WHO TO LOOK FOR IN WNBL 24/25
The WNBL season is fast approaching, and we can’t wait for what the 45th season of the WNBL has to offer.
There are plenty of stars back for this season but also some fresh new faces that will light up the court for years to come.
We have picked a player from each team you need to keep an eye out for this season.
*As of Aug 28th
Adelaide Lightning
Issie Bourne – Coming off a terrific first season at the Lightning, Bourne back it up by winning MVP in the NBL1 South competition, beating out the likes of Chloe Bibby, Steph Reid, Alicia Froling and Shaniece Swain. The 23-year-old averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists last season and looks set to take the next step.
Bendigo Spirit
Ashlee Hannan – Fresh off a move over from the Perth Lynx, Hannan’s first season in the WNBL was a promising one and now learning from the likes of Kelsey Griffin and Marianna Tolo, its exciting news for Bendigo fans to have her on board. The former Australian under-age representative, also won a bronze medal at the U17 FIBA World Cup in 2018 so is no stranger to the big stage.
UC Capitals
Nyadiew Puoch – The Caps made a big splash in free agency signing Puoch to join forces with Jade Melbourne. Puoch was selected Pick 12 in this seasons WNBA Draft and was also part of the Southside Flyers championship winning team last season. At just 20 years of age, Puoch will now get to work under Paul Gorris and continue to improve her game and build on what is already a terrific foundation.
Geelong United
Jaz Shelley– Shelley is back in the WNBL and comes back after a stellar college career and after being drafted in the WNBA. Shelley averaged 13.4 points and 5.7 assists and left Nebraska with the fifth most assists in program history. The former WNBL Rookie of the Year is back home and as Geelong’s inaugural signing fans will soon see why she was selected in the WNBA Draft.
Perth Lynx
Miela Goodchild – Another coming off a breakout 23/24 campaign, Goodchild enjoyed an impressive debut season at the Lynx with career highs in every category, averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. The sharpshooter will continue to learn of the likes of Amy Atwell and Ally Wilson to further continue the growth in her game. At just 24, Goodchild is only getting better and for Perth to have her coming off the bench is a scary sight for opposition teams.
Southside Flyers
Maddy Rocci – The champion guard and Flyers vice-captain returns for another season with the 26-year-old poised to build on another stellar season with the club. Rocci averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists last season and was rewarded by being chosen in the Opals Olympic Squad. One of the league’s best point guards, the now three-time WNBL champion continues to get better and will look to go for championship number four this season.
Sydney Flames
Shaniece Swain – After an injury interrupted first season with the Flames, Swain the former WNBA draft pick is coming off a terrific NBL1 South season and was named finalist for MVP and will look to return to her best in the 24/25 campaign. The young star spent time at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence before helping Australia claim the silver medal at the FIBA U19 World Championships in Hungary. At just 20 years of age, we can’t wait to see what Shaniece has to offer this season.
Townsville Fire
Saffron Shiels – After her debut season in the WNBL last year Shiels has used her off-season to take her game to the next level. Shiels dominated the U18 Asia Cup exploding for 31 points and 15 rebounds in the Gold Medal game against China earning her All-Star Five tournament honours in the process. Shiels will come into her second season with enormous confidence.