FIVE matches welcome in the start of 2025 for the WNBL with the first of five tipping off tonight in Sydney. The Flames will test themselves up against ladder leaders Bendigo Spirit, in what will be a relatively straight forward round for the eight sides in action, with Adelaide Lightning and UC Capitals playing two games.

SYDNEY FLAMES vs. BENDIGO SPIRIT
Thursday, January 2 @ Qudos Bank Arena, 5pm

Sydney Flames will be desperate for a win coming up against the title favourites, Bendigo Spirit at Qudos Bank Arena tonight. The last time these teams faced off, the Spirit came away with the 19-point win (90-71) which was also in New South Wales, and have now won two on the bounce since suffering back-to-back defeats just prior to Christmas. Sydney Flames last played on December 30 when they beat the Flyers, rebounding from consecutive losses, but will be far fresher than the Spirit who back up from a New Year’s Eve win up north against Townsville.

The Spirit has incredible depth across the baord and it is easy to see why they have lead all-comers this season. Sami Whitcomb, Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin all put in huge numbers particularly off the boards, while Veronica Burton starred in the win over Townsville and remains a headache for the opposition. Cayla George is the main combatant against the trio, while Mikaela Ruef and Shaneice Swain are well-balanced across the board.

ADELAIDE LIGHTNING vs. UC CAPITALS
Friday, January 3 @ Adelaide 36ers Arena, 7pm

The first of two games these sides will play, with the Lightning suffering a humbling defeat against Bendigo Spirit on December 27. Prior to that, they had pieced together three straight wins – albeit against bottom four sides, but that included a nail-biting one-point win over UC Capitals at the same venue as this game. The Capitals have had little go right this season and sit anchored to the bottom with just two wins from 12 matches.

Isobel Borlase has been a shining light for the Lightning, and she has been well supported by the tall duo of Brianna Turner and Stephanie Talbot off the boards. While the year has been one to forget for the Canberra-based side, young star Jade Melbourne has still been killing it with 14.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds per match. Charli Collier has supported her well with 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds.

SOUTHSIDE FLYERS vs. TOWNSVILLE FIRE
Saturday, January 4 @ State Basketball Centre, 5pm

A tough loss to the Flames in Round 9 knocked the Flyers back to seventh, having had a shock win over ladder leaders Bendigo Spirit by three points just prior to Christmas. The consistency has not been there for the Flyers, but they remain in finals contention thanks to the even ladder, just one win off fourth placed Adelaide Lightning with a game in hand. Townsville Fire is a little safer in third with seven victories having build a buffer on the bottom five sides, though will want to keep winning having lost to Bendigo twice either side of three victories through December.

The Flyers might not been high on the ladder, but have had their fair share of contributors with Naz Hillmon (17.6 points, 10.9 rebounds) averaging a double-double. Alice Kunek and Maddison Rocci are always contributing positively in transition, while Rebecca Cole stands up in big games. Courtney Woods does it all for the Fire and will be a key player once again, while the rebound support from Alicia Froling and Lauren Cox will be key for Townsville.

UC CAPITALS vs. GEELONG UNITED
Sunday, January 5 @ AIS Arena, 12:30pm

Geelong will play the Capitals on the backup and be well rested for the clash in Canberra with a nice break between United’s last game, a loss to Townsville on December 29. Defeats to the Perth Lynx and Flames in that time did not help the sixth placed side’s cause, but they come up against the struggling Capitals in what is a must-win if Geelong is to play finals in its first WNBL season.

Haley Jones has been a massive inclusion for United this season, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. She works well with Keely Froling on the scoring front, while Froling is almost averaging a double-double (14.2 points, 9.6 rebounds). Jazmin Shelley is another player who can set plays up in transition.

PERTH LYNX vs. ADELAIDE LIGHTNING
Sunday, January 5 @ HBF Stadium, 1:00pm

Completing Round 10 of the WNBL, Perth Lynx hosts the Lightning on the double-up. The Lynx last played on December 29 and will bring confidence into the match, having won four consecutive games since dropping back-to-back matches in early December. While two have come against the Capitals and one against United, the Lynx also beat the previously undefeated Spirit by three points on December 19 on the road, showing they are a serious contender.

A really balanced scoring lineup, the Lynx have four players averaging 13 points or more, with Laeticia Amihere, Miela Sowah and Alex Wilson sharing the load around. Double-double machine Anneli Maley is doing just that with 12.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, and should have a great battle with Turner off the boards.