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'Keep your mouth shut': George fires back to force decider
Cayla George of the Flyers celebrates a three pointer during game two of the WNBL Semi Final series between Southside Flyers and Townsville Fire at State Basketball Centre on February 18, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Highlights
Southside produced a 48-point turnaround to send their semi-finals series to a deciding game three
- Game 1: Townsville Fire's hot start torches Flyers to take series opener
- Game 1: MVP runner up Maley dominates Borlase's Bendigo
- Double double-doubles: Xu and Maley lead sweep
Southside Melbourne Flyers star Cayla George has fired back at the "outside noise" telling those who were already declaring a Townsville Fire clash with the Perth Lynx in the WNBL Grand Final to "maybe keep your mouth shut" until the end of their semi-finals series.
Her post-game comments came after the Flyers pulled off a remarkable 48-point turnaround from game one of their grand final qualifying series against the Fire, losing by 28 points in the opener in north Queensland, to force a deciding game three with a 109-89 victory at the Victorian State Basketball Centre.
The Flyers have vintage performances from George and point guard Maddy Rocci to thank for the result with the duo combining for 56 points, 17 assists and 15 rebounds.
While reserve guard Haylee Andrews moving into the starting line-up for Tera Reed also proving to be a successful adjustment from Flyers coach Kristi Harrower with the Townsville product's defensive hustle and energy providing a major spark for the home team.
"The outside noise is always going to be there but it's been real, real clear and time and time again preparing for a Townsville/Perth series," George said in the post-game interview.
"That's all well and good, hey it might be that series but that's the beauty about basketball, there's one more game to decide it, so maybe until that game is played, maybe keep your mouth shut."
It's unclear who George was exactly pointing at about a Townsville win being a foregone conclusion in their series but it could be in reference to Perth coach Ryan Petrik's comments in the post-game press conference following their series win over the Bendigo Spirit.
"It's a totally different animal in fairness, the way Townsville go about it versus the way Bendigo go about it," Petrik said when talking about defensive adjustments they made against the Spirit.
One thing is for sure, George's comments have ignited the series with the Fire even more when it was already fiery following a war of words between Harrower and Townsville coach Shannon Seebohm after game one.
Key Details
- Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 109 def. Townsville Fire 89
- When: Tuesday, 18th February 2026
- Where: VIC State Basketball Centre, Victoria
- Standings: Check current WNBL standings
By the Numbers
- Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
- Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire) scored 27 points and had one rebound and one assist in 33 minutes.
What Happened
The Flyers established early control with a solid opening quarter, leading 26-20 before maintaining their advantage through the second period to hold a 49-43 halftime lead. The third quarter proved decisive as Southside Melbourne exploded for 33 points while limiting Townsville to just 22, stretching their lead to 82-65.
The final period saw the hosts cruise to victory, outscoring the Fire 27-24 to seal the 20-point triumph.
Cayla George delivered a masterful performance that proved too much for Townsville to handle. The captain shot an outstanding 10-from-11 from inside the arc while adding two triples and cleaning the glass with 11 boards. Her efficiency was remarkable, connecting on 90.9% of her two-point attempts while also contributing six dimes to orchestrate the Flyers' offence.
Maddy Rocci provided excellent support with 24 points on efficient 9-from-13 shooting from the field, including 11 assists that highlighted the team's ball movement.
For Townsville, Miela Sowah kept her side competitive with 27 points, connecting on six three-pointers from 12 attempts from downtown. However, her lone rebound highlighted the Fire's struggles on the boards, where they were outrebounded 37-28. Alicia Froling contributed 19 points with solid efficiency, going 6-from-10 from the field and perfect from the charity stripe, while Courtney Woods added 15 points and five rebounds in the losing effort.
The Flyers' superior shooting proved the difference across all areas of the court. They shot an impressive 65.9% from the field compared to Townsville's 51.4%, while also connecting on 45.45% of their triples against the Fire's 37.9%. Southside Melbourne's dominance in the paint was evident as they converted 31-from-47 two-point attempts, showcasing their ability to score efficiently in the key. The hosts also capitalised at the foul line, converting 17-from-24 free throws.
Defensively, the Flyers forced 15 turnovers while committing just 10 of their own, demonstrating superior ball control throughout the contest. Their balanced attack featured five players scoring in double digits, with Haylee Andrews, Haley Peters and Isabelle Bourne all contributing significantly. This comprehensive team effort helped Southside Melbourne control the tempo and maintain their lead once established, never allowing Townsville to mount a serious comeback threat.
