Move for Opals star among WNBL free agency possibilities with several big names in the mix

WNBL free agency is set to open on Monday and several clubs could be very active including the Southside Flyers, who may lose one of their best, but gain a beloved Australian Opal.

Cayla George could be on the move. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Five Opals Olympic bronze medallists, two members of the 3x3 Gangurrus team for the Paris Olympics, and a host of young and veteran talents headline this year’s WNBL free agency crop.

And, in a big surprise, arguably Southside Flyers greatest player, Bec Cole, is set to leave the club.

Cole has been the Flyers’ heart and soul since the Dandenong Rangers were rebranded in 2019, leading them to two titles, but she will now hit free agency.

The Flyers could pull off their own big coup with departing Sydney Flame and beloved Opals tall Cayla George linked to a shock move Southside.

Bec Cole is set to leave Southside. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Cayla George playing for the Sydney Flames, early 2025. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

The lure of Europe has already claimed reigning WNBL MVP Sami Whitcomb but it’s understood reigning champion Bendigo could still retain fellow Olympian Marianna Tolo.

Adelaide Lightning’s new coach Kerryn Mitchell has star Opal Steph Talbot under contract but the veteran Golden State Valkyrie has Euro outs and is yet to commit to the club.

Marianna Tolo in action for the Opals during the Paris Olympics. Picture: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Steph Talbot is under contract at the Adelaide Lightning. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

The focus in Adelaide is on local talent, with one of the country’s brightest young stars, in demand Opal Isobel Borlase top of the list. But It’s understood the Spirit are going to go hard for the 20-year-old in a bid to go back-to-back. The Lightning are also expected to lose sharpshooter Isabelle Bourne.

AFLW superstar Monique Conti will hit the market, along with tough-as-nails Geelong United teammate Keely Froling, while a trio of elite Perth guns in Ally Wilson, Amy Atwell and the vastly improved Miela Sowah are all gettable.

Players and clubs will be free to sign contracts when WNBL free agency officially opens Monday at noon AEST.

Originally published as Move for Opals star among WNBL free agency possibilities with several big names in the mix