Cayla brings championship DNA to Southside Flyers

• Cayla George has signed a two-year deal with the Southside Flyers
• Cayla George leads with a stellar 28 points and 14 rebounds.
• Perth Lynx struggled from the charity stripe, shooting only 35%.

In a significant move for Victorian basketball in the WNBL, powerhouse Cayla George has signed a two-year deal with the Southside Flyers, departing the Sydney Flames after two seasons.

This acquisition represents a major coup for the Melbourne-based club as they add one of Australian basketball's most decorated and influential players to their roster.

A Champion Returns to Melbourne

George's decision to join the Flyers marks a return to Melbourne basketball, where she previously spent six seasons with the now-defunct Melbourne Boomers franchise.

"It's always really exciting to get around a new group and develop culture and chemistry," George said about joining her new team.

The connection with Flyers head coach Kristi Harrower appears to have played a significant role in George's decision. "I loved working with Kristi in my last season with the Melbourne Boomers and with her at Opals tours and camps. We have a great relationship, and I'm super excited to be playing for her again. An absolute legend of the game."

This reunion between two Australian basketball icons could prove transformative for the Flyers, who are looking to build around their core of Maddy Rocci, Manela Puoch, and Isabelle Bourne.

A Resume Few Can Match

George brings an almost unparalleled basketball resume to the Flyers, spanning domestic excellence and international glory. Her trophy cabinet is among the most impressive in Australian basketball history.

In the WNBL, George has established herself as one of the competition's all-time greats with:

• Four WNBL Championships (2015, 2016, 2018, and 2022)
• The 2023 WNBL Most Valuable Player award
• Three All-WNBL First Team selections (2015, 2020, 2023)
• Two All-WNBL Second Team honours (2019/20, 2022)

These domestic achievements alone would mark George as an exceptional talent, but her impact extends far beyond Australian shores.

International Excellence with the Opals

George's international career with the Australian Opals has been equally stellar, cementing her status as one of the nation's basketball greats. Her medal collection includes:

• Bronze at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Turkey
• Silver at the 2018 FIBA World Cup in Spain
• Bronze at the 2019 FIBA Asia Cup in Bangalore
• Bronze at the 2022 FIBA World Cup in Sydney
• Bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics

As a triple Olympian, George has represented Australia at the Rio 2016 Games, Tokyo 2020, and most recently at Paris 2024, where she helped guide the Opals to a bronze medal.

Part Of Kristi Harrower's Vision

For Flyers head coach Kristi Harrower, the addition of George represents a perfect blend of talent and leadership for a team in transition. As a fellow Opals legend, Harrower understands the value George brings beyond just statistics.

"She is an exceptional addition to our roster, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team," Harrower said. "Cayla is not only a proven leader but also a standout player known for her remarkable passing ability and three-point shooting skills."

Harrower particularly emphasised George's basketball IQ and winning mentality: "Her understanding of the game and knack for winning are invaluable assets that will elevate our performance. Cayla's unselfish playing style and commitment to teamwork will undoubtedly help guide and inspire our players as we strive for success this season."