WNBL Pride Round provided a powerful backdrop at the Strike House, celebrating inclusion, visibility and belonging across basketball. With Lightning Ambassador Sania Feagin leading the moment, those values were reflected on the court, as Feagin set the tone through her physical presence, composure and leadership — embodying the league’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the community.
Sharne Robati returned to the starting five, allowing Charlotte Whittaker to provide impact off the bench as Adelaide set a physical, high-tempo tone from the opening tip.
Lightning captain Steph Talbot opened the scoring and immediately set the defensive standard, combining pressure at one end with assertive play in attack.
Whittaker, Strawbridge and Fejo made an instant impact off the bench, punishing Geelong’s sagging defence with accurate three-point shooting. Fejo closed the opening quarter with a late triple to cap a strong start for the Lightning.
Tayla Brazel added five quick points in the first quarter and continued to step up at key moments throughout the game, including a steadying three-pointer in the final term that reduced the deficit and swung momentum back in Adelaide’s favour.
Adelaide’s defensive pressure remained consistent, with Sania Feagin denying touches in the paint before asserting herself offensively, posting up on the block and finishing with her signature midrange touch. Talbot continued to make the Venom work defensively, using her experience to create advantage through strong seals and smart positioning in the paint.
Geelong capitalised on Adelaide’s missed rotations and miscommunications, with Jaz Shelley leading the Venom’s response. Despite the pressure, Feagin carried the Lightning through the second quarter, pouring in 10 points to keep Adelaide within striking distance.
An entertaining battle between Shyla Heal and Dallas Loughridge was a highlight of the contest, which featured 12 lead changes. Adelaide showing resilience after trailing by as many as 13 points.
In the final quarter, Talbot remained composed, guiding the group through the closing stages, while Feagin stepped up when it mattered most, finishing with 28 points, nine rebounds and two blocks to earn Player of the Game honours.
Post-game, head coach Aja Parham-Ammar acknowledged the impact of Jaz Fejo, highlighting her energy and influence off the bench.
The win lifts Adelaide off the bottom of the ladder and positions the Lightning to impact the top four when they take on the Southside Melbourne Flyers in Melbourne next weekend, and again the following weekend when they return home to the Spark House for the final game of the regular season.
🎟️ Final Home Game: Adelaide Lightning vs Southside Melbourne Flyers, Sunday 8th Feb 2026 Let’s pack the house one more time Book now.
Final Score Adelaide Lightning – Geelong Venom
Lightning Leaders
Sania Feagin – 28 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks.
Steph Talbot - 15 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 1 block.
Dallas Loughridge - 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assist, 1 block.
Tayla Brazel – 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
