Southside Flyers WNBL Profile: Five things you need to know

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basketball.com.au

Meteoric rise of new franchise already flying high

The Southside Flyers are one of the premier teams in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), known for their excellence on the court and strong commitment to developing women’s basketball in Australia.

Based in Melbourne, the Flyers have quickly established themselves as one of the WNBL's most successful and exciting teams since their formation, thanks to their impressive roster of talented players and a winning culture. With a WNBL championship to their name and a roster filled with top-tier talent, the Southside Flyers are a force to be reckoned with in Australian women’s basketball.

Southside Flyers celebrate after their victory during the WNBL Grand Final match between the Southside Flyers and the Townsville Fire at the Townsville Stadium, on December 20, 2020, in Townsville, Australia. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Early years and formation

The Southside Flyers are a relatively new team in the WNBL, but they carry on the legacy of one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises. The Flyers were established in 2019, taking over from the Dandenong Rangers, a team with a long history of success in the WNBL, dating back to the league’s earlier days. The transition to the Southside Flyers represented a fresh start and a revitalisation of the program, with the team rebranding and relocating their base to the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The Flyers' formation was built on the desire to continue the Dandenong Rangers’ tradition of excellence while forging a new identity under the leadership of coach Cheryl Chambers. The Flyers aimed to become a dominant force in the league, both in terms of performance and player development.

Flyers Head Coach Cheryl Chambers speaks to her team during game three of the WNBL Semi Final series between Southside Flyers and Melbourne Boomers at Melbourne Sports Centres, Parkville, on March 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Immediate championship success

In just their second season, the Southside Flyers achieved the ultimate success by winning the 2020 WNBL Championship. This title came in the midst of the challenging COVID-19 pandemic season, which required the league to operate in a bubble format in Queensland. Despite the unprecedented conditions, the Flyers thrived, showing resilience and grit to win the championship in style. Led by coach Cheryl Chambers and an all-star roster, the Flyers defeated the Townsville Fire in the Grand Final to claim their first championship under the new banner. The victory was significant not only for the Flyers but also for the broader Melbourne basketball community, as it signalled the arrival of a new WNBL powerhouse.

Key players and team leaders

The Southside Flyers have been home to some of the best players in Australian women’s basketball, as well as talented international imports. These players have been instrumental in the team’s immediate success and have helped the Flyers become one of the WNBL's most competitive teams. One of the most high-profile players to wear a Southside Flyers jersey is Liz Cambage, a dominant force in women’s basketball both in Australia and internationally. Cambage, who has also starred in the WNBA, joined the Flyers in 2019, adding a significant boost to the team’s roster. Her size, strength, and scoring ability made her a key player for the Flyers during their championship run. Cambage’s presence on the court was a major factor in the Flyers’ success, and her star power helped elevate the team’s profile.

Another standout player for the Flyers has been Leilani Mitchell, a veteran guard known for her leadership and playmaking ability. Mitchell has been one of the top point guards in the WNBL and her contributions to the Flyers, particularly in clutch situations, have been invaluable. Her experience, basketball IQ, and ability to control the tempo of the game made her a crucial part of the Flyers’ championship-winning team.

Jenna O’Hea, an Australian basketball icon and former captain of the Australian national team, the Opals, has also played a pivotal role in the Flyers' success. O’Hea's leadership on and off the court, combined with her versatility and basketball intelligence, have made her one of the Flyers' most important players. O'Hea played a key role in leading the team to the 2020 championship and has continued to be a strong presence in the team.

Leilani Mitchell of the Flyers drives to the hoop during game two of the WNBL Grand Final series between Perth Lynx and Southside Flyers at Bendat Basketball Stadium, on March 14, 2024, in Perth, Australia. Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Home venue and fan base

The Southside Flyers play their home games at Dandenong Stadium, a venue that has long been associated with the Dandenong Rangers and is one of the premier basketball facilities in Melbourne. The Flyers enjoy strong support from the local community, with fans embracing the new team as they build on the legacy of the Rangers.

The Flyers have worked hard to foster a passionate and loyal fanbase, engaging with their supporters through community events, school clinics, and youth basketball programs. Their home games are known for their lively atmosphere, with fans turning out in large numbers to support their team.

Five Fast Facts about Southside Flyers

Founded in 2019: The Southside Flyers were established in 2019, taking over from the Dandenong Rangers, one of the WNBL’s most storied franchises.
WNBL Champions in 2020: The Flyers won their first WNBL championship in 2020, defeating the Townsville Fire in the Grand Final during the WNBL bubble season.
Liz Cambage’s Star Power: Liz Cambage, one of the most dominant players in the world, played a key role in the Flyers' success during the 2019-2020 season.
Home Venue: The Flyers play their home games at Dandenong Stadium, a top-tier basketball facility in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.
Top Talent: The Flyers boast a roster filled with elite players, including Leilani Mitchell and Jenna O’Hea, who have been instrumental in the team’s success.

Youth development and community engagement

The Southside Flyers are deeply committed to developing young basketball talent and fostering a strong basketball culture in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs. The team runs a variety of programs aimed at engaging with the local community, including basketball clinics, school visits, and youth camps. These programs provide young athletes with the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches, helping to inspire the next generation of WNBL stars.

By investing in grassroots basketball, the Flyers are helping to ensure the long-term growth of the sport in the region, while also building a strong connection with the local community. The team's dedication to youth development has made them a vital part of the basketball landscape in Melbourne.

Jenna O’Hea of the Flyers shoots through contact during the round 14 WNBL match between Southside Flyers and Sydney Flames at Dandenong Stadium, on March 10, 2022, in Dandenong, Australia. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Conclusion

The Southside Flyers have quickly established themselves as one of the premier teams in the WNBL, building on the legacy of the Dandenong Rangers while forging their own identity as a championship-caliber squad. With a 2020 WNBL title, a roster filled with top-tier talent like Liz Cambage, Leilani Mitchell, and Jenna O’Hea, and a strong commitment to community engagement and youth development, the Flyers are poised to remain a dominant force in Australian women’s basketball for years to come.

As they continue to grow their fanbase and build on their success, the Southside Flyers are well-positioned to add more championships to their resume and further cement their place as one of the top teams in the WNBL. Whether through their on-court achievements or their contributions to grassroots basketball, the Flyers are helping to shape the future of women’s basketball in Australia.