The North Melbourne Stags are making a statement in the Melbourne Basketball League, taking down two of the West Division’s top teams, the Panthers and Prahran Pacers, in a massive double-header weekend. With the competition beginning to take shape, North Melbourne is proving it has the firepower, depth and star quality to challenge the league’s best. This is no longer a team waiting for its moment — the Stags are ready to make some noise!
Leading the charge against the Pacers was AJ Magbegor, who delivered a game-high 15 points and nine rebounds to set the tone on both ends of the floor. Steve Coffey was equally influential, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists while providing a crucial playmaking presence. Together, the pair helped drive a balanced Stags performance that kept Prahran under pressure throughout the contest.
The supporting cast made sure the Stags’ statement was about more than just their headline names. Trent Andre added 13 points and three assists, while Coffey knocked down three triples and Andre matched that mark from beyond the arc. Magbegor controlled the glass, and Andre’s four steals helped disrupt the Pacers’ offensive rhythm. North Melbourne finished with 66 points, 34 rebounds, 17 assists and nine steals, showcasing the collective effort behind the victory.
And with Peter Deng Jr. and Trent Andre joining the mix, the message to the rest of the MBL: “STAGS are legit title contenders this year”. The Stags have already taken down the Panthers and Pacers — two major West Division contenders — and their growing firepower could make them one of the most dangerous teams to face this season. The road ahead is long, but North Melbourne has delivered an early warning to the competition: the Stags are here to hunt! 🦌🏀🔥
