Southside Flyers add all-time great Cayla George
WNBL powerhouse Cayla George has made the move from Sydney to Melbourne, after signing a two-year deal with the Southside Flyers in a major coup for the club.
A true giant of Australian basketball, George brings with her one of the most decorated resumes the game has seen across the WNBL, WNBA and the Australian Opals.
In the WNBL, George is a four-time Champion (2015, ‘16, ‘18 and ‘22), the 2023 league MVP, a three-time All-WNBL First Team member (2015, ‘20, ‘23) and a two-time Second Team member (2019/20, ‘22).
On the world stage, George has been a driving force for the Opals, collecting medals in four FIBA World and Asia Cups including bronze in the 2014 (Turkey) and the 2022 (Sydney) tournaments, bronze in the 2019 Asia Cup in Bangalore and finally silver in the 2018 World Cup in Spain.
A triple Olympian, she made her debut in Rio 2016, returned for Tokyo 2020 and clinched bronze in Paris 2024, cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
In the WNBA, George has suited up for three different teams and played a pivotal role in the Las Vegas Aces’ 2023 Championship run, proving her calibre on the global stage.
After a two-season stint for the Sydney Flames, the all-time great will return to Melbourne, where she spent six seasons with the now-retired Boomers franchise.
“It’s always really exciting to get around a new group and develop culture and chemistry,”she said.
“I loved working with Kristi in my last season with the Melbourne Boomers and with her at Opals tours and camps. We have a great relationship, and I’m super excited to be playing for her again. An absolute legend of the game.”
In 19 games for the Flames last season, George averaged 14.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, three assists and 1.1 blocks per game for the Finals team.
Head Coach Kristi Harrower, also a multiple-time Opals medallist, cannot wait to bring someone with George’s experience and leadership into their young, rebuilding core.
“She is an exceptional addition to our roster, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Cayla is not only a proven leader but also a standout player known for her remarkable passing ability and three-point shooting skills,” she said.
“Her understanding of the game and knack for winning are invaluable assets that will elevate our performance. Cayla’s unselfish playing style and commitment to teamwork will undoubtedly help guide and inspire our players as we strive for success this season.”
George joins Maddy Rocci, Manela Puoch and Isabelle Bourne on the Flyers’ roster so far. Follow all the latest WNBL moves via the Roster Tracker here.