NICKNAME/S: Tang

BIO: Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Dalton attended St. Augustine’s College in Brookvale, a suburb on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. He is the brother of two other Australian basketball players, Brad Dalton and Karen Dalton. Dalton received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 1982. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

FAMILY: Mark’s son Callum Dalton also played 19 games in the NBL. Mark’s brother, Brad Dalton also played 290 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mark Dalton made his NBL debut with the Canberra Cannons at 19 years of age. He scored 11 points in his first game.

As Canberra prepared for their run at back-to-back championships, they suffered a major setback after the league decided to introduce a rule where team’s could no longer play with more than two imports. With Canberra choosing to re-sign imports Dave Nelson and Herb McEachin, Kirchmeyer was forced to chase opportunities overseas.

In a bid to replace Kirchmeyer, known as the team’s ‘Enforcer’ and part of the ‘Bruise Brothers’ frontcourt that featured Nelson and McEachin, Andy Campbell of the West Adelaide Bearcats was signed, as well as promising young talent Mark Dalton. Dalton had just spent three years developing his game at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he was mentored by Cannons star Phil Smyth who operates as a assistant coach there during the NBL off-season.

Another move involved the team having to replace their leading scorer Wade Kirchmeyer with Dave Nelson (23.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), who capably replaced his scoring ability, leading the team in points per game. Alongside fellow import Herb McEachin (21.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 steals) and Dalton (15.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 steals) delivering a impressive debut season, the Cannons would finish with a record of 16-7 and in fifth place during the regular season. Dalton would finish runner-up to Andrew Gaze for the league’s rookie of the year award.

Under the guidance of head coach Bob Turner and the on-court leadership from Phil Smyth (14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.0 steals) the Cannons defeated Geelong (87–81) in the Preliminary Final before narrowly getting past Coburg in the semi final (108–107) to set up a grand final against Leroy Loggins and the Brisbane Bullets.

The Grand Final would be played at a pre-determined ‘neutral’ venue that season (the last time the NBL held the Grand Final at a neutral location), the ‘Glass House’ in Melbourne. There the Cannons came out victors in another nail-biter, winning the 1984 NBL title by only two points (84–82).

Dalton appeared in only 26 games that season, and averaged 15.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

1985
In 1985, Dalton averaged 14.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, playing a key role in the Cannons rotation, helping the team finish in fourth place finish during the regular season with a 19-7 record.

GEELONG CATS
1986
The 1986 season saw Dalton average 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists and play a key role in helping the Cats to a seventh-place finish in the regular season with a 14-12 record.

1987
During the 1987 season, Dalton averaged 15.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists and helped the Cats finish with a record of 13-13 to end the regular season in ninth place.

SYDNEY KINGS
1988
The 1988 NBL season ushered in a transformative moment for basketball in Sydney, marked by the historic debut of the Sydney Kings.

The Kings emerged from the consolidation of two struggling city rivals—the Sydney Supersonics and West Sydney Westars—under the visionary partnership of Supersonics owner Mike Wrublewski and Westars leader Andrew Lazaris, who shared a mission to unify Sydney basketball with the mantra “one team, one city.”

The newly established Kings instantly drew attention, introducing corporate boxes and unveiling their iconic purple-and-gold uniforms.

Yet, beneath the excitement lay the significant challenge of blending two former competitors into one cohesive roster.

Claude Williams, the league’s first Indigenous head coach and former Supersonics assistant, shouldered the substantial task of aligning disparate playing styles and personalities.

Headlining the Kings’ inaugural team was star import Steve “Mr Magic” Carfino, who joined from Hobart, taking up the captaincy after achieving All-NBL First Team honours the previous year.

Carfino formed an explosive duo with fellow import Marc Ridlen, an All-NBL Second Team forward with the Supersonics the year prior.

Veteran big man Andrew Svaldenis transitioned alongside Ridlen from the Supersonics, joined by steady playmaker Zoran Zunic.

Retained from the Westars roster were versatile wing Glen Dunsmore, athletic defender Tim Morrissey, and standout Olympian Damian Keogh, who quickly asserted himself as the team’s premier local talent.

Further bolstering the lineup, the Kings signed Olympians Ian Davies and brothers Brad and Mark Dalton, all acquired from Geelong.

The Kings launched their debut campaign impressively on February 12, capturing an electrifying 110–106 victory over Geelong at Homebush.

Imports Ridlen (33 points, 16 rebounds) and Carfino (23 points, 6 assists) starred prominently, while Andrew Svaldenis immediately made his presence felt with an impactful 16 points and 9 rebounds, alongside Davies’ 16 points.

The performance overshadowed a strong showing from Geelong’s Sam Foggin (34 points), as Sydney celebrated its first-ever franchise win.

Sydney maintained momentum a week later, downing Wollongong 103–95 to start 2–0.

Carfino again led the charge (24 points, 6 assists), supported by Mark Dalton’s dominant interior performance (23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks), marking one of his finest games of the year.

Dalton continued to contribute consistent rebounding and frontcourt presence in the weeks that followed.

On March 12 against Newcastle, he added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals in a solid all-round effort.

Just two weeks later, he delivered another standout outing against the same opponent, posting 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists to help Sydney secure a 120–105 home victory.

On April 16 against Hobart, Dalton shot 8-of-12 from the floor for 19 points and added 6 rebounds and a block in a commanding 117–99 win that snapped a three-game losing streak.

He produced a perfect shooting night on June 4 against Perth, scoring 14 points on 7-of-7 field goals, while also contributing 9 rebounds.

Dalton’s offensive peak came late in the season on June 26, when he poured in 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, with 5 rebounds and 2 steals, despite the Kings falling to Melbourne 117–113.

He followed it with a strong finish in the final round against Brisbane, recording 17 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal in a narrow loss.

Throughout the year, Dalton remained a dependable presence on the glass, collecting 9 or more rebounds in six of his first ten appearances.

He also provided defensive versatility, frequently guarding multiple positions and offering shot-blocking support, including 3 blocks against Wollongong in Round 2.

Across 23 games, Dalton averaged (9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.0 blocks), establishing himself as a reliable interior performer for the fledgling franchise.

He was pivotal in fortifying the Kings’ frontcourt alongside Andrew Svaldenis and Brad Dalton, helping cover defensive mismatches created by Sydney’s up-tempo, guard-focused attack.

Ridlen (25.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks) consistently shone, finishing second in the league in rebounding and among the top five scorers.

His season included an exceptional franchise-record 30 rebounds alongside 25 points against Newcastle.

Carfino (21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.6 steals) dazzled as the Kings’ floor leader, earning All-NBL Second Team recognition while delivering impressive scoring and playmaking throughout the season.

Keogh (14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals) and Davies (12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists) delivered crucial scoring support and veteran leadership throughout the campaign.

Mark Dalton (9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists) added reliable toughness in the paint, while Morrissey (7.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists) anchored the Kings defensively.

The Kings closed out their inaugural season with a 4–7 stretch, concluding ninth overall on the ladder at 10–14.

Coach Claude Williams resigned at season’s end amid frustration with internal team dynamics and management conflicts.

1989
Entering their sophomore campaign, the Sydney Kings were determined to shake off their expansion-club growing pains and prove they belonged among the NBL’s contenders.

Owner Mike Wrublewski doubled down on his vision of a big-market powerhouse, replacing inaugural coach Claude Williams with championship-winning coach Bob Turner (via Canberra) and appointing Olympians Brad Dalton and Damian Keogh as co-captains to spearhead a tougher, more professional outfit.

Sydney kept its primary core intact from the previous season. The high-scoring import duo of Steve “Mr. Magic” Carfino and Marc Ridlen returned, as did key locals including Tim Morrissey, Ian Davies, Andrew Svaldenis—and Mark Dalton, a versatile forward expected to play a major two-way role after impressing in the team’s inaugural year.

New signing Ian Robilliard added grit and experience, while Turner instilled a more structured approach from the sidelines.

The season opened with a nail-biting win over Brisbane (82–79), only for an immediate reality check in Perth (97–117). This inconsistency continued through the opening month – one night Sydney knocked off Adelaide (113–104) on the road, then followed it up with a humbling home loss to Eastside (67–92). By late April, the Kings were hovering around .500 and still searching for consistency under Turner’s leadership.

Everything clicked as winter approached. In May and June, Sydney caught fire, embarking on an eight-game winning streak—the longest in franchise history at the time. The run began with a thrilling overtime win over Newcastle (115–112), where Damian Keogh delivered clutch baskets and the Kings showed a new level of composure under pressure.

They ground out an 82–77 scrap against Hobart, survived a 128–125 shoot-out in Melbourne, and escaped Geelong with a 95–90 win—each result building belief. The hot streak reached fever pitch when Sydney stunned ladder-leaders North Melbourne (110–107) and Canberra (119–108), lifting the Kings to 12–5 and turning Homebush’s 4,500-seat arena into a purple-and-gold fortress.

Unfortunately, a mid-season blow struck when Mark Dalton suffered a serious injury in a clash against Adelaide on July 22, forcing him out for the remainder of the year—including the playoff run. Up until that point, Dalton had been a crucial cog in the Sydney system, contributing (9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks across 16 games). His two-way versatility and leadership were sorely missed as the season wore on.

Sydney dropped a pivotal rematch to North Melbourne (113–128), then fell in heartbreaking fashion to Andrew Gaze’s Tigers (112–115), costing them a top-four seed. Still, Turner’s side closed out the regular season at 15–9—clear evidence of progress and promise.

Marc Ridlen (21.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks) dominated the paint, Steve Carfino (20.4 points, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals) dazzled in the open floor and earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Keogh (17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals) had a breakout year, and Morrissey (13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds) emerged as an elite defensive stopper.

Sydney would win its first playoff game, outlasting huge efforts from Andrew Gaze (38 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ray Gordon (21 points), behind a vintage Ian Davies performance (30 points) and a steady showing from Ridlen (22 points, 9 rebounds). The Kings claimed a thrilling 117–105 victory before 5,006 fans at Homebush.

Melbourne struck back in Game 2, handing Sydney a 112–89 beating. David Simmons (33 points, 15 rebounds) and Gaze (32 points, 5 assists, 4 steals) led a Tigers onslaught that overwhelmed the Kings, despite solid numbers from Ridlen (25 points, 7 rebounds) and Carfino (17 points, 8-of-9 FT).

Game 3 turned into a classic. Gaze (30 points) and Simmons (24 points) kept Melbourne in front, but the Kings dug deep. Ridlen (28 points, 18 rebounds) and Carfino (19 points) led the charge, while Morrissey (14 points) and Keogh (11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) stepped up in the clutch. Keogh calmly iced the game at the line as Sydney prevailed 85–83 to advance.

The dream ended in the semi-finals. Game 1 saw the Kings fall to Canberra at home (98–108), despite a huge game from Morrissey (20 points, 14 rebounds). Emery Atkinson (22 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists) was dominant, while McEachin (21 points) and Dufelmeier (20 points) gave Sydney fits.

With elimination looming, Sydney bounced back to steal Game 2 in Canberra (100–92). Ridlen was sensational (29 points, 19 rebounds, 3 blocks), Carfino was everywhere (30 points, 5 assists, 4 steals), and Keogh (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals) kept tempers high—none more so than Cannons coach Steve Breheny, who head-butted Keogh in a sideline scuffle that would become NBL folklore.

The magic ran out in Game 3. Back in Canberra, the Kings suffered the most lopsided loss in club history, a 142–82 demolition. The Cannons shot 57% from the floor, out-rebounded Sydney 52–41, and dished out 26 assists. Simon Cottrell (34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals), McEachin (25 points), and Simmons (20 points, 8 blocks) led the rout, while Smyth (16 points, 10 assists, 7 steals) controlled the tempo.

For Sydney, Morrissey (26 points, 6 rebounds) fought to the end, and there were brief sparks from Dalton’s brother Brad (15 points, 12 rebounds) and Ian Robilliard (11 points). But the 60-point defeat brought a sobering end to what had otherwise been a breakthrough season.

Sydney finished 15–9, won their first playoff series, and proved they could compete with the league’s elite.

1990
In 1990, Dalton averaged 13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, playing a key role in the King’s rotation, helping the team finish in sixth place finish with a 16-10 record.

1991
The 1991 season saw Dalton average 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists and play a key role in helping the Kings finish with a 14-12 record.

1992
During the 1992 season, Dalton averaged 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists and helped the Kings finish with a record of 17-7 to end the regular season in second place.

1993
During the 1993 season, Dalton averaged 10 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0 assists and was a part of the Kings squad, which finished in first place with a record of 11-15.

1994
After three seasons of import duo Dwayne McClain and Ken McClary, Kings coach Bob Turner chose to go in a different direction in 1994. With rumours of McClain’s rise in popularity leading to difficulties in coaching the star, the decision was made not to re-sign McLain and McClary and find younger talent to replace them. Coach Bob Turner signed swingman Mario Donaldson, who he spotted playing with Omaha during the 1993 CBA championship season.

He paired Donaldson with a relatively unknown forward, Leon Trimmingham, who had played at Briar Cliff University and was recommended to Turner by former Hobart coach Doctor David Atkins.

The remained relatively intact besides that. Promising forward Tony De Ambrosis, signed with Gold Coast, where there would be more playing opportunities, and Sydney replaced him with young talent Neil Turner and Brad Williams with a eye on developing talent for the future.

Sydney came out on fire to start the season. With Trimmingham, whose nightly pyrotechnics drew crowds to the Kingdome like moths to a flame, leading the team in scoring and Donaldson’s deadly outside scoring and lockdown defence, Sydney defeated South East Melbourne Magic on opening night and won three games in a row before losing their first game of the season in Perth.

At the halfway mark (8-3), the Kings looked like a title contender, but the lack of experience amongst the roster started to show, and Sydney went 8-7 for the remainder of the year and narrowly scraped into the playoffs in seventh place (16-10).

The Kings would face the second-placed North Melbourne Giants in the first round of the playoffs, entering the series as decided underdogs, especially given that North Melbourne had whipped them in two regular-season meetings. However, in Game One of the series, the Kings had other ideas. In front of a disbelieving Monday night crowd of 9,092, Sydney rocketed out of the blocks, taking advantage of some fatigue from the Giants, who were playing their third road game in four days. But the home team showed no mercy, hitting one long bomb after another, going on a 11-0 run in the first 71 seconds. The Kings were up (43-25), with the Giants struggling to regroup. Sydney continued to fire away from the outside, and by halftime, the game was over. The Kings received a standing ovation as they returned to the changing rooms with a 26 point lead at halftime (77-51).

The second half was a mere formality as the purple and gold cruised to the win, but the biggest story to come out of the game was Sydney’s unbelievable performance from the perimeter, with the team setting a franchise playoff record by knocking down 15 three-pointers from just 18 attempts – a success rate beyond the arc of a absurd 83.3%. It was arguably the greatest three-point shooting exhibition ever by a team in a NBL playoff game.

Greg Hubbard (32 points) did the majority of the damage from outside, going eight of nine from outside in just 28 minutes of court time. He wasn’t the only King on fire that night however, Mario Donaldson (27 points) went three of four from the outside, and co-captain Damian Keogh (18 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds) chipped in with four of five threes and narrowly missed out on recording a triple-double.

Once the series returned to Melbourne the Giants returned to their winning ways, defeating the Kings in game two (112-91) and game three (104-95). North Melbourne would then go on to win the NBL Championship.

Trimmingham (27.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocks) led the team in points, rebounds and blocks while becoming a fan favourite across the league. Donaldson (22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals) and Greg Hubbard (18.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists) provided the additional scoring, with Dalton also contributing 8.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

BRISBANE BULLETS
1996
In 1996, the Brisbane Bullets signed star import Steve Woodberry from rival club Gold Coast. Woodberry, who was coming off a major injury, averaged 23 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists and was selected to the All-NBL second team.

During a extremely tight season where Brisbane, Sydney, North Melbourne, South East Melbourne and Melbourne all tasted the league’s leadership at some point, the Bullets finished up in eighth place (14-12) under first-year head coach David Ingham.

Loggins averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, all career lows at that point, prompting many to think he may retire at season’s end.

Dalton (4.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) also saw a drop in playing time (24.1 minutes per game, down from 29.6 the season prior), with him recording the lowest points and rebounds per game of his career.

1997
Although many believed Leroy Loggins would retire after delivering the worst season of his career, he instead bounced back, returning to his previous form. With Loggins (21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) paired with Steve Woodberry (21.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals), who was named to the All-NBL third team, the Bullets finished in fifth place (15-15).

The 39-year-old would also drag the Bullets back into the playoffs, facing off against Perth (17-13) in the elimination finals. Brisbane would lose both games one (79-81) and game two (71-88), ending the season prematurely.

Dalton appeared in all of the team’s 32 games and averaged 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
1998
In 1998, the team was renamed the Wollongong Hawks and moved into WIN Entertainment Centre, known as the Sandpit. The Hawks re-signed star Clayton Ritter (23.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) and paired him with defensive-minded guard Elliot Hatcher (19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists). Alongside the talented import duo, Dalton contributed 5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists and helped the Hawks double their wins from the previous year, improving from seven wins to 14 wins and finishing in sixth place.

In the elimination finals the Hawks would go on to face the Perth Wildcats, losing back to back games before being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.

1998/99
Coinciding with the NBL’s move to summer, the Hawks shifted base to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre and swapped their Illawarra prefix to Wollongong. Fresh off a 14-win season that saw the Hawks reach the postseason, the Hawks were able to add CJ Bruton from the Brisbane Bullets, immediately becoming their starting point guard, import Theron Wilson and a talented rookie by the name of David Andersen.

There, Bruton (20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) would be given the ‘green light’ on offence as he jumped from 15.4 points to 20.8 points per game while playing the most amount of game time (46 minutes per game) of his seventeen season career.

The Hawks finished the season winning two more games than the year prior, improving upon their previous record for the third year in a row and finished in third place with a record of 16-10.

Dalton added 3.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists playing in 28 games over the season.

A disappointing postseason first saw the Hawks lose to the Victoria Titans in two straight games during the Qualifying Finals, but were the recipients of the ‘lucky loser’ rule. This saw the highest placed loser of the top four team’s qualified for the semi finals face the winner of the 2nd vs 3rd bracket. The Hawks went on to face the Adelaide 36ers next, who also defeated them in two straight games in the semifinals, delivering a end to their season.

1999/00
After being seeing their season end after losing four playoff games in a row, Wollongong entered this season looking improve. Clayton Ritter (to Canberra) was not re-signed after the club was able to convince former star Melvin Thomas to return to the club after a four year absence from the club. With coach Brendan Joyce at the helm and star guard CJ Bruton (22.1 points and 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) controlling the offence, many felt Illawarra would become one of the stronger clubs, but the Hawks just couldn’t seem to get victories over any of the league’s top team’s. The Hawks’ narrative became a view where Bruton was tasked with too much and the Hawks limped home to a eighth-place finish (11-17).

Melvin Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals) produced another great season and was named the Hawks co-MVP alongside Glen Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals).

Dalton appeared in 27 games and added 2.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists Over the course of the season, before retiring.

After a remarkable turnaround in 1983 under head coach Robbie Cadee—where the Bankstown Bruins improved from a league-worst 2–24 to a respectable 12–10 record—expectations were raised heading into 1984. The sixth season of the NBL was played in two divisions as the competition expand to 17 teams. Bankstown, situated in the Eastern Division, retained most of their core roster in hopes of building on last season’s playoff contention.

Ahead of the season, Cadee transitioned into a full-time coaching role after retiring as a player. Veterans Wayne Ricarte and Peter Sheehan also departed, with their places filled by returning guard Scott Fenton, promising rookie Andrew Svaldenis, and new forward Tony Barnett (via Geelong).

The campaign began poorly for the Bruins. Although the trio of Eric Claus (22 points and 8 rebounds), Cliff Martin (19 points) and Tony Barnett (19 points) played well in their season opener, they lost to Newcastle (91–81). Jim Bateman (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Jerry Dennard (18 points, 6 rebounds) led the way for the Falcons.

Their struggles continued with a blowout loss to Brisbane (89-117) and a tight road loss to Frankston (78-80), leaving them 0–3. The team finally broke through in Hobart, where Claus (27 points and 10 rebounds on 12-of-15 shooting) and Martin (25 points and 7 boards) couldn’t be stopped. Svaldenis (6 points and 2 rebounds) was also productive in this game. That 118–95 win sparked a three-game streak, with Bankstown also defeating Devonport (104–96) and local rivals Sydney (114–102). In the Sydney win, Claus (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Barnett (19 points, 5 rebounds) starred once again.

Despite the mid-season resurgence, inconsistency plagued the Bruins. They posted strong home wins over Coburg (100–94), Melbourne (102–97), Frankston (99–84), and St Kilda (76–74), but fell heavily to the likes of Coburg (147–112), Brisbane (113–74), Canberra (97–76), and Geelong (103–96) on the road. Their away record of 3–9 ultimately cost them a playoff spot.

Bankstown did close the season on a strong note, routing Sydney again (130–85), beating West Adelaide (108–89), and ending with a victory over Perth (104–95). Claus (26 points), Barnett (19 points) and Martin (18 points) delivering solid games in their final game of the season. Mike Ellis (21 points) and Roland Brooks (18 points) were Perth’s top performers.

The Bruins wrapped up the 1984 campaign seventh in the Eastern Division with a 10–14 record, failing to make the playoffs. The team was once again led by its high-scoring import duo: Eric Claus (25.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks) and Cliff Martin (20.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals). Tony Barnett (17.0 points and 6.1 rebounds) proved to be an important addition, and Andrew Svaldenis (3.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.4 assists) appeaing in 14 appearances as a rookie.

Other notable players included Scott Fenton (8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists), Ray Dawson (6.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 blocks), and Mark Cumberbatch (6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks). While Bankstown maintained its scoring power, they lacked the consistency, depth, and defensive resolve to match the heights of their 1983 campaign.

1985
By 1985, the gap between professional and semi-professional NBL clubs had widened considerably. Financially outmatched, the Bankstown Bruins struggled to remain competitive. The offseason saw the departure of cornerstone imports Eric Claus and Cliff Martin, who had led the team offensively during its most successful stretch. In their place arrived the explosive American duo of Vince Kelley and Vince Hinchen.

Despite their limited resources, Bankstown pulled off a major recruitment coup by signing reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Keogh from Nunawading. Fresh off a 20-point-per-game campaign, Keogh joined the Bruins in search of a larger role and greater minutes under returning coach Robbie Cadee.

The season began with a difficult opener against Keogh’s former club. Despite big games from Hinchen (36 points) and Kelley (30 points, 13 rebounds), Bankstown fell to Nunawading 109–96. A tight 92–89 loss to Canberra followed before the Bruins finally broke through for their first win of the season against Geelong (107–103). Andrew Svaldenis provided one of the most efficient games of his young career, finishing with 10 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, along with 6 rebounds in the victory. Kelley (37 points, 22 rebounds), Hinchen (30 points), and Keogh (17 points, 9 assists) combined to show what Bankstown looked like at its best.

However, any early momentum quickly evaporated. The Bruins lost their next nine games, including a brutal 144–115 loss to Coburg where Bennie Lewis torched Bankstown for 43 points and 14 assists. Svaldenis delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in the loss, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite 30 points from Kelley and 21 from Hinchen, Bankstown’s defense again failed to hold up.

Another painful defeat came against the Adelaide 36ers, where ‘The Two Vinces’ combined for 83 of the team’s 110 points—Hinchen with 43, and Kelley with 40 points and 15 rebounds. Svaldenis added 6 points and 2 rebounds in the high-scoring 117–110 loss, which would be Hinchen’s final appearance before a season-ending injury.

Kelley (31.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks) and Hinchen (30.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists) started the season as one of the NBL’s most potent offensive duos. Keogh (13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists), expected to flourish in a larger role, found the transition difficult and was unable to replicate his previous output.

Amidst the chaos, second-year forward Andrew Svaldenis was a consistent bright spot. He averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game across 26 appearances, while also contributing 0.9 assists and 1.2 steals. He provided size and hustle in the frontcourt and frequently battled against the league’s elite big men. Other key contributors included Tony Barnett (8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds), Greg Hemmings (6.4 points, 2.1 assists), and Mark Cumberbatch (5.1 points, 3.8 rebounds).

With the team slumping to a 2–13 record, Kelley departed the club, leaving the Bruins to limp through the remainder of the year.

In their final game of the season, Bankstown edged the Sydney Supersonics 90–89. Keogh erupted for 24 points, hitting a perfect 6-of-6 from beyond the arc. Kelley added 35 points and 9 rebounds, while Svaldenis stepped up again with 13 points and 9 boards in the win.

Bankstown finished the 1985 campaign with a 6–20 record, placing twelfth in the league. Despite boasting two of the NBL’s most prolific scorers, the Bruins were undone by poor defense, roster instability, and financial struggles. At season’s end, the club was renamed the West Sydney Westars, marking the end of the Bankstown Bruins’ seven-year run in the NBL.

SYDNEY SUPERSONICS
1986
Coming off a lacklustre 1985 campaign, the Sydney Supersonics undertook a major overhaul in 1986. Departing imports Wayne Kreklow and Jerry Steurer, along with local contributors Brett Flanigan, Graham Davis, and Tony Wilkerson, left major gaps in the roster. To fill the void, Sydney recruited powerful American big man Derrick Polk, versatile forward Audie Matthews (via Brisbane), and young Australian Andrew Svaldenis (via Bankstown).

Last season’s leading scorer for the Supersonics, Kendal “Tiny” Pinder returned for a second NBL season after leading the league in scoring and earning All-NBL First Team honours the previous year. Veterans Wayne Burden, Curt Forrester, Scott Fenton, Darren Shaw, Zoran Zunic, Gavin Kelly, and Nick Stenstrom also returned to provide stability.

Coaching responsibilities shifted as well, with Owen Wells returning for a second stint as Supersonics coach, taking over the helm from Paul Coughter. Wells, a former NBL MVP with the Supersonics, was tasked with guiding a revamped squad back to contention.

Rookie forward Andrew Svaldenis made his NBL debut in the opening round against Perth, contributing 2 points and 2 boards in limited minutes. A week later, he broke out with a 12-point, 13-rebound performance against St Kilda, shooting 3-of-9 from the field and 6-of-7 at the stripe, while also recording 3 steals and 3 assists. He followed that up with 16 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-12 shooting against Canberra, again showcasing his hustle and ability to get to the line.

Through the first half of the year, Svaldenis provided steady bench minutes despite Sydney’s rocky 2–8 start. A turning point came on June 14 against Newcastle, when he shot a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor and grabbed 7 rebounds in a road win. As Coach Wells reshaped the offensive strategy around Pinder and Polk, Svaldenis carved out a clear bench role, consistently providing energy and rebounding.

His best game of the year came in a dominant home win over Perth on August 23, where he scored a season-high 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting and pulled down 13 rebounds. He added another double-digit outing against Coburg on September 6 (14 points, 5 boards, 3 assists), and notched 12 points and 9 rebounds against Wollongong in the final round of the regular season.

Over 26 appearances, Svaldenis averaged 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 47.4% from the field and 76.3% from the free throw line. He also recorded 15 steals and shot a team-best 86% from the line in high-pressure situations.

Pinder (21.4 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists) and Polk (21.9 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks) emerged as one of the league’s most dominant frontcourt tandems. Wayne Burden (14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds), Audie Matthews (10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds), and Zoran Zunic (9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds) were the other primary scorers.

In the Elimination Final against Brisbane, Svaldenis added 2 points and 6 rebounds in Sydney’s 100–82 loss. While the team’s season ended in the first round of the playoffs, Svaldenis had proven himself as a dependable rotation piece in a resurgent Supersonics squad.

1987
In 1986, the Adelaide 36ers, led by coach Ken Cole, produced the most successful season in NBL history (24-2), winning the championship amidst significant controversy. During the 1986 campaign, Cole admitted publicly to smoking marijuana and was stood down by Adelaide’s management prior to the Grand Final. Massive player backlash, including threats of boycott, forced the board’s hand, resulting in Cole’s reinstatement. He successfully guided Adelaide to the NBL championship, but despite enormous public support from fans and players, the club’s board (under pressure from sponsors and concerned about public image) chose to terminate his contract immediately after the season.

Adelaide’s loss quickly became Sydney’s gain. Seizing the opportunity to hire the reigning NBL Coach of the Year, Sydney Supersonics’ management replaced outgoing coach Owen Wells with the charismatic but controversial Cole. Known for his flamboyant style, motivational flair, and championship pedigree, “King” Cole immediately set about reshaping Sydney’s roster and culture.

Cole’s arrival symbolized a fresh start and came alongside significant roster changes. Import Kendal Pinder departed for Perth Wildcats, while veteran Wayne Burden also exited. To replace Pinder’s prolific scoring, Sydney signed relatively unknown import Marc Ridlen. Few in the NBL knew what to expect from Ridlen, who arrived after playing professionally in Argentina and the Australian SEABL. Bruce Hope (via Geelong) was signed for added scoring punch, while Mike Kenny, Robert Croker, and James Hewlett joined to bolster bench depth.

Star big man Derick Polk returned for his second season, and together with young guard Scott Fenton and rising forward Andrew Svaldenis, Sydney looked to build around a younger, athletic roster. Cole consciously modelled the new Supersonics after his successful Adelaide blueprint: Ridlen and Polk would replicate the dominant “Twin Towers” of Mark Davis and Bill Jones, while Fenton aimed to emulate the explosive playmaking style of Adelaide star Al Green.

The season opener on April 25, however, ended in disappointment as Sydney fell convincingly to Eastside Melbourne (98–76). Andrew Svaldenis (12 points, 11 rebounds) provided solid support alongside Polk (21 points, 14 rebounds) and Curt Forrester (14 points), but the Supersonics’ poor shooting (32%) and ball-handling issues undermined their efforts.

Sydney slipped to 0–2 following a 20 points loss to West Sydney (104-124), but the game marked a turning point for Marc Ridlen. After a relatively subdued debut (11 points on 4/16 shooting), the American silenced any early doubts about his suitability with a dominant performance—exploding for 35 points and 17 rebounds to firmly establish himself as the team’s offensive focal point. Derick Polk (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Bruce Hope (16 points) offered strong support, while Andrew Svaldenis (8 points, 6 rebounds) continued to provide reliable minutes off the bench.

After a 1–5 start, Sydney notched up their most impressive win of the season, defeating playoff-bound North Melbourne (105–98). Ridlen (31 points, 13 rebounds) and Polk (29 points, 17 rebounds) dominated the inside, supported effectively by Hope (13 points). Svaldenis, although limited statistically, provided valuable defensive contributions off the bench.

Sydney’s only winning streak followed, highlighted by an emotional 86–81 victory in the “Battle of Sydney” against cross-town rivals West Sydney on May 29. Polk (18 points, 7 rebounds), Ridlen (16 points, 17 rebounds), and Hope (15 points) were key figures, while Svaldenis (6 points, 8 rebounds) offered strong minutes defensively.

Another major highlight came on June 13, as the Supersonics stunned the third-placed Wollongong Hawks, 104–90. Ridlen delivered one of his most impressive games (31 points, 21 rebounds), supported strongly by Polk (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Matthews (18 points). Scott Fenton added 15 points, hitting five three-pointers to help seal the upset.

Despite these flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded Sydney all season. A mid-season slump—including consecutive losses to Canberra (142–117), North Melbourne (138–104), Geelong (102–98), and Newcastle (140–137)—effectively ended playoff hopes. Sydney frequently found itself in high-scoring shootouts, averaging over 105 points offensively but surrendering around 110, exposing clear defensive frailties and late-game execution issues.

Yet Sydney’s offensive talent remained undeniable, evidenced by a crushing 129–76 late-season victory over Melbourne in August. Ridlen starred again (36 points, 16 rebounds), with Matthews (28 points, 12 rebounds) and Hope (17 points) providing ample support. Polk dominated the boards (25 rebounds), and Svaldenis efficiently contributed 10 points in limited court time.

Throughout the season, Ridlen emerged as an elite scoring force and rebounding machine. He finished the season scoring 30-plus points in 12 of his final 13 games, including four 40-point performances. His top three games included 41 points and 22 rebounds against Westside Saints (September 5), 41 points against Newcastle (August 8), and a dominant 40-point, 26-rebound effort against Westside Saints in the season finale. Ridlen’s remarkable season secured him an All-NBL Second Team selection and instantly made him a Sydney fan favorite.

Polk (20.2 points, and 12.8 rebounds) complemented Ridlen perfectly, emerging as one of the league’s premier defensive anchors and rim protectors. He led the Supersonics with relentless energy on the offensive glass (5.3 offensive rebounds per game) and ranked second in the league in blocked shots (3.0 per game). Bruce Hope (13.0 points, and 2.9 assists 2.9 steals) proved a valuable addition, regularly providing double-digit scoring from the perimeter. Matthews (12.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists 2.6 steals) and Forrester (12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) provided supplementary scoring and toughness, while Fenton (10.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists 4.3 steals) ran the point and led the entire league in free-throw shooting percentage, while Andrew Svaldenis (6.5 points, 5.2 rebounds) appeared in 23 games, backing up Ridlen and Polk.

Despite a challenging season, Sydney closed out 1987 on a high note. In their final outing under the Supersonics name on September 18, they delivered a commanding 118–98 win over the Westside Saints. Marc Ridlen (40 points, 26 rebounds) capped his phenomenal debut campaign in dominant fashion, while Derick Polk (18 points, 21 rebounds, 5 blocks), Curt Forrester (17 points), and Audie Matthews (17 points) also delivered strong performances. Andrew Svaldenis (6 points, 6 rebounds) rounded out his season with a solid contribution off the bench.

Coach Cole praised the final performance, stating the team “finally put it all together for 48 minutes.” The victory was a fitting farewell for the franchise, which soon after merged with West Sydney Westars, giving birth to the Sydney Kings in October 1987. “The Sonics are dead – long live the Kings,” declared the local press, marking the dramatic conclusion of the Supersonics era.

Ultimately, Ken Cole’s turbulent but memorable one-year Sydney tenure showcased spectacular individual talents and laid the groundwork for the Sydney Kings’ future. The 9–17 record underscored significant growing pains, but the lasting impression of Ridlen’s breakout dominance, Polk’s relentless inside play, and the emergence of young contributors like Fenton and Svaldenis gave Sydney basketball fans hope as a new era began.

SYDNEY KINGS
1988
The 1988 NBL season ushered in a transformative moment for basketball in Sydney, marked by the historic debut of the Sydney Kings.

The Kings emerged from the consolidation of two struggling city rivals—the Sydney Supersonics and West Sydney Westars—under the visionary partnership of Supersonics owner Mike Wrublewski and Westars leader Andrew Lazaris, who shared a mission to unify Sydney basketball with the mantra “one team, one city.”

The newly established Kings instantly drew attention, introducing corporate boxes and unveiling their iconic purple-and-gold uniforms.

Yet, beneath the excitement lay the significant challenge of blending two former competitors into one cohesive roster.

Claude Williams, the league’s first Indigenous head coach and former Supersonics assistant, shouldered the substantial task of aligning disparate playing styles and personalities.

Headlining the Kings’ inaugural team was star import Steve “Mr Magic” Carfino, who joined from Hobart, taking up the captaincy after achieving All-NBL First Team honours the previous year.

Carfino formed an explosive duo with fellow import Marc Ridlen, an All-NBL Second Team forward with the Supersonics the year prior.

Veteran big man Andrew Svaldenis transitioned alongside Ridlen from the Supersonics, joined by steady playmaker Zoran Zunic.

Retained from the Westars roster were versatile wing Glen Dunsmore, athletic defender Tim Morrissey, and standout Olympian Damian Keogh, who quickly asserted himself as the team’s premier local talent.

Further bolstering the lineup, the Kings signed Olympians Ian Davies and brothers Brad and Mark Dalton, all acquired from Geelong.

The Kings launched their debut campaign impressively on February 12, capturing an electrifying 110–106 victory over Geelong at Homebush.

Imports Ridlen (33 points, 16 rebounds) and Carfino (23 points, 6 assists) starred prominently, while Andrew Svaldenis immediately made his presence felt with an impactful 16 points and 9 rebounds, alongside Davies’ 16 points.

The performance overshadowed a strong showing from Geelong’s Sam Foggin (34 points), as Sydney celebrated its first-ever franchise win.

Sydney maintained momentum a week later, downing Wollongong 103–95 to start 2–0.

Carfino again led the charge (24 points, 6 assists), supported by Mark Dalton’s dominant interior performance (23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks).

Through their first ten games, the Kings posted a solid 6–4 record, sparking enthusiasm around the new franchise.

Yet as competition stiffened, the intricate chemistry within the merged team began to fray.

A critical three-game losing streak against North Melbourne (124–125), Adelaide (98–112), and Illawarra (100–102) brought internal tensions to the forefront.

The Illawarra defeat, marked by Carfino’s season-best 32 points and Ridlen’s double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds), notably saw friction erupt publicly between Ridlen and Keogh.

Illawarra’s sharp shooting (54%) compounded Sydney’s struggles, with the Kings’ free-throw inaccuracy (55%) and 14 turnovers ultimately sealing their fate.

The squad’s visible friction underscored Coach Williams’ considerable challenge of forging unity among former rivals.

Despite these internal challenges, Andrew Svaldenis provided consistent frontcourt production, averaging 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds across all 24 games.

His standout performances included a highly efficient 22-point, 13-rebound outing (10-of-13 FG) against Eastside Melbourne on March 4, demonstrating his capability to dominate inside.

Additionally, he delivered 16 points and 9 rebounds (7-of-10 FG) in the historic opening night victory over Geelong and produced 15 points and 8 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting against Melbourne on March 18.

Ridlen (25.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks) consistently shone, finishing second in the league in rebounding and among the top five scorers.

His season included an exceptional franchise-record 30 rebounds alongside 25 points against Newcastle.

Carfino (21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.6 steals) dazzled as the Kings’ floor leader, earning All-NBL Second Team recognition while delivering impressive scoring and playmaking throughout the season.

Keogh (14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals) and Davies (12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists) delivered crucial scoring support and veteran leadership throughout the campaign.

Mark Dalton (9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists) added reliable toughness in the paint, while Morrissey (7.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists) anchored the Kings defensively.

The Kings closed out their inaugural season with a 4–7 stretch, concluding ninth overall on the ladder at 10–14.

Coach Claude Williams resigned at season’s end amid frustration with internal team dynamics and management conflicts.

Nevertheless, his foundational work—and the strong nucleus formed by Ridlen, Carfino, and supporting players such as Svaldenis—provided the essential groundwork for the future success of the Sydney Kings franchise.

Mark Dalton played seventeen seasons across five NBL teams. This included the Canberra Cannons, Geelong Cats, Sydney Kings, Brisbane Bullets and Wollongong Hawks. He averaged 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 421 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 42nd in total games played.
– 32nd in total rebounds
– 24th in total steals
– 17th in total blocks

Dan Boyce (837 Posts)

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