The Southside Melbourne Flyers are proud to announce the appointment of Sam Mackinnon as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the upcoming Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season.
A highly respected figure in Australian basketball, Mackinnon brings a wealth of experience to the Flyers, both as a former elite player and an emerging coach. Known for his leadership, professionalism, and deep understanding of the game, Mackinnon is set to guide the Flyers into an exciting new chapter.
Mackinnon enjoyed a distinguished playing career in the National Basketball League (NBL), earning multiple championships and representing Australia on the international stage. Transitioning into coaching, he has quickly built a reputation for developing talent, fostering strong team culture, and delivering competitive results.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to the Flyers. His distinguished playing career and extensive coaching experience bring outstanding leadership and a proven ability to build strong teams. He will drive a high performance culture, sharing our vision to deliver both team success and the individual growth of our athletes, on and off the court,” said Flyers owner Gerry Ryan.
Mackinnon said he is excited to take on the role and work with the Flyers playing group and staff.
“I’m incredibly honoured to join the Southside Melbourne Flyers. This club has a proud history and plays a significant role in Australian basketball. The opportunity to work with Gerry Ryan, who has been such a passionate supporter of women’s basketball for many years, is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to working closely with our athletes to build a strong, competitive culture and to deliver success for our Flyers fans.”
The Flyers are confident that Mackinnon’s appointment will strengthen the club’s on-court performance while continuing to inspire the next generation of basketball talent.
With the WNBL Free Agency set to open this week, Mackinnon will be straight to work, looking to build an exciting, talented playing group for the 2026/27 WNBL season.
Further announcements regarding the coaching staff and player roster will be made in the coming weeks.
