Boomers to kick off Flyers rivalry with huge Cup Eve Derby clash
Ahead of a massively exciting Cup Eve Derby clash on Monday night, Deakin Melbourne Boomers co-captain Maddie Garrick has called the rivalry with Southside Flyers “the biggest in the league.”
This year, the event is made only bigger, as a fixture already packed with compelling sub-plots, both sides will be looking to maintain their 100% records.
With ex-Boomers captain Jenna O’Hea now captaining the rivalry team, and ex-Dandenong coach, Larissa Anderson returning back home to the Boomers as an Assistant Coach, it’s a game expecting nothing less than a fierce contest.
The two teams met for the first-time during pre-season and the Flyers claimed the win, igniting this new Melbourne rivalry. However this week the Boomers will settle for no less than a win against the locals who have proved themselves fierce to their competitors so early in the season.
Co-captain Maddie Garrick spoke highly of a strong team dynamic so early in the season, admitting the side is fired up for the derby clash.
“It’s always a tough competition playing our cross-town rivals, but it will be even more exciting this year with having both teams currently sitting on 4-0 to start the season,” she said
“We’ve already played some great basketball and it’s so exciting to watch and play with this team. We will continue to work hard on the defensive end and try to disrupt other teams flow and then limit then improve our execution on the offensive end.”
In what is likely to be a tight contest, Garrick is hoping some home advantage will give her side the edge.
“Our fans are so amazing and I hope that we see more of them for our second home game. Being top of the table clash as well as probably the biggest rivalry in the league. We hope we can pack out the stands and get our fans behind us.”
MONDAY NOVEMBER 4TH
Who: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Southside Flyers
Time: 7:30pm
Where: State Basketball Centre
Live Stats: Will be available here.
MERCHANDISE
Merchandise will be available at the game!
MEMBERSHIP
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TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- The Boomers are shooting an incredible 51% from the field after their first four games.
- Both Cayla George and Toni Farnworth celebrated their 250th game in the WNBL at Sundays match in Townsville and will be recognised by the league for their careers at this game.
Southside Flyers
- The Flyers lead the league in steals, with 41 in their first four games.
- Four of the starting five hit double digits against Bendigo, including Rebecca Cole, who shot at 66% from the field.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Ezi Magbegor – the Boomers superstar made 13 points and 5 rebounds on Sunday against Townsville shooting at 66%.
Monique Conti – Conti continues to improve and get more court time. Look out for her to have an impact off the bench for the Boomers.
Southside Flyers
Sara Blicavs – the Southside forward has been outstanding around the ring, shooting at 47% from the field, and having the game high of 23 points in the round three match against Bendigo.
Leilani Mitchell – the star point guard has been showing consistency all around the court and racked up 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists in round two.
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GAME BROADCAST
The game will be broadcast by Deakin Live and streaming to Kayo and the WNBL website.
NEXT UP
The Boomers are hosting the UC Capitals at the State Basketball Centre on November 9th.