Gemma Potter out for season with knee injury

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Star Geelong Venom guard Gemma Potter has ruptured her ACL is out of the rest of the season.

The Venom welcomed back Shyla Heal from a knee injury but it was overshadowed by the longterm loss Potter, who crashed to the floor holding her right knee late in the ball game.

"I’ve spoken to her," Venom head coach Chris Lucas said last night. "It’s pretty obvious we’re disappointed for her. That’s all I’ll say."

Geelong posted this to their instagram page today: We are absolutely shattered to announce that Gemma Potter has sustained a season-ending knee injury. Scans have confirmed that Potter has suffered a ACL rupture. We are with you every step of the way Gem 💚"

Australian Opals and new WNBA Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was in the house and veteran Adelaide Lightning star Steph Talbot didn't disappoint in a 99-93 overtime thriller against The Venom to start Round 6 of WNBL26 in Adelaide on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Talbot, who played for Brondello at the New York Liberty in the back half of the 2025 WNBA season, finished with a game-high 32 points on a blistering 12-from-17 from the field. She added nine boards and five assists in 37 minutes.

"It always feels good when a few shots go through early," Talbot said.

"I still struggled from the three-point line (0-from-5), but I came in with a different mindset — wanting to be selfish, knowing that my version of 'selfish' still isn’t actually selfish. My mindset was just different."

Geelong Venom welcomed back Australian Opals guard Shyla Heal, who's recovered from a knee injury. Heal tied the ball game at 84-84 with 26 seconds left on a right-handed lay-up and was just centimetres away from winning it on a running three that rimmed out as the clock expired.

The Lightning outscored Geelong 15-9 in overtime to move to 3-4 while the Venom dropped to 3-5.

"I’m super proud of the girls. We played four and a half quarters," Lightning head coach Kerryn Mitchell said.

"The girls were tough tonight. They played hard for the whole game, and we got the result we were looking for."

Lucas praised Heal in her commitment to rehabbing and getting back on the floor after injuring her knee playing NBL1 for Bankstown back in July.

"She’s an absolute professional," Lucas added.

"The way she conducts herself and the way she handled her rehab has been outstanding. She’s not game-fit yet, but she still had 16 points in 21 minutes. She’ll be a very important piece for us moving forward."

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide Lightning 99 def. Geelong Venom 93
• When: Thursday, 21st November 2025, 7:00 pm ACDT
• Where: SA State Basketball Centre, Adelaide
• Attendance: 1,656
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning) starred with 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes.
• Jazmin Shelley (Geelong Venom) scored 24 points and had seven rebounds, six assists and five steals in 38 minutes.

What Happened

The Lightning established early control with a 27-24 first quarter advantage, maintaining their edge through the second period to lead 52-46 at half-time. However, the Venom responded with their strongest quarter of regulation, outscoring Adelaide 21-13 in the third to level the contest at 65-65 heading into the final period.

Both teams exchanged blows throughout a tense fourth quarter, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. The Lightning managed just 19 points in the final period while the Venom added 17, sending the contest into overtime tied at 84-84. The extra period proved decisive, with Adelaide's superior execution earning them a 15-9 overtime victory.

Steph Talbot delivered a masterful performance for the Lightning, shooting an outstanding 12-from-15 from the field while converting all eight of her free throw attempts. Her efficiency was complemented by Sania Feagin's stellar all-around display, contributing 22 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists. Dallas Loughridge added 19 points on efficient 7-from-10 two-point shooting, providing crucial support in the victory.

The Lightning's superior shooting proved the difference, converting 65% from the field compared to Geelong's 45%. Adelaide's dominance inside the arc was particularly impressive, shooting 31-from-48 (65%) from two-point range. Their ability to get to the charity stripe also proved valuable, making 16-from-20 free throws compared to the Venom's 15-from-20.

For Geelong, Jazmin Shelley led the charge with 24 points and six assists, while Mackenzie Holmes contributed a solid double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds. Alex Sharp provided valuable outside shooting with three triples, but the Venom's 45% field goal percentage and 15 turnovers ultimately cost them in the crucial moments.