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
After finishing first with an 18-10 record in 2015/16 before being swept by New Zealand in the semifinals, Melbourne United entered Dean Demopoulos’ second season with another major roster change. Stephen Holt (to Zaragoza), Hakim Warrick (to Olympiacos) and Daniel Kickert (to Brisbane) departed, while Cedric Jackson (via New Zealand), Ramone Moore (via Europe), Devin Williams (via West Virginia), Tai Wesley (via New Zealand) and David Andersen (via Europe) were added. Wesley was able to be registered as a local under the NBL’s Asian player rule, while David Barlow returned after missing the previous season with an Achilles injury.

Entering the second year of the two-year deal he had signed with Melbourne in May 2015 after leaving Townsville, the former NBL Most Improved Player and All-NBL Second Team forward was coming off a season where he had helped United win the minor premiership. His development in Townsville had previously drawn attention from NBA scouts, but his role and production had already dropped during his first year in Melbourne.

Melbourne opened the season against New Zealand at Vector Arena on October 7, where Blanchfield (4 points and 1 rebound) started but struggled to find opportunities as United lost 76-71. Wesley (15 points) and Jackson (14 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Melbourne, while Thomas Abercrombie (14 points and 5 rebounds) was New Zealand’s leading scorer.

Blanchfield (7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds across 22 games) started 20 of his 22 appearances and missed six games through two separate injuries. A groin injury suffered early in the season kept him out for five consecutive games between November 4 and November 26, with what was initially expected to be a short absence eventually keeping him sidelined for three weeks. “Todd’s going to be out a little bit longer than Chris but he’s making progress too,” Demopoulos said while both Blanchfield and Goulding were sidelined. He returned against New Zealand on December 4, before a delayed concussion forced him to miss Melbourne’s January 12 game against Adelaide. He returned two days later against Cairns and played every remaining game.

His highest-scoring game came against Illawarra at Hisense Arena on October 16, where Blanchfield (27 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) made 9-of-11 field goals and eight of nine three-pointers as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 95-83. Goulding (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Jackson (14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) provided support, while Marvelle Harris (20 points and 5 steals) led Illawarra. Four of Blanchfield’s three-pointers came during a game-breaking third quarter as United improved to 2-2.

Blanchfield’s best overall game came in Brisbane on December 17, where Blanchfield (20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) made 7-of-9 field goals and three of five three-pointers, but Melbourne fell 100-90 to the Bullets. Goulding (24 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Casper Ware (12 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals) helped Melbourne stay in the game, while Jermaine Beal (20 points and 7 assists) led Brisbane.

Melbourne’s early struggles resulted in Jackson (8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across 9 games) being released on November 9 with United sitting 3-6. The club described the move as a strategic decision designed to improve its chances of winning rather than an injury-related release, and another loss left Melbourne 3-7 before Ware (via Washington) was signed on November 14 as his replacement. Ware (22.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals across 18 games) played every remaining game and immediately changed the direction of the team, with United going 10-8 over its final 18 games.

Further injuries resulted in more midseason roster changes. Andersen (9.8 points and 4.4 rebounds across 19 games) suffered a knee injury in Perth in December and missed almost eight weeks, while Williams (3.2 points and 3.9 rebounds across 16 games) was sidelined for five weeks with a knee injury. Josh Boone (via İzmir) initially arrived before Christmas as an injury replacement and Boone (10.1 points and 9.3 rebounds across 12 games) quickly became the league’s most prolific rebounder and one of Melbourne’s most effective players. When Williams returned to full fitness, United chose to retain Boone for the remainder of the season and released Williams on January 31 under the league’s import rules, allowing him to pursue opportunities in the United States. Moore (10 points across 20 games) then suffered a season-ending calf injury and Lasan Kromah (via Patras) was signed on January 13 as his injury replacement, with Kromah (1 point across 3 games) appearing in three games.

Goulding (16.4 points across 22 games) remained Melbourne’s major scoring option despite missing six games with ankle problems, while Wesley (8.5 points and 3.3 rebounds across 28 games) and Majok Majok (5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across 28 games) were the only United players to appear in all 28 games. Barlow (5.1 points across 19 games) missed the first nine games after a calf injury delayed his return from the Achilles injury that had wiped out his previous season. Only five Melbourne players appeared in at least 21 games, with injuries and the replacement of all three original imports making it difficult for United to establish continuity. Melbourne finished with the second-worst true shooting percentage in the league and went 3-5 in games decided by five points or fewer.

Ware was selected to the All-NBL First Team and won Melbourne’s AHG MVP award despite playing only 18 games, while Blanchfield was named United’s Best Defensive Player. Kyle Adnam (3.6 points across 20 games) received the Coach’s Award and Goulding was named Best Club Person. Melbourne’s late improvement was not enough to recover from its poor start, while tensions between Demopoulos and members of the playing group had also become public by the end of the season, resulting in Melbourne and Demopoulos parting ways following the campaign.

With Melbourne already eliminated from the finals race, 9,545 fans attended its final game against Perth at Hisense Arena on February 12. Blanchfield (1 point and 2 rebounds) missed all seven of his field-goal attempts, including five three-pointers, while Boone (27 points and 11 rebounds) and Ware (27 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led United and Casey Prather (26 points and 11 assists) led Perth. Melbourne recovered from a late double-digit deficit before Ware missed a potential tying three-pointer in the dying seconds as Perth won 96-94, leaving United sixth with a 13-15 record.

SYDNEY KINGS
2017/18
After missing the playoffs with a 13-15 record the previous season, Sydney parted ways with Greg Whittington (to Sioux Falls), Josh Powell (to Venezuela), Steve Blake, Aleks Maric (to Bahrain), Garrett Jackson (to Dandenong) and Craig Moller (to Melbourne). Brad Newley, captain Kevin Lisch, Jason Cadee and Tom Garlepp returned under head coach Andrew Gaze, while Todd Blanchfield (via Melbourne), Perry Ellis (via Greensboro), Travis Leslie (via Fort Wayne), Isaac Humphries (via Kentucky), Dane Pineau (via Saint Mary’s) and Amritpal Singh (via Pune) were among the additions.

Following two seasons with Melbourne where his role and production had fallen, the former United forward signed a two-year deal with Sydney looking for greater opportunities and a return to the form that had previously placed him on NBA radars. Gaze said he had “tremendous athleticism” and had “developed into an elite shooter.”

Before the regular season, Sydney became the first NBL team to travel to the United States to face an NBA team, where the new signing (11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played 34 minutes as the Kings lost 108-83 to the Utah Jazz on October 2. Ellis (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Sydney in scoring, while Rodney Hood (20 points) was Utah’s leading scorer.

Sydney opened the regular season against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena on October 7, where the new signing (7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) started in his Kings debut. Newley (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Lisch (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Sydney, while Ramone Moore (22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide to a 105-96 win.

Blanchfield (9.1 points and 4 rebounds across 25 games) settled into a regular starting role and received the increased playing opportunities he had been seeking after his two seasons in Melbourne.

His best overall game came against New Zealand on October 13, where Blanchfield (13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made three three-pointers and contributed across the floor as Sydney fell 87-85. Ellis (19 points) and Lisch (17 points and 4 assists) led the Kings in scoring, while Kirk Penney (25 points and 4 rebounds) was New Zealand’s leading scorer.

Lisch (11.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 11 games) tore his right calf three games into the season and later suffered another calf setback, leaving Sydney without its captain and primary ball-handler for most of the year. Jeremy Kendle (via Brisbane) was signed as an injury replacement, but the Kings fell to 2-6 and made further changes. Leslie (12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 8 games, released) was moved on as Sydney added reigning NBL MVP Jerome Randle (via Bahcesehir) and former NBA centre Jeremy Tyler (via China), while Kendle’s temporary stint ended when Randle arrived.

Blanchfield (8 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) suffered a serious concussion after an accidental head clash with Humphries (9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks) midway through the second quarter against Cairns on November 30 and did not return. Cadee (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Randle (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped Sydney hold on for an 81-72 win and snap a five-game losing streak, while Cameron Gliddon (20 points and 3 steals) led Cairns. Gaze said, “Todd’s in a bad way.” The concussion forced him to miss Sydney’s next three games against Cairns, Brisbane and Melbourne before he was cleared to return on December 15.

Blanchfield’s best scoring game came against Brisbane on December 23, where Blanchfield (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) made five three-pointers and provided important scoring during Sydney’s comeback from an 18-point first-quarter deficit. Randle (27 points and 7 assists) and Cadee (18 points and 5 assists) helped the Kings outscore Brisbane 29-16 in the fourth quarter to win 101-95, while Travis Trice (19 points) was Brisbane’s leading scorer.

Tyler (13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds across 11 games, released) produced numbers during his short stay but became another storyline during Sydney’s difficult season. Contemporary coverage described him as “a clear distraction” and reported claims that he had missed numerous training sessions and struggled to control his emotions during games. Sydney released him on January 9 with eight games remaining, although the club’s stated reason was to use the remainder of the season to assess its younger frontcourt, creating greater opportunities for Humphries (6.9 points and 3.7 rebounds across 26 games) and Pineau (2.9 points across 24 games).

Ahead of Sydney’s Heritage Month clash against his former club, Blanchfield featured with Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Pineau, Luke Kendall and Humphries in the Kings’ video preview of the Melbourne game.

Against eventual champion Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena on January 28, Blanchfield (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) top-scored for Sydney in a 93-76 loss. Randle (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Newley (13 points and 4 rebounds) provided support, while Josh Boone (22 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Melbourne.

Randle (19.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 19 games) became the first player since Andrew Gaze in 1989 to lead the NBL in both scoring and assists and was named to the All-NBL Second Team. Ellis (14.8 points and 5.8 rebounds across 27 games) led Sydney in total scoring, while Newley (11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 27 games) and Cadee (11.1 points and 3.3 assists across 28 games) were the other major contributors, while Humphries was named NBL Rookie of the Year. After losing 16 of its opening 21 games, Sydney recovered to win six of its final seven but missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.

The season proved to be Blanchfield’s only year with Sydney. Despite having another year remaining on his contract, Blanchfield (to Illawarra) requested a release following the season as the Kings reshaped the roster around Andrew Bogut, Daniel Kickert, Lisch, Randle and Newley. Media reports suggested the increasingly crowded rotation was behind his desire to move elsewhere, and Sydney granted his request on May 8 before he signed a three-year deal with Illawarra three days later.

In Sydney’s final game on February 18, Blanchfield (19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) made four three-pointers as the Kings came from behind to defeat New Zealand 101-86 at Qudos Bank Arena. Cadee (30 points and 3 assists) and Randle (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Sydney, while Jordan Ngatai (17 points) was New Zealand’s leading scorer as the Kings finished seventh with an 11-17 record.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
2018/19
After finishing fifth with a 12-16 record and missing the playoffs the previous season, Illawarra reshaped its roster under coach Rob Beveridge. Demitrius Conger (to Serbia), Rotnei Clarke (to Greece), Nicholas Kay (to Perth), Mitch Norton (to Perth) and Delvon Johnson (to Slovakia) departed, while Cody Ellis and Rhys Martin retired. AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, Nic Pozoglou and captain Kevin White returned, with Beveridge adding Jordair Jett (via NZNBL), Brian Conklin (via France), David Andersen (via Melbourne), Cedric Jackson (via USA), Emmett Naar and Daniel Grida.

Todd Blanchfield (via Sydney) joined Illawarra after requesting a release from the final year of the two-year contract he had signed with Sydney in 2017. The Kings granted his release on May 8, 2018, and three days later he signed a three-year deal with the Hawks, giving Blanchfield a larger role after averaging 9.1 points during his only season in Sydney.

Illawarra opened the season against defending champion Melbourne at WIN Entertainment Centre on October 12, where Blanchfield (26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) made six three-pointers and repeatedly delivered in the closing stages before the Hawks fell 122-123 after four overtimes. Conklin (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Ogilvy (15 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) provided support, while Josh Boone (24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks) led Melbourne. Blanchfield hit a deep three-pointer late in the second overtime to extend the game and later helped create Jordair Jett’s basket that forced a fourth overtime. He also hurt his ankle during the fourth quarter and continued playing as it became increasingly swollen, later recalling, “The fans were crazy in there that night. It was loud, everyone was standing.”

TRIPLE OVERTIME ???

For the first time sine 1994.#NBL19 #MELatILL pic.twitter.com/ZUaR1YoSd6

— The NBL (@NBL) October 12, 2018

Blanchfield (13.5 points and 4.2 rebounds across 28 games) played every game despite the ankle problem suffered on opening night and did not miss any games through injury. His increased role resulted in one of his strongest NBL seasons, shooting a career-best 48% from the field and 41% from three-point range after joining the Hawks.

His best game came in Cairns on October 21, where Blanchfield (32 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) made seven three-pointers and set a then career-high for scoring as Illawarra defeated the Taipans 104-93. Jett (22 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals) and Conklin (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) helped the Hawks collect their first win of the season, while Melo Trimble (28 points and 5 assists) led Cairns.

Blanchfield (27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) produced another of his best performances against New Zealand on January 18, leading Illawarra back from a 12-point three-quarter-time deficit to win 107-96 at WIN Entertainment Centre. The Hawks overwhelmed the Breakers 34-11 in the fourth quarter, with Conklin (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Ogilvy (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) providing support, while Jarrad Weeks (22 points) led New Zealand as Illawarra kept its playoff hopes alive.

Eight days later, Blanchfield (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) celebrated his 250th NBL game as Illawarra returned to Canberra for the first NBL game in the nation’s capital since 2008 and held off Cairns 82-81. Conklin (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Andersen (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks) helped the Hawks survive a late Taipans comeback, while Trimble (24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Cairns as Illawarra remained in the finals race.

Conklin (14.4 points and 5.1 rebounds across 28 games) finished as Illawarra’s leading scorer, while Blanchfield’s combination of scoring and perimeter shooting saw him named the Hawks’ MVP and also earn a nomination for the Andrew Gaze Trophy as NBL MVP. Jett (11.8 points and 1.5 steals across 28 games), Ogilvy (9.4 points and 6.6 rebounds across 27 games), Coenraad (8.7 points and 4 rebounds across 27 games), Andersen (8.3 points and 3.5 rebounds across 28 games), Jackson (7.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists across 28 games) and Grida (5.1 points across 28 games) were the other major contributors.

With Illawarra already eliminated from playoff contention, the season ended in Wellington on February 14, where Blanchfield (10 points and 1 steal) played his 28th game as New Zealand defeated the Hawks 130-96 and recorded the highest score in the 40-minute era of the NBL at the time. Grida (17 points) and Ogilvy (12 points and 4 rebounds) were Illawarra’s leading scorers, while Shawn Long (21 points and 8 rebounds) led the Breakers as the Hawks finished seventh with a 12-16 record.

2019/20
After finishing seventh with a 12-16 record the previous season, Illawarra made significant changes around new head coach Matt Flinn. Kevin White (to Adelaide), Brian Conklin, Jordair Jett and Cedric Jackson departed, while the Hawks added former NBA guard Aaron Brooks, Next Star LaMelo Ball, Josh Boone (via Melbourne), Sunday Dech and Sam Froling, with David Andersen returning. Coming off his first Hawks MVP award, the returning club MVP was also named co-captain alongside Andersen.

Illawarra opened the season at home against Brisbane, where Blanchfield (10 points and 8 rebounds) was unable to prevent a 90-81 loss. Brooks (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and AJ Ogilvy (13 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks offensively, while Lamar Patterson (25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Brisbane’s best.

Blanchfield (13.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 28 games) remained one of Illawarra’s most dependable players throughout the season, appearing in all 28 games and not missing any games through injury. He also became a mentor to Ball as the 18-year-old adjusted to professional basketball, with the pair forming a close bond and Blanchfield regularly defending the young guard amid the enormous attention surrounding him.

The Hawks collected their first win on October 14, defeating Cairns 89-88 after Ogilvy made a free throw with 1.1 seconds remaining. Blanchfield (20 points) led Illawarra in scoring, while Brooks (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Ogilvy (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals) provided the support and DJ Newbill (26 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Cairns.

On October 24, Illawarra’s road game against New Zealand became the most-watched game in NBL history at the time, attracting 1.9 million views globally on Facebook as Ball faced fellow Next Star RJ Hampton. Illawarra was beaten 103-72, with Blanchfield (7 points and 2 steals), Ball (10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Brooks (19 points) unable to match Sek Henry (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals).

Three days later the Hawks suffered a major blow when Brooks (17.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 7 games) tore his Achilles against Perth, ending his season and ultimately his playing career. Blanchfield took on greater responsibility as a scorer following Brooks’ injury, while Ball (17 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 12 games) became the centrepiece of Illawarra’s offence.

The Hawks attracted an NBL record crowd of 17,514 against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on November 17, where Blanchfield (22 points and 6 rebounds) led Illawarra in scoring as the Hawks pushed the league-leading Kings before falling 92-87. Ball (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Dech (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) helped keep Illawarra in the contest, while Jae’Sean Tate (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Sydney.

Ball later produced consecutive triple-doubles before bruising his foot in practice and eventually being ruled out for the remainder of the season. Darington Hobson (5.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals across 13 games) was added in December, while Billy Preston (6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 3 games) was later brought in after Ball’s exit but released after three appearances following multiple missed practices.

Blanchfield’s best game of the season came in Adelaide on January 6, where he made seven three-pointers and scored a career-high 35 points while adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Dech (16 points and 3 assists) and Boone (14 points and 7 rebounds) provided support, but Anthony Drmic (24 points and 5 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 102-96 victory.

With Brooks and Ball both unavailable for much of the season, Blanchfield became Illawarra’s leading scorer across the campaign. Dech (9.2 points and 3.7 rebounds), Ogilvy (8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds), Boone (8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds) and Tim Coenraad (8.1 points) were the Hawks’ other major contributors. Blanchfield’s consistency saw him win the Hawks’ MVP award for the second consecutive season, while Ball was named NBL Rookie of the Year.

“Success is measured in different ways. While we’re not happy with our record, we’re proud of the progress made and the exposure brought to the club,” Flinn said on the challenging season.

Illawarra entered its final game having lost nine consecutive games and closed the season at Qudos Bank Arena with a 98-82 loss to Sydney, finishing ninth with a 5-23 record and ten straight defeats. Blanchfield (4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) finished his second season with the Hawks alongside Dech (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), while Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney.

PERTH WILDCATS
2020/21
After claiming the previous season’s championship when Sydney withdrew from the Grand Final series amid COVID-19 concerns, Perth entered NBL21 looking to win a third consecutive title under coach Trevor Gleeson. Damian Martin (retired), Terrico White (overseas) and Nick Kay (to Seville) departed, while the NBL’s reduction from three imports to two prevented the Wildcats from retaining Miles Plumlee. Gleeson added Todd Blanchfield (via Illawarra), John Mooney (via Notre Dame) and Kevin White (via Adelaide), while Tom Jervis returned from retirement and Corey Shervill and Andrew Ferguson joined as development players. Numerous delays to the season and COVID-19 border restrictions resulted in the competition beginning without a fixed schedule.

Perth opened its championship defence against South East Melbourne at RAC Arena on January 24, where Blanchfield (16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) made three three-pointers as the Wildcats won 88-76. Cotton (27 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals) and Mooney (13 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Perth alongside him, while Mitchell Creek (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) was the Phoenix’s leading scorer.

Blanchfield (15.2 points and 4.1 rebounds across 41 games) had joined Perth on a two-year deal in July after captaining Illawarra and winning the Hawks’ MVP award for the second consecutive season. Having spent several seasons on teams outside championship contention, joining the defending champions was a major attraction. “Everyone wants to achieve a championship in their career, and that’s what I’m chasing,” Blanchfield said. His outside shooting allowed him to fill the wing role previously held by White and he went on to produce the highest-scoring season of his NBL career to that point.

Perth initially struggled to find momentum and sat seventh after five rounds before the league relocated teams to Melbourne for the NBL Cup. The Wildcats won seven of their eight games during the tournament to claim the inaugural NBL Cup. In their final game of the tournament against Adelaide on March 14, Blanchfield (20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made four three-pointers as Perth recovered from a 26-point deficit to defeat the 36ers 97-88. Cotton (34 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Mooney (17 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led the comeback, while Brandon Paul (25 points and 3 rebounds) was Adelaide’s leading scorer.

Blanchfield’s best scoring game came against Brisbane on May 15, where he made 10-of-16 shots and five three-pointers to finish with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists as Perth defeated the Bullets 102-90. Norton (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cotton (24 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided support, while Nathan Sobey (24 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led Brisbane. The 31 points were Blanchfield’s highest total since joining Perth.

Blanchfield missed the May 19 game against Brisbane with a knee complaint, his only absence of the season. Two days later, Blanchfield (19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) returned and made four three-pointers as Perth defeated Cairns 100-79, with Cotton (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Mooney (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) providing support, while Mirko Djeric (15 points) led the Taipans.

Perth added Will Magnay (via New Orleans) as a nominated replacement player during May, but the Wildcats suffered a much larger setback when Cotton suffered a haematoma to his left quadriceps against Brisbane on May 19. Cotton played again against Cairns two days later before swelling and pain led to scans and emergency surgery on May 23, eventually ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Blanchfield’s scoring became increasingly important without Perth’s leading scorer available.

Blanchfield made 103 three-pointers during the season to set a Wildcats record for most three-pointers made in a single campaign. Cotton (23.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals across 32 games) was named NBL MVP, Fans MVP and to the All-NBL First Team, while Mooney (16.9 points and 11.4 rebounds across 42 games) joined him on the All-NBL First Team and later won Perth’s Gordon Ellis Medal as club MVP. Norton (8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 41 games), Wagstaff (6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds across 41 games) and Steindl (6.4 points across 38 games) were the Wildcats’ other main contributors. Gleeson was named NBL Coach of the Year, Norton received Perth’s Best Defensive Player and Players’ Player awards, Travers was named Most Improved Player, Jervis received the Coaches’ Award and Cotton was voted Members MVP.

Perth closed the regular season against Melbourne on June 4, where Blanchfield (15 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Wildcats, with Travers (10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Magnay (10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) providing support, while Jo Lual-Acuil (16 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led United to a 78-64 win. Melbourne finished first with a 28-8 record and Perth second at 25-11.

Without Cotton, Perth opened the semifinals against Illawarra at RAC Arena with a 74-72 loss. Blanchfield (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Wildcats alongside Mooney (13 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Travers (12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), while Justinian Jessup (17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Justin Simon (16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Blanchfield (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Mooney (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Travers (13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) helped Perth respond with a 79-71 win. Tyler Harvey (24 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals) and Jessup (11 points and 1 block) led Illawarra before the series returned to Perth for a deciding game.

Blanchfield (24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) again led Perth in game three, with Mooney (16 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Norton (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helping the Wildcats win 79-71 and advance to the Grand Final. Sam Froling (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Simon (9 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Illawarra’s best.

Perth faced first-placed Melbourne United in the Grand Final with Cotton unavailable and Norton battling a hip injury, while COVID-19 restrictions resulted in the opening two games being played at RAC Arena. Blanchfield (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) led all scorers in game one, with White (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Mooney (8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) providing support, but Goulding (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Landale (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) carried Melbourne to a 73-70 win.

Game two saw Blanchfield (13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Mooney (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and White (12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) lead Perth, while Goulding (21 points and 1 steal), Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Yudai Baba (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped Melbourne win 83-74 and take a 2-0 series lead.

Game three moved to John Cain Arena in front of 5,000 fans, where Blanchfield (11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Mooney (14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) and White (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Perth, while Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Goulding (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Melbourne as United completed the sweep with an 81-76 win and Landale was named Grand Final MVP.

2021/22
After finishing second with a 25-11 record and being swept by Melbourne in the Grand Final, Perth underwent major changes with five-time championship coach Trevor Gleeson (to Toronto) leaving for the NBA. John Mooney (to Chiba), Will Magnay (to Tasmania), Clint Steindl (to Tasmania), Jarrad Weeks (to Tasmania), Jarred Bairstow (to Tasmania) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (to Sydney) also departed. Scott Morrison replaced Gleeson as coach and added Vic Law (via Brisbane), Michael Frazier II (via Delaware) and Matthew Hodgson (via Brisbane), while Majok Majok returned after missing the previous season with an Achilles injury.

Entering the second season of the two-year deal he signed when joining Perth in 2020, the veteran forward underwent surgery in September to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee after experiencing inflammation following an on-court workout. Initially expected to miss three to four months, he remained sidelined for Perth’s opening two games before returning ahead of schedule. “He’s a guy that you have to account for regardless of where he is on the floor,” Morrison said.

Blanchfield (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) made his season debut against Brisbane at RAC Arena on December 12, with Law (29 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) and Cotton (19 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) leading Perth, while Lamar Patterson (27 points and 4 assists) led Brisbane. The Bullets won 97-94 in double overtime after Robert Franks hit a three-pointer with 27 seconds remaining. CLICK HERE FOR GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Blanchfield (10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds across 23 games) remained an important perimeter scorer when healthy, shooting 38 per cent from three and appearing in 23 of Perth’s 28 games.

Five days after returning, Blanchfield (9 points) reinjured his left knee during Perth’s 83-70 win over Brisbane and left the game without returning. Cotton (29 points and 2 steals) and Wagstaff (19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Perth, while Franks (28 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Brisbane’s best. Scans cleared Blanchfield of major structural damage but he was ruled out for another three to four weeks, causing him to miss the next two games before returning against Adelaide on January 18.

His only other non-appearance came against Sydney on February 19. Blanchfield was listed in Perth’s available squad before the game with no injury reported but did not play, making it his only missed game of the season not connected to the knee injury.

Perth played its first five games at home before Western Australia’s border restrictions forced the Wildcats into 14 consecutive games on the road. Despite the extended time away, Perth remained near the top of the ladder and Blanchfield began to regain his form, including a 20-point, 5-rebound performance against Illawarra on January 22.

Blanchfield’s best game came against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on March 6, where he made eight of 10 shots, including five of six three-pointers, and finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block as Perth defeated the 36ers 92-73. Cotton (27 points and 7 assists) and Law (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks) provided support, while Daniel Johnson (19 points and 12 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best.

Perth eventually returned to Western Australia sitting second with a 13-6 record and nine games remaining but won only three games during the run home. During that stretch, the Wildcats attempted to replace Frazier II (7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds across 19 games) with John Brown III (via UNICS Kazan), who had left Russia amid humanitarian concerns. Brown arrived in Perth and trained with the Wildcats, but complications involving his former club and the required FIBA clearance prevented him from being registered before the deadline, forcing Perth to return Frazier II to the active roster as Brown returned to the United States.

Cotton (22.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals across 28 games) and Law (20.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 26 games) led Perth’s offence as the Wildcats averaged a league-best 89.1 points per game, with both selected to the All-NBL First Team. Norton (9.6 points and 3.8 assists across 18 games), Travers (7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds across 27 games), Hodgson (6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds across 18 games), Wagstaff (6.2 points across 28 games) and Majok (5.3 points and 5.2 rebounds across 28 games) provided further support. Injuries continued to affect Perth throughout the season, with Norton, Hodgson and Frazier II all missing games while Law suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury late in the season and was ruled out for the remainder of the year.

With Law unavailable, Perth entered its final game against South East Melbourne at RAC Arena needing a win to reach the playoffs. Blanchfield (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist) started and played 35 minutes as Cotton (28 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Frazier II (22 points and 6 rebounds) led the Wildcats, while Xavier Munford (24 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) led South East Melbourne. Perth built an eight-point lead before the Phoenix fought back and forced overtime, eventually winning 102-100 to leave the Wildcats fifth with a 16-12 record and end their run of 35 consecutive finals appearances.

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 465 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.