Darwin Salties looking to get campaign underway with victories over Wollongong Rollerhawks
The Darwin Salties will launch their 2025 season with a high-stakes grand final rematch on home turf. Meet the two-time reigning champions here.
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The Darwin Salties have one thing on their mind this season – a three-peat.
The back-to-back National Wheelchair Basketball League champions are chasing history in 2025 with the possibility of cementing their legacy as a dynasty and one of the nation’s most successful clubs in the 2020s.
The side will play their first series of games this Friday, Saturday and Sunday – having had a bye in the opening round – against the Woollongnong Rollerhawks in a grand final rematch at the Croc-Pot for Indigenous Round.
In addition to the regular five aside competition, the league has introduced a 3x3 as a bilateral championship.
With such a short season, the league has introduced the half-court game to ensure bench players and youngsters have ample game time and are not left out of the action.
Local legend and captain of the side, Tom O’Neill-Thorne said he was stoked to get back on the court and is determined to see his side have a winning start, and wants to see as many fans in the stands as possible.
“The Rollerhawks are probably the second strongest side again this season alongside us,” he said.
“We know how tough they are to play and we always have great and close games.
“We will have a bit of extra pressure on us this year with the other, and become the hunted, with sides now putting extra attention on us and what we do know that they know for certain what we achieveed was no fluke.
“So if you can, come down and give us some support, the crew would love to see as many fans in the stands as possible.”
GAME TIMES:
G1 - Friday 8pm at Marrara
G2 - Saturday 7pm at Marrara
G3 - Sunday, 9am at Marrara
3x3 - Friday, 7pm at Marrara
3x3 - Saturday, 6pm at Marrara
Meet the Team
JAMES CHAPMAN (1.0)
Info: A true case of what hard work and dedication can do, Chapman has been rewarded for his efforts with a full time spot in the squad after being a development player in 2024.
Coaches comment: “James is quite new to wheelchair basketball, but has shown an incredible amount of commitment to grow in this last year. His readiness to upskill, and work hard is fantastic, and I look forward to working with James, and helping him expand his game.”
ALEXANDER BLACKMORE (2.0)
Info: A new signing for the Salties, the talented teenage from south of the boarder will be joins the Darwin team intermittently throughout the season. An U23 Australian representative, he is a very skilled youngster who is an exciting addition to the team.
Coaches comment: “This will be Alex’s first season in the National League. He has already been identified by senior Rollers coaches as part of their 2025 squad and attend a senior camp earlier this year. He shows great potential, and we look forward to working with him, and mentoring him throughout his first season.”
LUIS EDUARDO JASSO (4.0)
Info: Taking over the reigns from Reo Fujimoto as the Salties international recruit and big, the man mountain has already fit right in with the Darwin crew. In the same side as Salties captain O’Neill-Thorne – Ilunion (Madrid) – Jasso already has some connections on the court.
Coach’s comment: “Jasso will be joining us after a huge season in Madrid, playing alongside Tom. They will continue their journey as teammates in the Salties. He will be big presence inside the keyway for our team, and will compliment all our players well. He has expressed excitement to come play in Australia, and frankly, we’re just as equally excited.”
WESTON TEDCASTLE (4.0)
Info: The Territory teenager is fresh off the back of a huge 2024 campaign that saw him represent the nation in the U23 side and win the championship with Darwin to boot. The youngster will most likely get plenty of minutes in the new 3X3 format, further growing his game.
Coach’s comment: “I am looking forward to his involvement in his third season with the Salties. He is an up and coming young local, with huge potential. I am also looking forward to guiding Wes this season, as he shares ambitions to go all the way in the sport.”
WILL CROOKS (3.0)
Info: Returning for another season in the orange and lack, the big character will be liked very much by his teammates again as a player that can play all over the court.
Coaches comment: “Crooksy is back for another year with us. He will join the team remotely from Melbourne, and I’m excited to have another piece of our puzzle returning. Every single athlete is going to be very important to our success this season, and Crooksy’s return to our roster will give us the flexibility to play different combinations.”
MELISSA DUNN (3.0)
Info: Set for her fourth season as a Saltie, Dunn is the sole female athlete on the roster. The former Australian Paralympian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and calm to the side.
Coach’s comment: “Melissa and I will reunite for the first time, after the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. As a Darwin local, she continues to be an inspiration for female athletes and the community all while balancing life, family and basketball. I’m looking forward to her returning and playing with the Salties.”
SAMUEL WHITE (1.0)
Info: The Australian Roller will be back in the Croc-Pot for season 2025. Another Roller, White has been an integral part of the Salties success. This season White will be playing out of Brisbane and joining the side on the road to accommodate his full-time job off the court.
Coach’s comment: “Having Sammy back with the Salties is very exciting. He ticks all the boxes on and off the floor, as a player, and teammate. Having someone with Sammy’s experience will be great for me, as well as the team.”
JAYLEN BROWN 4.0 –
Info: One of the most exciting and skilled youngsters in the world, the rangy and sharpshooting forward/centre is a huge inclusion for Darwin. The current captain of the Australian U23 side and member of the 2024 Paralympic side is fresh off a stellar campaign in Europe where his Italian side Amicacci finished second in the European Champions Cup final.
Coach’s comment: “He is a young, extremely talented player with a great work ethic to go with it. I’m looking forward to working with him, and helping him develop his game further.”
JANNIK BLAIR (1.0)
Info: Tough as nails and a very considered player, the Roller is going to play a big role in Darwin’s hat-trick hopes. Back from his campaign in Germany, Blair is “excited” for the season ahead and is expecting his side to lift the cup once again.
Coach’s comment: “Jannik is a natural leader on the floor. He will continue to play an integral role for this team, and together, I’m hoping to continue building on this strong and successful program.”
CLARENCE MCCARTHY-GROGAN (4.0)
Info: One of the ‘OGs’ of wheelchair basketball in the Territory, the Paralympian is back and rearing to go, with his sights fiercely set on the three-peat.
Coach’s comment: “It will be good to have CJ returning to the Salties for the upcoming season. He is a Darwin local, and very passionate about wheelchair basketball, and this team. I’m really looking forward to working with him, and helping him to continue to develop.”
TOM O’NEILL-THORNE (3.0)
Info: Captain of the side and the main man is back in Darwin for his fourth season with his beloved Salties. Determined to create a dynasty with the club, the grand finals MVP is the ultimate team player and as cool as a cucumber under pressure.
Coach’s comment: “He’s been a leader and an integral part of Salties since day one, and no doubt will continue that into the 2025 season. He’s a threat on both ends of the floor, and is someone who is willing to step up in clutch situations. I’m looking forward to coaching him this season.”
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