A NEW name, new coach and new-look side, the Southside Flyers are ready to live up to their name and fly into the 2019/20 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season. The team formerly known as Dandenong Rangers switched to a region-based name over the winter and announced in July that former Sydney Uni Flames head coach – Cheryl Chambers – would replace Larissa Anderson who stepped down in February. On paper, the side is stacked with talent, but it will be interesting to see just how much the Flyers can gel, particularly early in the season.

Finished: 5th (as Dandenong Rangers)
Wins: 9
Losses: 12
Points: 18
Percentage: 93.54%

Last season:

Given the vastly new-look side and new recruits, it is too difficult to judge this season on last, but the Rangers were certainly competitive throughout, but eventually fell four games short of finals action. They were the best of the rest in terms of non-finals teams, and with some added talent and experience, not only to the starting five, but the bench as well the depth looks as enviable as any side in the competition. Rebecca Cole (17.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals) and a fit Sara Blicavs who only managed the six games last season in the WNBL but lit up the NBL1 competition for Geelong Supercats, both recommitted to the new side. As did Stephanie Reid who broke the NBL1 points-scoring record with a massive 50 for Frankston last season while Kiera Rowe and Rebecca Pizzey also signed on. The key outs were Tessa Lavey and Carley Ernst who both headed to Bendigo, while WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, Kayla Pedersen retired.

New recruits:

The huge inclusion is that of Melbourne Boomers’ Jenna O’Hea with the Opals star crossing to the state rivals after just the three games last season. Joining her is title-winning Capitals’ guard Leilani Mitchell, who averaged double-figure points and was a playmaker for her side across 20 games in the regular season, seven of which she started. While talented up-and-comer Anneli Maley earned a contract and American, Mercedes Russell joined the side. After brilliant seasons in the NBL1, Louella Tomlinson has come down from Bendigo, while Aimie Clydesdale has switched to the Flyers from the Lightning.

Star player:

Mercedes Russell. It was hard to pinpoint one star player in this side, with the easier option being the known quantities across the court, but Russell is a player who can add some serious talent to the side, averaging 7.5 points and an impressive 6.1 rebounds – a fairly even balance up both ends – in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) for Seattle. At 198cm, good luck to any opposing player trying to stop here.