Keilor Thunder star Issie Bourne is making Melbourne home after signing with the Southside Flyers for the next two WNBL seasons.
The signing is an impressive addition to a growing Flyers roster, and Bourne, a 188 centimetre forward, brings a blend of youth, experience, and versatility to the team who are eager to rebound after a challenging 2024-25 campaign.
Bourne has played the past two seasons with the Adelaide Lightning having returned from college. She averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds per game last season.
Her desire to be the best player she can and to be a long-time Opal was the driving force behind her signing with the Flyers develop her game further. In addition to the on-court development, the opportunities outside the game in PR and communications are a bonus.
“I’m really excited to join this new group,”she said. “There are a few familiar faces I’ve played with before, and others I haven’t, so I’m looking forward to building new connections and playing alongside such a talented and special group”.
Bourne said playing for Kristi Harrower was a big reason for signing for the Flyers.
Harrower has coached Bourne the past two seasons in the National Basketball League 1 South season with Keilor Thunder. Bourne won the league most valuable player last year as the side made the grand final.
The Thunder are again among the contenders this season.
“I’ve learned so much under her leadership, and I am really looking forward to continuing that growth here,”Bourne said. What I’ve always admired about Kristi is how much she values character, culture, and team-first basketball—all qualities I really value too and want to be around”.
Harrower said signing Bourne was a priority for them. The pair along with Rocci are part of the Australian Opals squad for the Asia Cup.
Head Coach Kristi Harrower is thrilled to have Bourne join the Flyers, saying
“I have been lucky enough to coach Issie in the NBL1 at Keilor in the last two seasons and have seen first-hand her work ethic and how she just wants to get better every single day,” Harrower said.
To see what she does week in and week out and how hard she works, the Flyers are very fortunate to have a player of her quality and work ethic, and importantly, a quality person, join the club.
She was the priority for us, and we are thrilled she made the decision to join the Flyers for the next two seasons.
A young player that will be a future Opal. She is 6”2, an athlete and can go back to the basket or stretch the floor, she will give great versatility for our team.”
Tara Murray
