Take Off: Flyers take flight as Melbourne’s WNBL flagship

• Southside Flyers have rebranded as the Southside Melbourne Flyers ahead of the 2025/26 WNBL season
• The club unveiled a refreshed logo and new slogan, "Rise & Soar," as part of its updated visual identity.
• Five Flyers players and coaches contributed to Australia’s recent international success with the Opals and Gems

After six successful seasons competing as the Southside Flyers, Melbourne's elite women's basketball team has unveiled an exciting rebrand ahead of the 2025/26 WNBL season. The team will now be known as the Southside Melbourne Flyers, solidifying their position as Melbourne's premier team in Australia's elite women's basketball competition.

A Strategic Rebrand

The rebrand announcement came from team owner Gerry Ryan, who explained that with the new-look WNBL set to begin in October, the timing was perfect to add "Melbourne" to the team's name.

"We are proud to represent Victoria's capital city, and importantly, we have retained the Southside name as this represents our history and where we are based," Ryan said.

This strategic name change ensures the team's geographic identity is clear to basketball fans across Australia while maintaining their connection to their roots in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.

"As the Southside Melbourne Flyers, we are the team for all of Melbourne and will continue to grow and support basketball right across Australia. Adding Melbourne ensures, no matter where we play, everyone around Australia knows the Flyers are Melbourne's team," Ryan added.

New Look, Same Values

The rebrand features more than just a name change. The Flyers have introduced subtle updates to their logo, including a refreshed stylized 'F' monogram and adopted a new slogan – "Rise & Soar."

Despite these cosmetic changes, the team's core values and mission remain unchanged. The Flyers continue to focus on player development, building a successful program, and developing athletes who can be role models both on and off the court.

Ryan emphasised the team's commitment to women's basketball development: "We are about promoting the opportunity for young females to play the game with a clear pathway to the WNBL and beyond."

The New Visual Identity

The updated branding maintains a strong connection to the team's heritage while embracing their future. The revised logo preserves the original Southside colours while introducing navy to create a modern, energetic identity.

The "Flyers" script in the logo conveys movement and agility – essential qualities in basketball – and creates a sense of achievement and aspiration. This aligns perfectly with the club's mission to develop players and inspire the next generation of female basketballers.

International Success Bolsters Team Confidence

The rebrand announcement comes at an exciting time for Australian women's basketball, with both the Opals and Gems national teams achieving outstanding international success. The Opals secured an Asia Cup Gold Medal while the Gems claimed a World Cup Silver Medal, reinforcing Australia's standing in the global basketball community.

The Flyers were well-represented in these successful campaigns, with five team members participating. New recruits Cayla George (who captained the Opals) and Issie Bourne were joined by Flyers Head Coach Kristi Harrower, who serves as an Assistant Coach with the Opals. Unfortunately, Maddy Rocci was a late withdrawal due to injury.

In the Gems squad, the Flyers were represented by Manny Puoch and Assistant Coach Jo Wood, who works with the national youth team.

This international success has heightened anticipation for the team's upcoming WNBL season.

"It was exciting for the Flyers to have great representation in our national teams; it is important for the players and coaches' ongoing development and is a confidence boost for the team for the season ahead," Ryan said.

A History of Excellence

Since their establishment in 2019, following the closure of the Dandenong Rangers, the Flyers have built an impressive legacy. Under Ryan's ownership, the team has reached four Grand Finals in just six seasons and claimed two Championships.

Ryan's decision to take over the licence stemmed from his determination to work with local communities and ensure young female players had local heroes to look up to and a clear pathway to elite competition.

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