Following a short festive break, the Adelaide Lightning travel to Melbourne to take on the Southside Melbourne Flyers for the first time this regular season. The matchup adds extra intrigue, with Lightning guard Dallas Loughridge and Flyers Issie Bourne, Hayley Andrews, and Assistant Coach Matt Clarke set to face their former sides.
Both teams have recorded four wins this season, with the Flyers (4–8) sitting just above the Lightning (4–9) on the WNBL ladder. Following Round 10 losses, both sides will be eager to edge ahead of each other and end the year on a high.
The Lightning thanked Erin Bollmann for her contribution to the club as the nominated Injury Replacement Player on Christmas Eve and have today announced the signing of New Zealand Tall Fern Charlotte Whittaker, who will make her WNBL debut for Adelaide against the Flyers.
Flying from Christchurch into the City of Churches on Christmas Day, Whittaker joined the team for their Boxing Day training session at SASI. Strengthening the Lightning’s Kiwi connection, she joins fellow Tall Ferns Sharne Robati, Ashlee Strawbridge, and Ella Tofaeono on the roster.
Adelaide return to action focused on continuing to build a competitive and connected group as the season progresses. The Lightning will look to bring defensive intensity, control the boards, and execute with purpose at both ends of the floor.
Southside enter the contest looking to push the tempo and utilise their strong guard play and perimeter shooting. The Flyers’ ability to generate offence in transition will be a key challenge for Adelaide as both teams look to gain momentum.
For the Lightning, limiting second-chance opportunities and maintaining offensive balance will be crucial, while ball movement and defensive cohesion will play a major role in breaking down the Flyers’ system.
With added storylines and both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a physical, high-energy contest at the VIC State Basketball Centre.
Key Matchups & Focus Areas
Dallas Loughridge vs Flyers backcourt
Lightning guard Dallas Loughridge will be central to Adelaide’s offensive flow against a Southside backcourt that thrives on pace and perimeter scoring. Her ability to control tempo, apply defensive pressure, and create scoring opportunities will be crucial in slowing the Flyers’ transition game.
Frontcourt battle: Whittaker & Robati vs Flyers size
With Charlotte Whittaker set to make her WNBL debut alongside fellow Tall Fern Sharne Robati and Import Sania Feagin, Adelaide’s interior presence will be a major factor. Rebounding, rim protection, and physicality in the paint will be key in limiting Southside’s second-chance points.
Perimeter shooting vs defensive rotations
Led by Captain Cayla Francis, Southside’s strength lies in their ability to stretch the floor and generate offence from beyond the arc. Adelaide will need strong close-outs and disciplined defensive rotations to disrupt rhythm and force contested shots.
Rebounding & second-chance points
Both sides sit close on the ladder, making effort areas critical. Whichever team can control the boards and convert second-chance opportunities is likely to gain the upper hand in what shapes as a tightly contested matchup.
WHEN: Sunday 28 December, 2025
TIME: 12.00PM ACDT
WHERE: VIC State Basketball Centre
WATCH: 9NOW, ESPN on Disney+ & 9GO!
