Molloy excited for Flames’ season-opener against Capitals
After a big pre-season, the Sydney Flames will finally tip-off their WNBL25 season on Sunday against the UC Capitals.
Flames coach Guy Molloy, in his second year at the club, is excited for his team to start their new campaign on a winning note at Qudos Bank Arena.
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“In some respects, you always would like a bit more time in the pre-season but the group are always really excited to finally play,” said Molloy, whose team recently returned from Townsville after playing two closed-door games against the Fire.
“Despite a few changes in the roster, I feel our continuity – an element I feel really strongly about – has come a long way.
“We’re by no means a finished product and are still emerging as a group but I’m keen to see what we can do in front of our home fans come Sunday.”
Molloy believes his revamped squad, featuring recruits Celeste Taylor, Yemiyah Morris, Mikaela Ruef, Isabella Brancatisano, Sherrie Calleia and Bonnie Deas, has the tools to overcome a Capitals side headline by Jade Melbourne.
“This early in the season, it’s hard to know exactly what teams are going to bring to the court, even though we know how dangerous individuals such as Jade [Melbourne] and Nicole [Munger] can be,” said Molloy, who has been particularly impressed by the progress Brancatisano and Carla Pitman have made during the pre-season.
“The most important thing for us is concentrating on ourselves, which starts with settling down the nerves – which I have no doubt will be there with this young group.
“Everyone is confident in the brand of basketball we’re looking to play and although we’re a taller team than last year, I’m confident we can build on the pillars from last year and create our own voice of a team.
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“That rhythm will start with our captain Cayla [George], who has had a massive pre-season and is looking phenomenal, especially fellow bigs alongside Yemiyah [Morris] and Mikaela [Ruef].”
This season-opening fixture, which is part of the Hoops Capital club’s first double-header of 2024-25 alongside the Kings’ match with Tasmania, tips off at 1.45pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena – with tickets still available here.