There is only ever one team that doesn’t finish the season disappointed, and that is the team that wins the Championship. For the Flyers the season was up and down, making for a bumpy ride for supporters. But in the end, while disappointed, there was no disappointment at the way the Flyers attacked the finals and gave everything in such a hard-fought game 3 of the semi-final series.
The season started in front of a WNBL season opening record crowd at John Cain Arena and the excitement of a big crowd and a much hyped opening game ended in a disappointing 9-point loss to the Capitals.
Six days later in Sydney the Flyers, led by Cayla George, Issie Bourne and Maddy Rocci, and Haley Peters off the bench (limited minutes on court early in the season as she overcame a minor injury setback), enjoyed a victory over the Flames. The win/loss to the season was just the start of the bumpy ride which included some great victories and some disappointing losses.
The up and down season continued in the finals with a very disappointing loss in the opening game of the semi-final series in Townsville. But the team saved their best for the last two games, starting with a master class 20-point victory in the second game of the semi-final series at home. And while not quite able to get the victory in Townsville in the deciding game, the eventual Champions got a hell of a scare from the team that finished the season in fourth position (11-12 record vs Fire 19-4).
The one constant for the Flyers this season was the incredible support from the Flyers Family. Every home game saw the Flyers fans in great voice, creating a wonderful atmosphere and giving the home team that added boost playing on the home court in front of their home crowd.
Thank you to all the Flyers supporters for your incredible support this season, we certainly look forward to your ongoing support and building an even bigger supporter base next season. A special thanks to the many volunteers who play such an important role in making our game days run smoothly.
The Coaches presented their awards following the semi-final series:
· MVP – Cayla George
· Coaches Award – Issie Bourne
· Players’ Player – Maddi Rocci
· Most Impactful Player – Maddi Rocci
· Defensive Player – Haley Peters
· Breakout Player – Nya Lok
An up and down season that provided some great highlights, perhaps the best was with the home crowd in full voice in game two of the semi-final series. No coincidence that it was the Flyers Family that brought out the best in the team.
Perhaps it was best summed up by a Flyers fan on social media the day after the finals:
Thank you Flyers, I could not be prouder of this wonderful team of elite athletes in the way you fought against the odds and came close to a Championship Series in the WNBL. It is a privilege to have been there to see the team’s campaign throughout the season. Well done Flyers, hold your heads high and be proud of what you have achieved on and off the court.
And so we start preparing for the new season and look forward to keeping you updated on what is happening at the Flyers and with our players in the off-season.
