The WNBL 2025 semi-final matchups are set, promising thrilling basketball action as the Bendigo Spirit take on the Sydney Flames and the Perth Lynx face the Townsville Fire. These clashes not only mark the culmination of the regular season but also spotlight the league’s fiercest competitors.
When it’s all said and done, the Bendigo Spirit have been on fire this season, earning the top seed with consistent performance. Hosting the Sydney Flames on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Red Energy Arena at 3:30 PM AEDT, the Spirit are eager to capitalize on their home advantage. They bring momentum following their recent triumph over the previous season's champions, the Southside Flyers, solidifying their status as favorites for this semi-final.
Key players for the Bendigo Spirit include veteran forward Kelsey Griffin, whose exceptional rebounding and leadership have been instrumental throughout the season, and guard Veronica Burton, praised for her tenacious defense. The Spirit have swept their regular-season encounters against the Flames, taking all three matches, including a dominant 80-62 victory on January 12, 2025. This strong track record sets the stage for intense rivalry as the Flames aim to avenge their losses.
The Sydney Flames come with their share of challenges. With a mixed season behind them, they focus on flipping the script against the league leaders. Central to their strategy is Cayla George, who commands attention for her scoring ability inside the paint, along with guard Shaneice Swain, whose offensive creativity could catch the Spirit off guard. The Flames are ready to leverage their depth and experience to compete fiercely.
Head Coach of the Sydney Flames, unable to hide the stakes at play, knows this matchup will be pivotal. The Flames will face off against the Spirit as they strive not just to survive but to seize the moment, creating edge-of-your-seat drama for fans along the way.
On the flip side, the Perth Lynx will clash with the Townsville Fire later this evening. This matchup holds significance, marking the third consecutive year these two teams have faced off at this stage. The Lynx will look to dictate the game’s pace through solid defense; Coach Shannon Seebohm emphasizes the need to restrict scoring opportunities for the Fire’s top players.
The Lynx finished the regular season strong, culminating with their tight 87-86 overtime win against the Fire, which secured them the second seed and home-court advantage. The stakes are undoubtedly high. Seebohm expressed his team’s focus on rebounding and maintaining composure under pressure, highlighting the importance of learning from past games and seizing each possession as they may very well determine the outcome of the semi-final.
Rookie Abbey Ellis is another player to watch; following her notable performance at the league awards presentation, she is primed for her playoff debut. She described the intensity of recent games as good preparation for playoff atmospheres, with each possession feeling like it was “do or die.” Ellis’s confidence gained from her breakout season could make her pivotal for the Lynx—her energy could be contagious and impactful.
Fans eager to catch these blockbuster matches can enjoy live action via ESPN, Kayo, and 9Now. For the Perth versus Townsville game, tip-off is at 8:00 PM AEDT. The marquee match between Bendigo and Sydney promises to be equally riveting, set at 3:30 PM on Sunday.
With the playoffs progressing, basketball enthusiasts are ready for what can be expected to be gripping spectacles. The outcomes will not only impact which teams advance to the finals but will also offer insights as to the future of the league as it continues to grow.