Flyers End Fire’s Unbeaten Run in Statement Win

The Southside Melbourne Flyers have handed the Townsville Fire their first loss of WNBL26, outlasting the defending runners-up 89–83 in a fierce, high-quality contest at the Victorian State Basketball Centre on Friday night.

In a clash that swung back and forth with 15 lead changes, Flyers captain Cayla George again proved the difference. The veteran forward produced her second straight double-double — 26 points and 12 rebounds — and buried a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to seal the result.

That moment — followed by two coolly taken free throws — capped a night of leadership and composure from George, who continues to anchor a Flyers team rediscovering its championship pedigree.

“That shot was huge for us,” Flyers coach Kristi Harrower said. “That’s what Cayla’s done her whole career. To beat a quality team that everyone sees as the benchmark this season, it’s massive for our group and gives us a lot of confidence.”

Maddi Rocci was outstanding alongside her captain, scoring 22 points and controlling the tempo in key stretches as Southside’s defence tightened and ball movement improved down the stretch.

Townsville had entered unbeaten after dominant wins over Canberra and Bendigo, but couldn’t find their usual rhythm, missing 40 field goals and shooting below their season standard. Courtney Woods (23 points, nine assists) and Lucy Olsen (22 points) carried the scoring load, while Abbey Ellis was restricted to just two points.

Fire coach Shannon Seebohm admitted his side lost its edge. “Offensively, we got bogged down — the ball was sticky at times,” he said. “Our mindset wasn’t right from the start. And I made a mistake not putting Alicia [Froling] back on late — she probably had the quickness to guard Cayla on the perimeter.”

The Fire also face an anxious wait on forward Chantel Horvat, who exited with a hand injury in the second half.

The game itself was a showcase of early-season intensity. Townsville started hot, jumping to a 9–2 lead before George and Rocci flipped the momentum with a 17–5 Flyers burst to close the first quarter ahead 19–14. The Fire hit back in the second behind Froling and Woods, reclaiming a two-point halftime edge.

The third quarter was a tug-of-war — five lead changes, constant physicality — but Southside entered the final term up five and held their nerve as Townsville rallied late. George’s late dagger sealed the Flyers’ second win and snapped the Fire’s perfect run.

The Flyers improve to 2–1 ahead of their next home fixture, while Townsville returns north to regroup after their first defeat of the season.

Final score: Southside Melbourne Flyers 89 defeated Townsville Fire 83.