The Sydney Uni flames are one of those teams that you can never write off.

 

It’s no secret that the Sydney Uni Flames are at the end of an absolute golden era for the team which included nine championships. Formerly known as Hills Hornets the team won eight straight championships between 2002 and 2009 before changing their name to the Sydney Uni Flames in 2010 on their way to claiming their ninth in a row.

 

Since 2010 the Flames have been in development mode. The Flames coaching staff and playing group have done a great job in welcoming a number of new girls into their squad and 2013 will be no exception with four girls likely to make their debut.

Compared to some of the other teams, the Flames are relatively undersized but that’s never really been a hindrance in previous seasons. If the Flames defence can limit the impact opposition bigs have on the scoreboard, their perimeter shooting will see them within striking distance in most games this season.

 

With the lack of a dominant big, the Flames will be relying on mid-point combinations to get the job for them this season.

 

The combination of Australia’s two premier mid-pointers in Sarah Stewart and Katie Hill will generate the bulk of the Flames offence with Stewart renowned for that mid-range baseline shot.

 

Caitlin de Wit continues to get better and better, rewarded with selection in the Gliders team that won the Osaka Cup in February earlier this year and under the tutelage of Stewart and Hill will be long term prospect for the Flames.

 

Former Flames stalwart Liesl Tesch returns to the WNWBL this season but unfortunately for Flames fans, will match up against her former team mates after joining cross town rivals Stacks Goudkamp Bears.

 

The Flames focus this season will no doubt be centred around getting good quality minutes into their young players. Boasting the biggest playing list in the WNWBL, if they can retain and develop this current crop of girls, they have the makings of a championship team and it won’t be long before we see them back on top.

 

2013 Sydney Uni Flames

5. Katie Hill (3.0)
6. Caitlin de Wit (3.0)
11. Jessica Pellow (1.5) Junior
12. Fiona Johnstone (2.5)
13. Sarah Stewart (3.0)
14. Rachel Coady (1.0)
15. Stephanie van Leeuwen (2.5)
23. Kim Hughes (4.0)
Kristy Finlayson (4.5) Able-Body
Rachel McMaster (TBC) Rookie
Jess Cronje (TBC) Junior
Catherine Nelson (4.0) Junior
Hannah Dodd (TBC) Rookie

Head Coach: Alan Cox
Team Manager: Kris Riley

 

Written by Joel Mackenzie