 90-89 and collected its third consecutive victory.

With ten regular-season games remaining, Perth signed Tai Webster (via Petkim Spor, 7 points across 8 games), reuniting him with his older brother Corey. Corey Shervill was released from the Wildcats’ 11-man roster to create room but remained with the club as a training player.

Cotton (23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) led the NBL in scoring, finished second in MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team selection and received Perth’s club MVP award. Corey Webster (14.2 points across 29 games), Thomas (13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 28 games), Manek (13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 30 games), Luke Travers (9.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across 29 games) and Norton (5.1 points across 28 games) formed the Wildcats’ other major contributors, with Travers receiving Perth’s Best Defensive Player award. Perth finished with the NBL’s highest offensive rating and ranked second in scoring at 92.1 points per game, but recorded the league’s worst defensive rating and ranked last in rebounding at 33.5 per game.

Despite Blanchfield stating in February that he intended to honour the remaining two years of his contract, Perth deactivated his deal following the season and agreed to part ways with both Blanchfield and Norton.

“In what were two difficult decisions to make because of the quality of people and players both Mitch and Todd are, we believe this is the right decision for the club and in the best interests of the organisation’s long-term plans,” Perth general manager of basketball operations Danny Mills said. “We thank both Mitch and Todd for their outstanding contribution to the Wildcats, both on and off the court and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”

Perth entered its final regular-season game needing to defeat first-placed Sydney by at least 11 points to overtake Melbourne and qualify for the postseason. Blanchfield (0 points) played six seconds, while Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals) carried the Wildcats after the Kings held Cotton to seven points. Dejan Vasiljevic (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney as Perth won 96-84, secured the required margin by one point and finished sixth with a 15-13 record.

The Play-In Qualifier moved to John Cain Arena on February 9, where Blanchfield did not play after being left out of Rillie’s shortened rotation. Perth trailed South East Melbourne for most of the game before outscoring the Phoenix 41-23 in the fourth quarter, with Cotton (26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), Manek (24 points) and Thomas (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) leading the Wildcats. Mitchell Creek (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Gary Browne (20 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Alan Williams (16 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 steals) led South East Melbourne as Perth won 106-99.

Perth then faced Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 12, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. DJ Hogg (32 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Bul Kuol (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Sam Waardenburg (15 points and 10 rebounds) led the Taipans, while Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists), Thomas (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Webster (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Manek (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Perth’s best as Cairns won 91-78, with Blanchfield (0 points) playing 27 seconds in the loss.

2023/24
After injuries contributed to the worst season in club history, Illawarra entered Jacob Jackomas’ second year as head coach looking to recover from a 3-25 campaign. Tim Coenraad and Kevin White retired, while Mangok Mathiang (to New Zealand), Akoldah Gak (to Cairns), Peyton Siva, Michael Frazier II, Deng Deng and Alex Mudronja departed. Mason Peatling (via Melbourne), Biwali Bayles (via Sydney), Lachlan Olbrich (via UC Riverside), Hyunjung Lee (via Santa Cruz), Next Star AJ Johnson and Gary Clark (via Mexico City) joined the roster, while Justin Robinson returned from the knee injury which ended his previous season.

Blanchfield returned to Illawarra on a two-year deal for his second stint with the club after Perth bought out the remaining two years of his Wildcats contract, with part of the deal remaining on Perth’s books. His experience and perimeter shooting were added to balance the Hawks’ younger roster. “I really like the group Jacob and the assistants have put together and I think we’re really going to surprise a few teams this year,” Blanchfield said.

Illawarra opened the season against Sydney at the WIN Entertainment Centre on September 30, where Blanchfield (6 points and 1 rebound) made his return to the Hawks in 7:21 off the bench, but the Kings won 96-81. Harvey (19 points and 3 steals) and Grida (14 points and 7 rebounds) led Illawarra, while Kouat Noi (23 points and 4 rebounds) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Blanchfield (4.4 points across 30 games) came off the bench in every appearance and averaged 12.6 minutes, filling a veteran shooting role behind Illawarra’s younger wings while appearing in 25 regular-season games and all five postseason contests.

Consecutive heavy defeats to Sydney and Cairns left Illawarra at 2-7 and resulted in Jackomas parting ways with the club, with assistant Justin Tatum taking over as interim head coach and winning four of his first six games. Grida (5.2 points across 10 games) was sidelined by a knee injury, Hickey (5.2 points across 25 games) moved into a larger role and Kyle Adnam (1 point across 3 games) joined as an injury replacement.

Blanchfield (16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) produced his best scoring game against his former club at RAC Arena on January 25, making 5-of-8 from the field and three three-pointers as Illawarra ended Perth’s six-game winning streak with a 95-77 victory. Clark (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support, while Tai Webster (16 points) led the Wildcats as the Hawks improved to 10-12 and revived their postseason hopes.

Blanchfield (8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists) produced his best rebounding game when Perth visited the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 15, helping Illawarra secure a postseason place with a 108-92 victory. Clark (26 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Froling (16 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Cotton (20 points and 3 steals) was Perth’s best.

Clark (17 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) led Illawarra in scoring, won the club MVP award and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Froling (15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) received the NBL Next Generation Award. Harvey (15.1 points across 33 games), Robinson (12 points and 4.4 assists across 33 games), Lee (7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds across 32 games) and Swaka Lo Buluk (6 points across 32 games) were the other main contributors. Illawarra increased its scoring from 80.8 to 91.6 points per game and finished the regular season fourth with a 14-14 record.

Illawarra opened the postseason against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena, where Blanchfield (0 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) played 14:35 off the bench as the JackJumpers won the Seeding Qualifier 92-76. Clark (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) and Harvey (15 points) led the Hawks, while McVeigh (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Magnay (25 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) controlled the game for Tasmania.

The Hawks returned to the WIN Entertainment Centre for an elimination game against New Zealand, which marked Blanchfield’s 400th NBL appearance. Blanchfield (2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) played 7:03 as Illawarra won 88-85 behind Robinson (26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Froling (21 points and 9 rebounds), while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (19 points, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Cheatham (14 points and 9 rebounds) led the Breakers before Illawarra advanced to the semifinals.

The semifinal series began at John Cain Arena, where Blanchfield (0 points and 1 rebound) played 9:44 as Illawarra surrendered a 16-point fourth-quarter lead and lost game one 115-106 in overtime. Froling (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) and Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Hawks, while Dellavedova (30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) and Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) powered Melbourne’s comeback.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Blanchfield (2 points) played 2:30 as Clark (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (23 points), Froling (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Hickey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Illawarra to a 113-108 overtime victory. Dellavedova (20 points and 8 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Melbourne before the Hawks forced a deciding game.

Game three returned to John Cain Arena, where Froling (23 points and 4 rebounds), Robinson (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Clark (14 points and 6 rebounds) kept Illawarra within reach, while Ili (22 points) and Travers (15 points and 11 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 100-94 victory and ended the Hawks’ season one game short of the Grand Final. Blanchfield (0 points and 4 rebounds) played 9:02 minutes in the loss.

Blanchfield appeared in 30 games, contributing averages of 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists.

2024/25
A year after recovering from a 2-7 start to reach the semifinals, Illawarra entered Justin Tatum’s first full season as head coach without AJ Johnson (to Milwaukee), Justin Robinson (to Trapani), Gary Clark (to Yokohama), Kyle Adnam (to Cairns) and Biwali Bayles (to Nyon). Todd Blanchfield returned alongside Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Hyunjung Lee, Mason Peatling, William Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Daniel Grida and Lachlan Olbrich, while Tatum added Trey Kell III (via Adelaide), Darius Days (via Winnipeg), Zac Triplett (via Melbourne) and Brad Ballinger (via Illawarra NBL1).

The veteran forward entered the second season of the two-year deal signed upon returning to Illawarra in 2023. Before rejoining the Hawks, he led his hometown Mackay Meteors to the 2024 NBL1 North championship and received Grand Final MVP honours after averaging 25.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3.5 steals across the series.

Illawarra opened the season at HoopsFest in Perth on September 21 with a 102-75 win over Cairns, where Blanchfield (4 points and 1 rebound) played limited minutes as Days (20 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Froling (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Hawks, while Tanner Groves (19 points and 7 rebounds) was Cairns’ best.

Blanchfield (4 points across 28 games) initially remained in a reduced bench role as Illawarra established itself among the league leaders, but his minutes increased after Days suffered a hamstring injury against Brisbane on January 20.

Blanchfield (17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) made five three-pointers three nights later as Illawarra almost recovered from a 22-point deficit before losing 100-94 in Cairns, with Harvey (17 points and 1 block) and Kell (13 points and 3 assists) providing support while Rob Edwards (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Taipans.

He again delivered 17 points on February 5, with Blanchfield (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) making three three-pointers off the bench as Illawarra defeated New Zealand 96-82 and secured the first regular-season championship in club history. Harvey (29 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Froling (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Hawks, while Tacko Fall (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks) was the Breakers’ best.

Kobe McDowell-White (via Sunshine Coast) joined the Hawks as a development player in October, while Kuany Kuany (via VCU) was added as a nominated replacement player in November.

Harvey (17.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Kell (17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists) led Illawarra’s offence, with Froling (14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds), Days (11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds), Hickey (8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists), Olbrich (8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds), Swaka Lo Buluk (7.8 points), Lee (7.7 points and 3.4 rebounds) and Peatling (5 points and 4 rebounds) forming one of the league’s deepest rotations. Harvey and Kell earned All-NBL First Team selections, Froling was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and Tatum received the Lindsay Gaze Trophy as NBL Coach of the Year as the Hawks finished first with a 20-9 record.

Illawarra opened the semifinals at the WIN Entertainment Centre with a 101-94 win over South East Melbourne, taking control with a 32-12 third quarter behind Kell (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Harvey (24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Blanchfield (16 points and 6 rebounds), while Joe Wieskamp (22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks), Nathan Sobey (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Derrick Walton Jr (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists) led the Phoenix.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where South East Melbourne levelled the series with a 101-94 win behind Matt Hurt (30 points and 2 blocks), Sobey (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Hickey (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), Froling (11 points and 5 rebounds) and Blanchfield (6 points) led Illawarra.

Blanchfield’s best game of the season came in the deciding game in Wollongong, where he was elevated into the starting lineup and made a career-high eight three-pointers. Kell (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Blanchfield (28 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Harvey (12 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) powered Illawarra to a 126-96 win and its first Grand Final appearance since 2017, while Wieskamp (25 points and 5 rebounds), Sobey (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Owen Foxwell (13 points and 3 steals) led the Phoenix.

The Championship Series opened in Wollongong, where Froling (16 points and 7 rebounds), Hickey (14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) and Blanchfield (13 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Illawarra, but Dellavedova (18 points and 7 rebounds), Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Marcus Lee (14 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks) carried Melbourne to a 96-88 win.

Game two moved to John Cain Arena, where Blanchfield (4 rebounds and 1 steal) contributed as Harvey (24 points), Froling (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) led Illawarra to a 102-100 win, while Ian Clark (31 points), Goulding (17 points and 4 assists) and Dellavedova (14 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne before Harvey made the winning three-pointer with six seconds remaining.

Melbourne regained control in game three with an 83-77 road win behind Jack White (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals), Clark (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Dellavedova (16 points and 11 assists), while Hickey (12 points), Days (11 points and 4 rebounds), Kell (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Blanchfield (4 points and 4 rebounds) led Illawarra.

Facing elimination in game four, Illawarra entered without Kell because of a knee injury before Froling (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) ruptured his Achilles during the second quarter. Hickey (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Olbrich (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Blanchfield (6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) helped the Hawks win 80-71, while Dellavedova (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), Goulding (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Clark (16 points and 2 steals) led Melbourne.

Game five returned to Wollongong, where Kell (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists), Hickey (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists), Harvey (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Swaka Lo Buluk (16 points) led Illawarra, while Goulding (21 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Shea Ili (20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and White (17 points and 7 rebounds) were Melbourne’s best. Dellavedova (5 points and 7 assists) was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy before handing it to Hickey, while Blanchfield said, “16 years is a long time, but, at the end of the day I love this game.” Blanchfield (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) hit two three-pointers during the second quarter as Illawarra won 114-104 and secured his first NBL championship.

2025/26
After defeating Melbourne in five games to win its first championship in 24 years, Illawarra entered NBL26 as defending champions under coach Justin Tatum. Trey Kell III (to Toyama), Darius Days (to San-en), Lachlan Olbrich (to Chicago) and Hyunjung Lee (to Nagasaki) departed, while Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, William Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Mason Peatling, Todd Blanchfield and Daniel Grida returned from the championship roster. Tatum added JaVale McGee (via Bayamón), Jonah Bolden (via Arecibo), Biwali Bayles (via Nyon), JaQuori McLaughlin (via Jakarta), Harry Froling (via Melbourne), Jackson Ball (via Hawke’s Bay) and Johny Narkle (via Geraldton), with Sam Froling unavailable while recovering from the Achilles injury suffered during the previous Championship Series.

Fresh from winning his first NBL championship, the 33-year-old re-signed with Illawarra on a three-year deal in April 2025, keeping him with the Hawks through NBL28. General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell praised his leadership and ability to make important plays and shots off the bench.

Illawarra raised its championship banner at the WIN Entertainment Centre on September 27, where Blanchfield (12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) provided two-way production off the bench, but Tasmania defeated the Hawks 91-86. McGee (32 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Harvey (19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Illawarra, while Bryce Hamilton (21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) was Tasmania’s best.

Blanchfield (5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds across 32 games) remained an experienced option off the bench, giving Tatum additional size, rebounding and perimeter shooting while making three starts. He became the 32nd player in league history to reach 450 NBL games and later made his 150th appearance for Illawarra, moving into 15th place on the club’s all-time games list.

His best scoring game came at Spark Arena on February 7, where Blanchfield (19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block) made three three-pointers during the fourth quarter as Illawarra attempted to recover from a 16-point deficit. Harvey (19 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Hickey (14 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 block) helped the Hawks close within two points, while Izaiah Brockington (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led New Zealand to a 106-95 victory that ended Illawarra’s hopes of defending its championship.

McLaughlin (7.7 points and 4 assists across 3 games) was released following Illawarra’s winless start, with Peterson (15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 26 games) signed via Xinjiang as his replacement. Bolden (4.4 points and 5.5 rebounds across 8 games) suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the FIBA break, while Froling (11 points and 6.7 rebounds across 15 games) returned on Christmas night after missing the opening 18 games.

McGee (19.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 31 games) and Harvey (16.9 points and 3.6 assists across 31 games) became Illawarra’s two leading offensive players, with Peterson, Hickey (12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 27 games), Froling, Swaka Lo Buluk (8 points across 33 games), Grida (6.3 points across 29 games) and Peatling (6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds across 33 games) forming the other main contributors around Blanchfield. McGee was named club MVP, Grida received the Players’ Player and Most Improved Player awards, Swaka Lo Buluk was named Defensive Player of the Year and Peatling collected the Coach’s Award.

Illawarra finished eighth with a 13-20 record and missed the postseason by one win. The Hawks closed the season at MyState Bank Arena on February 18, where Blanchfield (5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) started as Illawarra defeated Tasmania 103-70, with Harvey (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Peterson (20 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) leading the Hawks while Josh Bannan (17 points and 4 rebounds) was Tasmania’s best.

Todd Blanchfield currently plays for the Illawarra Hawks and has played 463 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 8.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1 assists since entering the league in 2009.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Illawarra Hawks – 3 Year Deal (2025-28)

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 28th in total games played.