WNBL27 Roster Tracker: Every move in free agency

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The WNBL free agency race continues to accelerate with the Southside Melbourne Flyers landing one of the biggest international signings of the offseason, adding Chinese superstar Wang Siyu for the 2026–27 campaign.

Known globally as “Rainy” and the “Clutch Queen,” Wang arrives with elite FIBA pedigree after becoming a household name in Australia during the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney, where she knocked down the match-winning free throws to eliminate the Opals in the semi-final. The 30-year-old guard gives new Flyers coach Sam Mackinnon a proven international closer and headline star as Southside reshapes its roster following the departures of Issy Bourne, Maddi Rocci and Nya Lok.

Wang joins a developing core featuring Saffron Shiels, Haylee Andrews and Hannah Hank, with more signings expected.

Her arrival also continues the WNBL’s growing push into the Asian market following Han Xu’s successful stint with the Perth Lynx last season. Bendigo veteran Kelsey Griffin previously described China as an “incredible opportunity” for the league’s future growth.

Basketball.com.au has every move of the free agency period covered!

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Adelaide Lightning

Head coach: Aja Parham-Ammar

Contracted: Dallas Loughridge, Steph Talbot, Zitina Aokuso, Tayla Brazel

Incoming:

• ‍Coco Hodges - Guard
  May 21 - The star South Australian junior joins the Lightning as a development player‍
• Gemma Potter – Guard
  May 19 – Signed with the Lightning for WNBL27 from Geelong Venom
• ‍Zitina Aokuso – Centre (WNBL26: UC Capitals)
  May 13 – The veteran Opals centre signed a one-year deal with the Lightning.‍
• Jess McDowell-White – Guard (WNBL26 Sydney Flames
  May 13 – The former Townsville Fire development player signs with Adelaide

Departed: Sharne Robati (UC Capitals)

Transactions

• ‍Tayla Brazel – Guard/Forward
  April 29 – The South Australian star signed a two-year extension with Adelaide.‍
• March 26 – Former Opals captain Tess Madgen was appointed general manager of the Adelaide Lightning.

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Dallas Loughridge / Tayla Brazel / Coco Hodges (DP)‍
• SG: Jess McDowell-White / Gemma Potter‍
• SF: Steph Talbot‍
• PF: –‍
• C: Zitina Aokuso

WNBL26 roster: Ella Tofaeono, Serena Sundell (Import), Dallas Loughridge, Ruby Porter, Steph Talbot, Maddy Freer, Sharne Robati, Jordyn Freer, Jasmin Fejo, Sania Feagin (Import), Ashlee Strawbridge, Tayla Brazel.

Bendigo Spirit

Head coach: Kennedy Kereama

Contracted: Isobel Borlase, Abbey Wehrung, Olivia Pollerd, Georgia Booth, Casey Samuels, Kelsey Rees

Pending Decisions: Kelsey Griffin / Marianna Tolo

Incoming: None

Departed: None

Transactions

• ‍Kennedy Kereama – Coach
  May 8 – The WNBL26 Coach of the Year signed a two-year extension with Bendigo.‍
• Abigail Wehrung – Guard
  April 29 – Wehrung re-signed a one-year deal with the Spirit.‍
• Georgia Booth – Guard
  March 30 – Booth re-signed after her first season as a fully contracted WNBL player.‍
• Olivia Pollerd – Forward
  March 27 – Pollerd signed a new two-year deal following an impressive rookie campaign.‍
• Isobel Borlase – Guard
  March 20 – The reigning MVP returned on a one-year deal after leading Bendigo to the playoffs.

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: ‍
• SG: Isobel Borlase / Georgia Booth‍
• SF: Abbey Wehrung / Casey Samuels‍
• PF: Olivia Pollerd / Kelsey Rees‍
• C: –

WNBL26 roster: Hayley McDowell-White, Georgia Booth, Megan McConnell (Import), Micah Simpson, Olivia Pollerd, Catherine MacGregor, Marianna Tolo, Abbey Wehrung, Isobel Borlase, Casey Samuels, Kelsey Griffin, Kelsey Rees, Emma Clarke (Injury Replacement Player)

UC Capitals

Head coach: –

Contracted: Isabella Brancatisano, Nyadiew Puoch, Sharne Robati

Incoming:

• Manuala Puoch – Forward: (WNBL26: Southside Flyers‍
• Charlotte Whittaker - Centre (WNBL26: Adelaide Lightning)
• Isabel Palmer - Guard (WNBL26: NCAA - University of Utah)
• Amy Atwell – Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)
  May 14 – The Australian Opals signs with the Canberra Capitals.‍
• Sharne Robati – Forward (WNBL26: Adelaide Lightning)
  April 30 – The Kiwi international signed a one-year deal with the Capitals.

Departed: Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning); and Teige Morrell (Perth Lynx)

Free agents: Jade Melbourne, Monique Bobongie, Nicole Munger (Import), Sara Blicavs, Abby Solway, Tayha Watkins, Teige Morrell, Sharn Hayward, Zara Russell, Jayda Clark, Kadiatou Sissoko (Import)

Transactions

• ‍Isabella Brancatisano – Guard
  March 31 – One of Canberra’s leaders re-signed with the Capitals for WNBL27.

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Isabella Brancatisano‍
• SG: Amy Atwell / Isabel Palmer‍
• SF: Nyadiew Puoch‍
• PF: Sharne Robati / Manuela Puoch‍
• C: Charlotte Whittaker

WNBL26 roster: Tayha Watkins, Teige Morrell, Sharn Hayward, Jade Melbourne, Abby Solway, Zara Russell, Monique Bobongie, Nicole Munger (Import), Nyadiew Puoch, Zitina Aokuso, Jayda Clark, Isabella Brancatisano, Kadiatou Sissoko (Import), Sara Blicavs

Geelong Venom

Head coach: Cheryl Chambers

Contracted: Maddy Rocci, Lilly Rotunno, Bec Cole, Alex Sharp, Dakota Crichton

Incoming:‍

• Indiah Bowyer – Wing (NBL1 Geelong United)
  June 18 – Bowyer promoted from United's NBL1 team.
• ‍Maddi Rocci – Guard (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)
  May 5 – Rocci signed with the Venom to reunite with coach Cheryl Chambers and championship teammate Bec Cole.‍
• Dakota Crichton – Forward (WNBL26: Townsville Fire)
  May 8 – Crichton returned home to join Geelong after winning the WNBL26 championship with the Fire.‍
• Bec Cole – Guard/Forward (WNBL26: Missed season)
  April 22 – The two-time WNBL champion returned to the league with Geelong after missing WNBL26.

Departed: Jaz Shelley (to Sydney Flames), Casey Benson (Import), Bec Allen, Gemma Potter, Kate Oliver, Shyla Heal (Europe), Gemma Potter (Adelaide Lightning)

Free agents: Tayli Dimarco, Poppy Stevens, Elissa Brett, Georgia Taylor, Taylor Mole, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard.

Transactions

• ‍Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard – Forward
  May 15 – Resigned with the Venom for the WNBL27 season.‍
• Lilly Rotunno – Guard
  May 4 – Rotunno re-signed following a breakout WNBL26 campaign.‍
• Alex Sharp – Forward
  March 31 – Sharp re-signed for a third consecutive season with Geelong.

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Maddy Rocci / Lilly Rotunno‍
• SG: Bec Cole‍
• SF: Indiah Bowyer‍
• PF: Alex Sharp / Dakota Crichton‍
• C: —

WNBL26 roster: Tayli Dimarco, Lilly Rotunno, Poppy Stevens, Jazmin Shelley, Elissa Brett, Georgia Taylor, Alex Sharp, Gemma Potter, Taylor Mole, Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Shyla Heal, Alissa Pili (Import), Mackenzie Holmes (Import)

Perth Lynx

Head coach: Ryan Petrik

Contracted: Alex Ciabattoni, Nya Lok, Anneli Maley

Incoming:

• ‍Teige Morrell – Forward
  May 21: Morrell returns to the Lynx for WNBL27 after a season with the Canberra Capitals.‍
• Steph Gorman - Guard‍
• Sami Whitcomb – Guard
  May 14 – Phoenix Mercury WNBA star signs two-year deal with her former club.‍
• Nya Lok – Guard (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)
  May 6 – Lok signed a two-year deal with Perth after departing the Flyers.
  

Departed: Ally Wilson (to Sydney Flames), Amy Atwell, Brianna Turner (Short-term Import), Yemiyah Morris (Import)

Free agents: Amy Atwell, Han Xu, Stephanie Gorman, Kyana Weir, Jaya Scafidi, Kiara Waite, Tegan Graham, Kuir Gayo, Alira Fotu

Transactions

• ‍Alex Ciabattoni – Guard
  May 5 – Ciabattoni re-signed after a career-best WNBL26 season.‍
• Amy Atwell – Guard
  May 4 – Perth announced Atwell would not return for WNBL27.‍
• Ally Wilson – Guard
  May 4 - The 2025-26 WNBL All-First Team member will return to the Sydney Flames where she played from 2015-2020, signing a two-year deal to join coach Renae Garlepp

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Sami Whitcomb / Alex Ciabattoni‍
• SG: Nya Lok / Steph Gorman‍
• SF: —‍
• PF: Anneli Maley‍
• C: Teige Morrell

Southside Melbourne Flyers

Head coach: Sam Mackinnon

Contracted: Haylee Andrews, Carley Ernst

Incoming:

• Tess Heal – Guard (NCAA Women's Division 1)
  June 3: Signed after finishing her college career at Kansas State.
• Wang Siyu – Guard (China)
  May 28: The Chinese international signed with the Flyers for WNBL27.
• ‍Saffron Shiels - Guard (WNBL26: Townsville Fire)
  May 26 - The Toronto Tempo WNBA draftee signs a one-year deal with the Southside Flyers‍
• Hannah Hank – Forward
  May 14 – The Australian Gangurrus 3x3 star signs with Southside Melbourne Flyers.

Departed:

• ‍March 31 – Southside Melbourne Flyers appointed Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon as head coach, replacing Kristi Harrower.‍
• Issy Bourne – Forward/Centre
  May 8 – Signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Flames.‍
• Nya Lok – Guard
  May 6 – Signed a two-year deal with the Perth Lynx.‍
• Maddi Rocci – Guard
  May 5 – Signed with the Geelong Venom.

Free agents: Cayla George (Reportedly set to return to South Australia and join the Adelaide Lightning), Nikita Young, Indiah Bowyer, Imogen Rock, Isobelle Wightman, Makenna Marisa (Import), Tera Reed, Manuela Puoch, Haley Peters

Transactions

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Wang Siyu  / Haylee Andrews‍
• SG: Saffron Shiels / Tess Heal‍
• SF: —‍
• PF: Carley Ernst‍
• C: Hannah Hank /

WNBL26 roster: Cayla George, Nikita Young, Indiah Bowyer, Nya Lok, Maddi Rocci, Haylee Andrews, Imogen Rock, Isobelle Wightman, Makenna Marisa (Import), Tera Reed, Manuela Puoch, Haley Peters, Isabelle Bourne

Sydney Flames

Head coach: Renae Garlepp

Contracted: Jaz Shelley, Ally Wilson, Lauren Nicholson, Issy Bourne, Shaneice Swain, Issy Morgan, Charlise Dunn, Agnes Emma-Nnopu

Incoming:

• Maya Dodson – Import Forward
  June 11 – Signed one-year deal with the Flames‍
• Jaz Shelley – Guard (WNBL26: Geelong Venom)
  May 1 – Shelley signed a two-year deal with the Flames.‍
• Ally Wilson – Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)
  May 4 – The WNBL First Team member returned to Sydney on a two-year deal after previously playing for the Flames from 2015-2020.‍
• Issy Bourne – Forward/Centre (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)
  May 8 – Bourne signed a one-year deal with the Flames.
• ‍Charlise Dunn – Forward (WNBL26: Davidson Wildcats – NCAA)
  April 17 – One of Australia’s brightest young prospects signed a two-year deal with Sydney.

Departed: Ruby Perkins (NCAA – California Golden Bears Class of 2026).

Free agents: Olivia Epoupa, Mikhaela Cann, Carla Pittman, Zoey Miller, Caitlin Martin, Lara McSpadden, Keely Froling, Madeleine Norris, Unique Thompson (Import)

Transactions

• ‍Shaneice Swain – Guard
  WNBL27 – Expected to return as part of Sydney’s young core following a breakout season.

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Jaz Shelley / Shaneice Swain
• SG: Ally Wilson / Issy Morgan / Charlise Dunn‍
• SF: Lauren Nicholson / Agnes Emma-Nnopu‍
• PF: Issy Bourne / Maya Dodson (Import)‍
• C: — / —

WNBL26 roster: Olivia Epoupa, Lauren Nicholson, Isabelle Morgan, Mikhaela Cann, Carla Pittman, Shaneice Swain, Zoey Miller, Agnes Emma-Nnopu, Caitlin Martin, Lara McSpadden, Keely Froling, Ruby Perkins, Madeleine Norris, Unique Thompson (Import)

Tasmania Jewels

Head coach: Claudia Brassard

Contracted: Darcee Garbin, Keely Froling, Andie Smith, Nikki Parker

Incoming:

• Taylor Mole – Wing (Geelong United)
  June 15 – Signed with the Jewels as the first Tasmanian-born player in franchise history
• ‍Steph Reid – Point Guard (Sopron Basket)
  June 1 – Reid signed with the Tasmania Jewels
• Darcee Garbin – Forward (WNBL26: Did not play, NBL1 Cockburn Cougars)
  May 10 – Garbin signed with the Tasmania Jewels.‍
• Andie Smith – Forward/Centre (WNBL26: Basketball Australia CoE)
  April 7 – Smith joined Tasmania as a development player.‍
• Keely Froling – Forward / Centre
  April 17 – Signed with the Jewels after leaving the Sydney Flames.

Departed: None

Free agents: None listed

Transactions

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Steph Reid‍
• SG: Taylor Mole
• SF: Darcee Garbin‍
• PF: Keely Froling‍
• C: Andie Smith / Nikki Parker

Townsville Fire

Head coach: Shannon Seebohm

Contracted: Abbey Ellis, Miela Sowah, Courtney Woods, Alex Fowler, Alicia Froling, Chloe Forster

Incoming:

• ‍Emma Clarke – Wing
  June 2: Clarke signs with the defending champions on the eve of the FIBA Women's 3x3 World Cup

Departed: ‍

• ‍Dakota Crichton – Forward
  May 8 – Returned home to join the Geelong Venom after winning the WNBL26 championship with Townsville.

Free agents: Chantel Horvat, Saffron Shiels, Lauren Cox (Import), Piper Anderson (DP), Catelyn Van, Lucy Olsen (Import)

Transactions

Potential depth chart

• ‍PG: Abbey Ellis / Chloe Forster‍
• SG: Miela Sowah‍
• SF: Courtney Woods / Emma Clarke‍
• PF: Alex Fowler ‍
• C: Alicia Froling

WNBL26 roster: Chantel Horvat, Miela Sowah, Saffron Shiels, Courtney Woods, Alicia Froling, Chloe Forster, Alex Fowler, Lauren Cox (Import), Dakota Crichton, Piper Anderson, Abbey Ellis, Catelyn Van, Lucy Olsen (Import)

WNBL27 FREE AGENCY MOVES - BY DATE

Saffron Shiels, Guard (WNBL26: Townsville Fire)

• May 26 - Shiels joins the Southside Flyers after missing the entire WNBL26 season through injury

Teige Morrell, Centre (WNBL26: UC Capitals)

• May 21 - Morrell returns to the Lynx after a season in the nation's capital

Coco Hodges, Guard (WNBL26: Juniors)

• May 21 - The star South Australian junior signs with the Adelaide Lightning as a development player

Steph Gorman, Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)

• May 19 - The defensive stopper and three-point specialist rejoins the Perth Lynx on a one-year deal, making it her fourth season with the club

Gemma Potter, Forward (WNBL26: Geelong Venom)

• May 19 - Recovering from a devastating ACL injury. Potter signs a one-year deal with the Adelaide Lightning

Isabel Palmer, Guard (WNBL26: NCAA - University of Utah)

• May 19 - The former University of Utah standout guard signs a two-year deal with the UC Capitals. Palmer is currently playing NBL1 North with the Sunshine Coast Phoenix

Zitina Aokuso, Centre (WNBL26: UC Capitals)

• May 13 - The veteran Opals centre joins the Adelaide Lightning on a one-year deal

Darcy Garbin, Forward (WNBL26: Did not play, NBL1 Cockburn Cougars)

• May 10 – signs with the Tasmania Jewels.

Issie Bourne, Forward/Centre (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)

• May 8 - Bourne signs a one-year deal to join the Sydney Flames under Renae Garlepp

Dakota Crichton, Forward (WNBL26: Townsville Fire)

• May 8 - The WNBL26 champion with the Fire returns home to join the Geelong Venom

Kennedy Kereama, Coach (WNBL26: Bendigo Spirit)

• May 8 - The WNBL26 Coach of the Year extends with the Bendigo Spirit for two more seasons

Maddison Rocci, Guard (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)

• May 5 - Rocci signs a deal to join former Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers and championship teammate Bec Cole at the Geelong Venom

Alex Ciabattoni, Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)

• May 5 - The veteran combo guard re-signs with the Perth Lynx after a career-best season in WNBL 26

Nya Lock, Guard (WNBL26: Southside Melbourne Flyers)

• May 5 - Southside announced Lock would be on the move for next season with the defensive stopper reportedly switching to another playoff team from last season
• May 6 - Lock signs a two-year deal to join the Perth Lynx

Lilly Rotunno, Guard (WNBL26: Geelong Venom)

• May 4 - The Queensland product re-signs with the Geelong Venom after a breakout WNBL26 season

Alex Wilson, Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)

• May 4 - The 2025-26 WNBL All-First Team member will return to the Sydney Flames where she played from 2015-2020, signing a two-year deal to join coach Renae Garlepp

Amy Atwell, Guard (WNBL26: Perth Lynx)

• May 4 - The Lynx announce Atwell will not be returning to Perth for next season with the sharpshooter believed to be making a big move east

Jaz Shelley, Guard (WNBL26: Geelong Venom)

• May 1 - The former Geelong Venom captain has moved to the Harbour City, signing a two-year deal with the Sydney Flames

Sharne Robati, Forward (WNBL26: Adelaide Lightning)

• April 30 - The Kiwi international has made an off-season move, joining the UC Capitals on a one-year deal

Tayla Brazel, Guard/Forward (WNBL26: Adelaide Lightning)

• April 29 - South Australian product Tayla Brazel returns to the Adelaide Lightning, signing a two-year extension with the club

Abigail Wehrung, Guard (WNBL26: Bendigo Spirit)

• April 29 - The former Sixth Woman of the Year announces her return to the Bendigo Spirit, re-signing a one-year deal with the regional Victorian club

Bec Cole, Guard/Forward (WNBL26: Missed last season)

• April 22 - The two-time WNBL champion with the Southside Flyers is back in the WNBL, reuniting with Cheryl Chambers at the Geelong Venom after missing WNBL26

Charlise Dunn, Forward (WNBL26: NCAA - Davidson Wildcats)

• April 17 - One of Australia's brightest young prospects signs a two-year deal with the Sydney Flames

Andie Smith, Forward/Centre (WNBL26: Basketball Australia CoE)

• April 7 - The sister of AustralianOpals star Alanna Smith signs on with the Tasmania Jewels as a development player

Isabella Brancatisano, Guard (WNBL26: UC Capitals)

• March 31 - One of Canberra's leaders in Isabella Brancatisano will return to the nation's capital for WNBL27

Alex Sharp, Forward (WNBL26: Geelong Venom)

• March 31 - Sharp has re-signed with the Geelong Venom, returning to the club for a third consecutive season

Georgia Booth, Guard (WNBL26: Bendigo Spirit)

• March 30 - Booth re-signs with the Bendigo Spirit after shining in her first season as a fully contracted player in WNBL26

Olivia Pollerd, Forward (WNBL26: Bendigo Spirit)

• March 27 - The young sharpshooting forward signed a new two-year deal with the Spirit after an impressive rookie campaign

Isobel Borlase, Guard (WNBL26: Bendigo Spirit)

• March 20 - Last season's MVP returns to the Bendigo Spirit on a one-year deal after leading the Spirit to the playoffs

OTHER NEWS

• March 31 - Southside Melbourne Flyers announce Australian basketball legend Sam Mackinnon as their new head coach, replacing Kristi Harrower after two seasons at the helm
• Southside Melbourne Flyers - Bigs Cayla George and Issie Bourne are believed to be on the move despite having one season remaining on their contracts. George is reportedly returning to home state, South Australia, to join the Adelaide Lightning while Bourne could be moving further north
• March 26 - Former Australian Opals skipper Tess Madgen was named the new general manager of the Adelaide Lightning