The Sydney Flames are calling on fans to bring the noise again on Friday night after an electric home crowd supported Sunday’s first home game of the season, and strong win over the Adelaide Lightning.
With Harvey Norman’s hot pink rally towels waved by fans, the atmosphere at Quaycentre gave Sydney a lift and offered a glimpse of the home-court advantage the Flames want to build this season.
Now, the Flames prepare to back it up when the UC Capitals arrive for Friday night’s game.
Flames Head Coach Renae Garlepp said the energy from the stands had made a genuine difference against Adelaide.
“The crowd was unreal. You could definitely feel it. The girls could feel it, and it’s an advantage,” Garlepp said.
“I think if we can build Quaycentre to be a bit of a fortress, it’s what the dream is.”
For Garlepp, it was not just the colour in the stands but the way supporters stayed involved throughout the contest that stood out.
“They stayed present within the game. They truly had an impact on the game. It was awesome.”
Flames forward Issie Bourne was equally enthusiastic, saying the players were eager to experience that support again.
“I hope they keep coming back, because that helps us so much when we’re playing, having that crowd behind us,” Bourne said.
Bourne is also taking learnings and her experience as part of the Opals squad for the recent FIBA World Cup.
“When you go to the World cup, you don’t get may mistakes. You have to play a full 40 minutes so I want to bring that to the Sydney Flames. I think that’s a big thing I’m taking from the World Cup and then also developing my confidence to I can take back to the Opals too.”
Bourne believes there is plenty more to come as the group spends more time together.
“As a team, I still feel like our best is yet to come,” she said.
“We’ve had some moments where we look really good… but I think that’s normal in the first couple of games, getting people in and out and still figuring each other out.
“The more we train together and play together, there are more exciting things to come.”
Friday night presents another test against a Canberra side the Flames know well after two pre-season meetings.
Garlepp expects a hard-fought contest against an opposition whose recruitment and competitiveness have impressed her.
“They’re a really tough team. I think they’ve done a great job with their recruiting,” she said.
“We were fortunate to play them twice in the pre-season, the week before the season started, and they’re incredibly gritty. They play well together, so it’s going to be a tough game.”
As Sydney prepares for that challenge, Garlepp said the squad’s approach gives her confidence in what it can build.
“You definitely can’t doubt anyone’s mindset or work ethic. That’s been awesome.”
The Flames host the UC Capitals at Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park, on Friday, October 23, with tip-off at 7pm AEDT.
