13
Oct
Explainer
Sydney Flames: Five things you need to know
Sydney Flames slowly but surely reigniting contending spark
- The Sydney Flames have 4 WNBL titles
- The Flames are the oldest current franchise
- The team has been known as several names over the years, Bankstown Bruins, Sydney Bruins, Sydney Flames, Sydney Panthers, Sydney Uni Flames, Sydney Flames
The Sydney Flames enter the 2025-26 season determined to restore their reputation among the league’s elite. After years of inconsistency following their 2017 championship, the WNBL’s biggest market showed signs of revival last season in what has been an upward trend: 6th in 2023; 5th in 2024; and 4th last season. Can Sydney keep growing towards a title?
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (8-13)
- Finish 4th (Eliminated in Semi finals)
- All NBL Selections: -
The Flames made key roster upgrades to strengthen both ends of the court this offseason. Import guard Grace Berger was to headline the backcourt alongside veterans Lauren Nicholson and Shaneice Swain but Berger left the team just days before the start of the season. Inside, Unique Thompson adds rebounding power and scoring touch, while Keely Froling and Agnes Emma-Nnopu bring toughness and energy. Head coach Guy Molloy will once again lean on tempo and defensive grit to keep Sydney competitive.
2025-26 Sydney Flames WNBL Roster
Head Coach: Guy Molloy
- Lauren Nicholson
- Carla Pitman
- Shaneice Swain
- Agnes Emma-Nnopu
- Keely Froling
- Lara McSpadden
- Unique Thompson
- Maddy Norris
- Isabelle Morgan
- Zoey Miller
- INS: Agnes Emma-Nnopu; Keely Froling; Lara McSpadden; and Unique Thompson.
- OUTS: Cayla George; Isabella Brancatisano; and Grace Berger.
Sydney Flames History
The Sydney Flames’ story stretches back to 1981, when they debuted in the WNBL as the Bankstown Bruins. Within two years, the club had already reached the grand final, narrowly missing out on the title by 6 points.
In 1989, the franchise was renamed to the Sydney Bruins for two mediocre years before adopting the Sydney Flames name for the first time. The Flames won the 1993 championship behind Aussie Shelley Gorman and a strong cast that only lost one game the entire season.
After a few competitive seasons, the Flames improved on this in 1997 by winning the title without dropping a single match in the regular season, with the sharpshooter Trisha Fallon as their star contributor.
In 2000, the team was renamed to the Sydney Panthers and legendary coach Karen Dalton joined the team, with the team winning the title in 2001. Annie Burgess, Belinda Snell and Natalie Hughes were all WNBA stars that played for Sydney during their successful Panthers era.
From 2002-2005 the franchise’s name changed several times, reverting back to the Sydney Flames and then to the Sydney Uni Flames (due to a partnership with Sydney University). However, their on court performance stayed the same as they had a heartbreaking stretch of form, losing six grand finals in seven years, despite turning over their roster several times with news imports and Aussies.
Five Fast Facts
- The Flames have the highest attendance numbers in the WNBL and often play at Qudos Bank Arena
- Shaneice Swain had one of the two 40 point games in the league last season
- The Flames’ six grand final losses in seven years included only one match they lost by more than 10 points
- The Flames 1997 undefeated regular season is the only one in league history
- New signing Agnes Emma-Nnopu is a College basketball legend, winning a National championship in 2021 and also making the final 4 and elite 8 on separate runs
Club Timeline
- 1981: Club debuts in the WNBL as the Bankstown Bruins.
- 1989: Rebrand to the Sydney Bruins
- 1991: Adopt the name Sydney Flames for the first time.
- 1993: Win their first WNBL championship
- 1997: Go undefeated in the regular season and capture their second title
- 2000: - Rebrand again as the Sydney Panthers
- 2001: Win their third championship
- 2002-2005: Transition to the Sydney Flames and later Sydney Uni Flames
- 2003-2009: Endure a heartbreaking run, losing six grand finals in seven years
- 2017: End their drought by winning the WNBL title
Reenergised by steady improvement and backed by the nation’s biggest basketball market, the Sydney Flames enter WNBL26 intent on reclaiming their place among the league’s contenders. As Sydney rallies behind them, the club looks ready to turn its gradual resurgence into a full-scale return to championship form.
WNBL Team Profiles
- Adelaide Lightning: Five things you need to know
- Bendigo Spirit: Five things you need to know
- Geelong Venom: Five things you need to know
- Perth Lynx: Five things you need to know
- Southside Melbourne Flyers: Five things you need to know
- Sydney Flames: Five things you need to know
- Townsville Fire: Five things you need to know
- Canberra Capitals: Five things you need to know
