1
Nov
4 min read
WNBL's Most Dominant Players: Natalie Porter
Australian basketballer Natalie Porter poses during a celebration to mark 100 days until the start of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at Martin Place on April 30, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
Natalie Porter is an Olympic silver medallist and Flames MVP
- Olympic silver medallist with the Australian Opals in 2004
- WNBL Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year in 2003
- Multiple-time WNBL All-Star Five selection
Natalie Porter was a versatile forward whose defensive prowess and leadership was the cornerstone of Australian basketball for more than a decade. Born on 16 December 1980 in Melbourne, Victoria, Porter's 185cm frame and defensive acumen made her a formidable presence on the court. Her career, spanning multiple WNBL teams and international play, showcases a player who consistently elevated her teammates and dominated on both ends of the floor.
Career Snapshot
Porter's professional career began in 1997 with the Dandenong Rangers in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL). Her talent was evident early, earning her a spot at the Australian Institute of Sport in 1996. Throughout her WNBL career, Porter donned the jerseys of several top-tier teams, including the Townsville Fire, Sydney Uni Flames, and Canberra Capitals.
Her leadership qualities shone through as she captained both the Townsville Fire and Sydney Uni Flames. Porter's defensive skills were particularly noteworthy, culminating in her being named the Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. This accolade, coupled with her multiple selections to the WNBL All-Star Five, underscores her status as one of the league's elite players.
Playing Style
Porter's playing style was characterised by her versatility and defensive intensity. As a forward, she possessed the ability to score consistently, evidenced by several high-scoring performances, including a remarkable 41-point game against the Canberra Capitals in December 2007. However, it was her defensive prowess that truly set her apart.
Her ability to shut down opponents' key players was a crucial asset to her teams. This was exemplified during her stint with the Canberra Capitals in the 2011/2012 season, where she was tasked with guarding and neutralising star players such as Suzy Batkovic. Porter's defensive skillset, combined with her scoring ability and leadership on the court, made her an invaluable asset to every team she played for.
Why Porter is on Our List
Natalie Porter's inclusion on our list of most dominant WNBL players is justified by her consistent excellence and impact on the league. Her defensive prowess, as recognised by the Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year award, set a benchmark for forwards in the league. Porter's leadership, evidenced by her captaincy roles and her ability to perform in crucial moments, further cements her status as a dominant force.
Moreover, Porter's international success, including her silver medal with the Australian Opals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, demonstrates her ability to compete at the highest level of women's basketball. Her longevity in the sport, playing at an elite level for over a decade, speaks to her dedication and enduring impact on Australian basketball.
Five Fast Facts
- Drafted by the New York Liberty in the 2000 WNBA draft (4th round, 61st pick)
- Played professionally in Italy for Lavezzini Parma in 2008-2009
- Named Sydney Uni Flames MVP in the 2007/2008 season
- Scored a career-high 41 points in a single game for Sydney Uni Flames in December 2007
- Represented Australia in multiple international tournaments, including the 2004 Olympics
Career Highlights Timeline
1996: Awarded a basketball scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport
1997: Began professional career with Dandenong Rangers in the WNBL
2000: Drafted by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft
2003: Named WNBL Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star Five member
2004: Won silver medal with Australian Opals at Athens Olympics
2007: Scored career-high 41 points in a single game for Sydney Uni Flames
2008: Named Sydney Uni Flames MVP for the 2007/2008 season
2009: Returned from playing in Italy to captain Sydney Uni Flames
2011: Joined Canberra Capitals, showcasing defensive skills against league's top scorers
Natalie Porter's career in the WNBL and her contributions to Australian basketball exemplify the qualities of a truly dominant player. Her defensive excellence, scoring ability, leadership, and international success have left an indelible mark on the sport. Porter's journey from a young talent at the Australian Institute of Sport to an Olympic silver medallist and WNBL star serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players and solidifies her place among the most impactful athletes in WNBL history.
