The Ants Nest is back 🐜 and this one’s a big test.

The Tasmania JackJumpers host South East Melbourne Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena — the league’s highest-scoring team sitting 3rd on the ladder (21–10).

They can fill it up.
They also give it up defensively.
Which version shows up?

• SEM preview and ladder implications

• Why this matchup always turns into a heart-stopper

• Player to Watch:

  • JD backs David Johnson for a bounce-back game

  • Freddy’s eyeing Tyger Campbell

• Flashback to Dec 29 — the 87–84 thriller

  • Majok Deng top-scoring

  • Bryce Hamilton clutch defensive moment

  • Nathan Sobey nearly ripping our hearts out late

• Who needs to lift? JD calls out Brodie Nunn (respectfully 👀)

• Bold predictions — including a slightly controversial JD call

All our games against SEM this year have gone down to the wire. Expect another one.

👉 Go back and listen to our Review Episode vs New Zealand
👉 Devils Den launching next month
👉 Hit Subscribe — we’re chasing 50 subscribers before season’s end

For fans. By fans.
This is The Ants Nest.

March on Jackies 🐜

Records Fall, Marshall Goes Nuclear & The Jackies March On | ANTS NEST

It felt weird celebrating… but history was made.

This week on Tasmanian Takeover, the Tasmania JackJumpers put on a record-breaking performance against the Brisbane Bullets, taking a huge step toward the play-in picture — and smashing just about every club record along the way.

• The JackJumpers’ biggest ever win (44 points)

• Highest ever team score (114 points)

• Most points in a quarter (33)

• Why this win still felt… strange

• A massive shout-out to Brisbane, who were absolutely decimated by injuries

Then we get to that performance.

🔥 Nick Marshall goes full beast mode:

• Career-high 31 points

• 12/13 from the field

• 7/8 from three

• +44 plus/minus

Not just a defensive stopper anymore — this was a confidence-boosting, belief-building, “I’ve got this” game.

We also break down:

• A near-perfect team performance (30 assists, just 7 turnovers)

• Early tone-setting from David Johnson and Tyger Campbell

• Jacob Richards making the most of limited minutes

• Fan Favourite Josh Bannan doing Josh Bannan things (yes, the poll doesn’t lie)

The Jackies move one step closer to the play-ins, and suddenly the picture looks very different.

👉 Join us for our SEM preview episode next
👉 Hit Subscribe if you’re enjoying the ride
👉 Like, comment, and tell us where this ranks in JackJumpers history

For fans. By fans.
This is The Ants Nest.

March on Jackies 🐜

The Injured Army: Tassie’s Last Stand for Finals | JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets Preview — ANTS NEST

The Ants Nest is back 🐜 and somehow… we’re still standing.

This week on Tasmanian Takeover, we preview a massive home clash as the Tasmania JackJumpers host the Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena — a game that could all but lock in finals for the Jackies.

Both teams are absolutely decimated, but at this point it feels less like a basketball game and more like JackJumpers vs the Brisbane coaching staff.

• A preview of JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets (Friday Feb 6 @ MyState Bank Arena)

• The Injured Army rolls on — and why no one actually needs to “lift”

• Brisbane’s horror injury list (seriously… bring your runners if you’re courtside)

• Player to Watch:

  • JD backs Archie Woodhill to take the next step

  • Freddy’s got his eye on Josh Bannan

• A look back at the last meeting — a painful loss during the 7-game slide

• Who’s stepped up during the injury crisis: DJ, Bannan, Tyger, DRM, Archie, Stoddart, Brodie Nunn

• Bold predictions (including a very confident JD call)

We also touch on the SHE Foundation game — raising money and awareness for gynaecological cancer. If you’re heading along, get there early, get loud, and support a great cause.

👉 Go back and listen to our Review Episode vs New Zealand
👉 Hit Subscribe — we’re chasing 50 subscribers before the end of the NBL season
👉 Devils Den coming next month 👀

For fans. By fans.
This is The Ants Nest.

March on Jackies 🐜

In this episode:

The Ants Nest is back 🐜 after an accidental Australia Day break (our bad)… and there’s a lot to unpack.This week on Tasmanian Takeover, JD and Fred break down a wild, emotional stretch for the Tasmania JackJumpers — injuries, grit, heartbreak, and one massive home win that might’ve saved the season.In this episode:A brutal injury update:Will Magnay — season-ending foot injuryBryce Hamilton — ACL, long road aheadMajok Deng — concussion protocolBen Ayre — mystery injury, months outJackJumpers vs Cairns TaipansDown 15 at halftime, heat, travel, injuries stacked against them — a classic Jackies grit-fight that just slipped away.Majok Deng’s best game of the season28 points, 8 boards, ice-cold late moments — not a hot night, a statement.JackJumpers vs New Zealand BreakersSeason-defining home win at MyState Bank Arena with finals positioning on the line.David Johnson goes absolutely nuclear33 points, seven threes, clutch buckets — and the last word when it mattered most.This felt like a star announcing himself.The JackJumpers stay sixth, keep finals destiny in their own hands, and remind everyone they’re not going quietly.🎙️ For fans, by fans.👉 Hit Subscribe — we’re chasing 50 subscribers before the end of the NBL season👉 Preview episode coming next as we dissect the upcoming Cairns clash0:00 – Welcome Back to The Ants Nest1:20 – Apology Tour (Australia Day Edition 🍻)2:00 – Hoops Round-Up: Hawks & Kings Losses3:20 – Injury Crisis Hits the JackJumpers8:00 – JackJumpers vs Cairns Taipans Recap14:00 – Player of the Match: Majok Deng vs Cairns17:15 – JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers Recap22:45 – David Johnson's Breakout Game23:00 – March On Jackies 🐜This is The Ants Nest. March on Jackies 🐜

The Ants Nest is back 🐜 and we’re previewing a huge road clash as the Tasmania JackJumpers head to Sydney looking to bounce back after HoopsFest.

This week on Tasmanian Takeover, we break down:

• Can the Jackies respond after a tough loss?

• Is Archie Woodhill the answer if Will Magnay is sidelined?

• Does Scott Roth need to lift as we hit the business end of the season?

• Bryce Hamilton primed for a breakout night?

• Who needs to lift — and who’s flying under the radar?

We also revisit the last time these two met, when the JackJumpers put the hammer down and blew the game open, plus a key matchup to watch against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.

📍 Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers
🗓 Thursday 22nd
📍 Qudos Bank Arena

Bold predictions. Hard truths. No fence-sitting.

If you’re a JackJumpers fan — this one’s for you.

👉 Don’t forget to check out our Review Episode vs Melbourne
👉 Hit Subscribe — we’re chasing 50 subscribers before the end of the NBL season
👉 Like, comment, yell at us politely

This is The Ants Nest. March on Jackies 🐜

🐜 JackJumpers vs United Review — Have We Seen the Last of Will Magnay?This week on Tasmanian Takeover, JD and Fred break down a gut-wrenching 79–77 loss to Melbourne United at Hoopsfest — and ask the uncomfortable question:Have we seen the last of Will Magnay this season?From shocking three-point shooting, to heroic defensive efforts, to Nick Marshall turning into a professional pest, this is a full Ants Nest autopsy — performed by fans, for fans.We also vibe-check Hoopsfest, talk on-court access, and marvel at the emotional damage basketball continues to do to us.*Apologies for the audio issues in this podcast, we're working to get them fixed*March on, Jackies. 🐜🏀⏱️ Chapters00:40 – Intro02:20 - JD's night at Hoopsfest 05:00 – JackJumpers vs Melbourne United Review16:20 - Will Magnay, Season done?19 :00 – Is Nick Marshall the “Goulding Grappler”?21:00 - Fred Talks minutes and +/-27:00 – OutroRoad to 50 subscribers (do your part, legends)👍 Like the episode📺 Subscribe if you haven’t already💬 Drop a comment — is Magnay done for the season?Thanks for listening,Tasmanian TakeoverAs always… March on, Jackies. 🐜

🐜🏀 HoopsFest payback incoming? | The Ants Nest (Ep 19)

HoopsFest is here — and the JackJumpers get another crack at Melbourne United, this time at RAC Arena.

JD and Berto are joined by Fred Webster to break down a matchup loaded with narrative, pressure, and genuine stakes.

🔥 In this episode we ask:

• Can the Jackies get HoopsFest payback on United?

• Does Melbourne crack under pressure away from home?•

Is Nick Marshall the answer to stopping Chris Goulding?👀

Players to watch:

• David Johnson — loves RAC Arena and is due a big one

• Will Magnay — Melbourne still don’t have an answer for him

• Anthony “The Doctor” Drmic — pest work incoming

• Majok Deng — time to rediscover his impact at a venue he enjoys

We also revisit the last meeting (where Mags went beast mode), break down Melbourne’s recent form slide, and lock in our bold predictions for HoopsFest.

🎧 For fans, by fans.This is Tasmanian Takeover – The Ants Nest.March on, Jackies

🐜⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

0:00 Welcome to The Ants Nest

1:50 HoopsFest Explained + Setting the Scene

2:30 JD at HoopsFest & What This Game Means

3:50 Melbourne United Preview (Form & Pressure)

7:30 Players to Watch: DJ, Tyger, Magnay & Drmic

14:30 Last Time vs United (Magnay Beast Mode)

16:50 Who Needs to Lift? Majok Deng, DJ

21:25 Key Match-Up: Marshall vs Goulding

26:20 Outro, Devils Den Update & Subscribe Goal

JackJumpers vs Adelaide Review — Is Nick Marshall the Cotton Stopper?

Did the JackJumpers just make a statement against the league’s best?

The Jackies knock off top-of-the-ladder Adelaide 80–72, holding the 36ers to their lowest score of the season — and Nick Marshall delivers a defensive performance that has the entire league talking.

JD is joined by Berto (back!) and Fred Webster to break down a gritty, physical road win that might just change how this team is viewed.

🔥 In this episode:
• How Adelaide were dragged into the mud and beaten at their own ground
• Nick Marshall’s case as the “Cotton Stopper” after holding Bryce Cotton to 15
• Why foul discipline and pest work mattered more than the box score
• What it says about the JackJumpers when they win without big numbers
• Bryce Hamilton’s role and whether he’s sacrificed his game for the team
• Why this might be the Jackies’ most complete road win of the season

For fans, by fans.
This is Tasmanian Takeover – The Ants Nest.
March on, Jackies 🐜

0:00 Welcome to The Ants Nest
0:45 Berto’s Back + Fred Returns
2:00 JackJumpers Beat Adelaide (80–72)
3:30 Is Nick Marshall the “Cotton Stopper”?
7:00 How Marshall Spent His Fouls Perfectly
10:00 Winning Ugly: Why the Stats Don’t Matter
12:30 Adelaide Held to Their Lowest Score All Year
14:00 Bryce Hamilton: Sacrifice or Slump?
20:00 Outro + Melbourne United Preview
22:30 Subscribe Goal & Final Thoughts

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

🐜🔥 Was that the best game Will Magnay has ever played?The JackJumpers knock off Melbourne United 84–75 at MyState Bank Arena, and Big Mags put on an all-time performance — 27 points, 13 boards, elite efficiency, and total two-way dominance.JD is joined by Berto (back!) and Bets.com.au Sports Editor Jez Darke to break down a huge night on and off the court.💪 In this episode we dive into:• Was this Will Magnay’s best NBL game?• Why this felt like his most complete two-way performance• The Jackies finally getting easy buckets in the paint• Lockdown defence that made Melbourne work for everything• Tyger Campbell’s rapid rise and mistake-free control• Is MyState Bank Arena the best atmosphere in the NBL right now?Plus: milestone games, Drmic’s return to the bench, and some classic Ants Nest banter.0:00 Welcome to The Ants Nest0:45 Berto’s Back + Jez Darke Returns5:40 JDs Night at MyState8:30 JackJumpers Beat United at MyState9:30 Paint Points, Pressure & What’s Changed17:30 Was This Will Magnay’s Best NBL Game?19:00 Tyger Campbell’s Rapid Rise22:50 Outro + Adelaide 36ers Preview🎧 For fans, by fans.This is Tasmanian Takeover – The Ants Nest.March on, Jackies 🐜

Melbourne United sit 2nd on the ladder… but are the wheels starting to wobble?
The JackJumpers have found form, and this matchup might tell us if it’s real — or just good timing.

JD is joined by Fred Webster to break down everything that matters ahead of a huge clash at MyState Bank Arena.

🔥 In this episode:
• Can the Jackies knock off a top-two Melbourne side?
• Has United’s recent form opened the door?
• Who wins the David Johnson vs Milton Doyle battle?
• Can Bryce Hamilton hurt Melbourne again?
• Which JackJumper needs to lift to tip this game our way?

Plus: bold predictions, good news on Drmic, and a fan call-out to close.

🎧 For fans, by fans.
This is Tasmanian Takeover – The Ants Nest.
March on, Jackies 🐜

⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro – Welcome to The Ants Nest0:45 Melbourne United preview & what this game really tells us1:15 Introducing Fred Webster2:15 Melbourne United overview (2nd on the ladder, recent form)3:00 Player to Watch – Bryce Hamilton6:00 Last time we played Melbourne (what changed since Round 1)14:00 Who needs to lift? – Ben Ayre19:00 Key Match-Up: David Johnson vs Milton Doyle23:20 Bold Predictions25:20 Outro – Drmic update, Cairns review & fan question