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Perth Lynx

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Perth Lynx
Perth Lynx logo
LeaguesWNBL
Founded1988; 36 years ago (1988)
HistoryPerth Breakers
1988–2001
Perth Lynx
2001–2010; 2015–present
West Coast Waves
2010–2015
ArenaBendat Basketball Centre
Capacity2,000
LocationPerth, Western Australia
Team colorsRed and black
   
Main sponsorNorthern Star Resources
CEOChristian Hauff (managing director)
General managerSamantha Macpherson
Head coachRyan Petrik
Team captainAnneli Maley
Amy Atwell
OwnershipPerth Lynx Pty Ltd
Championships1 (1992)
Websitewnbl.basketball/perth/

The Perth Lynx are an Australian professional basketball team based in Perth, Western Australia. The Lynx compete in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) and play their home games at Bendat Basketball Centre. For sponsorship reasons, they are known as the Northern Star Resources Perth Lynx.

The Lynx were established in 1988 as the Perth Breakers. After being owned and operated by Basketball Western Australia from 2001 to 2015, the Perth Wildcats took over ownership and operation of the team for a period of five years. In 2020, the licence was transferred back to Basketball Western Australia. In 2024, the licence was transferred to a new holder, Perth Lynx Pty Ltd, which is owned by Perth business couple Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn. The Lynx have reached six WNBL Grand Finals, winning their only championship in 1992.

History

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WAIS Rockets (1986–1987)

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In 1986, a Perth women's basketball team known as the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Rockets entered the Women's Basketball Conference (WBC), a second-tier national league under the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL).[1][2] The state was told the only way they would be admitted to the WNBL was if the WAIS Rockets won the 1987 WBC title. The Rockets played all of their games away from home including finals, beating the Forestville Eagles in overtime to advance to the grand final, where they won the title 56–47 against the Knox Raiders.[3] The team featured Tanya Fisher and Cheryl Kickett-Tucker.[3]

Perth Breakers (1988–2001)

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The franchise debuted in the WNBL in 1988 as the Perth Breakers. After withdrawing midway through their second season in 1989,[4][5] the Breakers returned to action in 1990.[6] The team appeared in the WNBL finals every year between 1991 and 2000 except 1997, making grand final appearances in 1992, 1993 and 1999.[6]

In the 1992 season, the Breakers won the WNBL championship behind captain Michele Timms and coach Tom Maher, along with Robyn Maher,[7] Tanya Fisher, Natasha Bargeus, Lisa MacLean, Marynne Briggs and Marianna Vlahov.[8]

Basketball WA's first ownership stint (2001–2015)

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In 2001, just three months before round one of the new WNBL season, the owners handed back the licence and the players were told the club would fold. Basketball Western Australia subsequently took over the licence[9] and changed the team name to Perth Lynx, which remained as such until 2010.[10]

Basketball WA lacked money to pay players and coaches. The players had to pay for their own gym memberships and maintained full-time jobs. They also travelled on game day or took midnight flights to save money. Despite the challenges, Perth won four games in 2001–02 and six in 2002–03.[9]

After finishing last on the ladder in the 2009–10 WNBL season with a 2–20 record, the team was rebranded as the West Coast Waves for the 2010–11 WNBL season. The change symbolised the reinvigoration of the Basketball WA program under experienced head coach David Herbert and home-grown legend Tully Bevilaqua, and gave a nod to the team's history with the reintroduction of the black, green and gold colours. The Waves also debuted at the newly opened WA Basketball Centre.[11][12][13]

In 14 seasons under Basketball WA, the team failed to make a finals appearance.[6]

Perth Wildcats management (2015–2020)

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In April 2015, the team's licence was purchased by the Perth Wildcats and their chairman and owner Jack Bendat. The Wildcats subsequently brought back the Perth Lynx brand name and red colour.[10][14][15]

In the 2015–16 season, the Lynx qualified for the finals for the first time since 2000.[16] They went on to reach the grand final, their first since 1999,[17] where they lost 2–0 to the Townsville Fire.[18][19]

In the 2017–18 season, the Lynx won 14 consecutive games throughout the season and finished on top of the ladder, before losing four matches in a row after enduring seven flights in eight days. They lost to Canberra and Townsville in the final weekend of the regular season and were then swept 2–0 by fourth-placed Melbourne in the semi-finals.[20][21]

In March 2018, the licence agreement with the Wildcats was extended.[22]

Basketball WA's second ownership stint (2020–2024)

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Perth Lynx banners at Bendat Basketball Centre, November 2023

In March 2020, the Perth Lynx's WNBL licence was transferred back to Basketball WA.[23][24]

In the 2021–22 season, the Lynx finished in second place with an 11–5 record and reached the grand final,[25][26][27][28] where they lost the series 2–1 to the Melbourne Boomers despite winning game one in Melbourne.[29]

In the 2023–24 season, the Lynx finished in fourth place with an 11–10 record and defeated the first-placed Townsville Fire in the semi-finals to reach their second grand final series in three years.[30][31][32] The Lynx won 101–79 in game one of the grand final series against the Southside Flyers. They became only the second team to ever score 100 points in a WNBL grand final and finished the game with 22 three-pointers.[33][34][35] They went on to finish runners-up after losing game two 97–95[36][37] and game three 115–81.[38][39][40]

New ownership (2024–present)

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In May 2024, Perth business couple Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn were revealed as the front runners to take over ownership of the Perth Lynx from Basketball WA.[41][42][43] On 13 June 2024, the Lynx's WNBL licence was transferred to Perth Lynx Pty Ltd, owned by Hauff and Millhahn, with management and operational support from Sports Entertainment Group's sporting teams business, SEN Teams.[44][45][46][47]

In the 2024–25 WNBL season, the Lynx will host three games at HBF Stadium, a 4,000-capacity venue.[48][49][50] During the 2024 pre-season, the Lynx played two games as part of HoopsFest at RAC Arena.[51][52]

Season-by-season records

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Season Standings Regular season Finals Head coach
W L PCT
Perth Breakers
1988 9th 6 16 .273 Did not qualify Dave Hancock
1989 Withdrew midseason[4][5] Dave Hancock
1990 8th 10 14 .417 Did not qualify Don Sheppard
1991 3rd 15 7 .682 Won Semi-final (North Adelaide, 82–72)
Lost Preliminary Final (Hobart, 74–61) 		Don Sheppard
1992 1st 17 3 .850 Won Semi-final (Melbourne, 54–52)
Won Grand Final (Dandenong, 58–54) 		Tom Maher
1993 3rd 12 6 .667 Won Semi-final (Dandenong, 83–68)
Won Preliminary Final (Adelaide, 68–66)
Lost Grand Final (Sydney, 65–64) 		Guy Molloy
1994 4th 12 6 .667 Won Semi-final (Sydney, 62–58)
Lost Preliminary Final (Melbourne, 74–64) 		Guy Molloy
1995 4th 12 6 .667 Lost Semi-final (Melbourne, 60–39) Guy Molloy
1996 4th 11 7 .611 Won Qualifying Final (Brisbane, 95–62)
Won Semi-final (Bulleen, 75–58)
Lost Preliminary Final (Adelaide, 87–55) 		Guy Molloy
1997 8th 5 13 .278 Did not qualify Murray Treseder
1998 3rd 8 4 .667 Lost Semi-final (AIS, 84–70) Murray Treseder
1998–99 2nd 14 7 .667 Lost Semi-final (AIS, 81–62)
Won Preliminary Final (Adelaide, 67–46)
Lost Grand Final (AIS, 88–79) 		Murray Treseder
1999–00 4th 11 10 .524 Lost Semi-final (Bulleen, 61–60) Murray Treseder
2000–01 7th 4 17 .190 Did not qualify James Crawford
Perth Lynx
2001–02 7th 4 17 .190 Did not qualify Rick Morcom
2002–03 7th 6 15 .286 Did not qualify Rick Morcom
2003–04 8th 0 21 .000 Did not qualify Murray Treseder
2004–05 8th 1 20 .048 Did not qualify Craig Friday
2005–06 7th 4 17 .190 Did not qualify Paul O'Brien
2006–07 7th 3 18 .143 Did not qualify Paul O'Brien
2007–08 10th 5 19 .208 Did not qualify Joe McKay
2008–09 9th 4 18 .182 Did not qualify Joe McKay
2009–10 9th 2 20 .091 Did not qualify Joe McKay / Vlad Alava
West Coast Waves
2010–11 8th 8 14 .364 Did not qualify David Herbert
2011–12 9th 2 20 .091 Did not qualify David Herbert
2012–13 9th 4 20 .167 Did not qualify Kennedy Kereama
2013–14 9th 1 23 .042 Did not qualify Kennedy Kereama
2014–15 8th 4 18 .182 Did not qualify Kennedy Kereama
Perth Lynx
2015–16 2nd 16 8 .667 Won Semi-final (Townsville, 91–72)
Lost Grand Final (Townsville, 0–2) 		Andy Stewart
2016–17 3rd 15 9 .625 Lost Semi-final (Dandenong, 1–2) Andy Stewart
2017–18 1st 15 6 .714 Lost Semi-final (Melbourne, 0–2) Andy Stewart
2018–19 4th 13 8 .619 Lost Semi-final (Canberra, 0–2) Andy Stewart
2019–20 5th 8 13 .381 Did not qualify Andy Stewart
2020 7th 4 9 .308 Did not qualify Ryan Petrik
2021–22 2nd 11 5 .688 Won Semi-final (Canberra, 91–77)
Lost Grand Final (Melbourne, 1–2) 		Ryan Petrik
2022–23 4th 13 8 .619 Lost Semi-final (Townsville, 0–2) Ryan Petrik
2023–24 4th 11 10 .524 Won Semi-final (Townsville, 2–0)
Lost Grand Final (Southside, 1–2) 		Ryan Petrik
Regular season 281 450 .384 2 Minor Premierships
Finals 16 23 .410 1 WNBL Championship

Source: Year By Year

Players

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Current roster

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Perth Lynx roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht.
G 1 Australia Sowah, Miela 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
G 2 Australia Gorman, Stephanie 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
F/C 3 United States Morrell, Teige 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
G 5 Australia Wilson, Alex 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
G 8 Australia Ciabattoni, Alex 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
C 9 Australia Waite, Kiara 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
F 12 Australia Clinch Hoycard, Mackenzie 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
F 15 Canada Amihere, Laeticia (I) 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
G 21 Australia Scafidi, Jaya (DP) 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
F 24 Australia Maley, Anneli (C) 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
G 25 Australia Atwell, Amy (C) 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
G 42 Australia Fotu, Alira (DP) 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • United States Mike Malat
  • Australia Nicholas Vlahov
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Development player
  • (I) Import player
  • Injured Injured
Updated: 2 November 2024

Notable former players

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Honour roll

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The Lynx's retired numbers and championship banner, on display at Bendat Basketball Centre in January 2018
WNBL Championships: 1 (1992)
WNBL Finals appearances: 16 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024)
WNBL Grand Final appearances: 6 (1992, 1993, 1999, 2016, 2022, 2024)
WNBL Grand Final MVPs: Tanya Fisher (1992)
All-WNBL First Team: Michele Timms (1991, 1992, 1994), Gina Stevens (1996, 1999), Deanna Smith (2006, 2009), Carly Wilson (2007), Sami Whitcomb (2016, 2017, 2018, 2023), Courtney Williams (2018), Asia Taylor (2019), Katie-Rae Ebzery (2019–20, 2020), Jackie Young (2022)
All-WNBL Second Team: Marina Mabrey (2022), Lauren Scherf (2023), Aari McDonald (2024), Amy Atwell (2024)
WNBL Coach of the Year: Tom Maher (1992), Guy Molloy (1995), Andy Stewart (2016, 2018), Ryan Petrik (2022)
WNBL Defensive Player of the Year: Robyn Maher (1992), Tully Bevilaqua (1995, 1996, 1997, 2000)
WNBL Sixth Woman of the Year: Alison Schwagmeyer (2019–20)
WNBL Leading Scorer: Gina Stevens (1996), Deanna Smith (2006), Sami Whitcomb (2017), Asia Taylor (2019), Aari McDonald (2024)
Retired numbers: 4 – Tina Christie, 13 – Melissa McClure, 14 – Melissa Marsh, 41 – Tully Bevilaqua

Source: Perth Lynx Achievements

References

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  1. ^ "FLASHBACK 99a: NWBL, WBC 1986". botinagy.com. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024.
  2. ^ "History of the WNBL". WNBL. Archived from the original on 7 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b O'Donoghue, Craig (24 March 2022). "Perth Lynx overcame a tough WNBL season but their finals campaign can be built on WAIS Rockets heritage". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b "FLASHBACK 119: April 30, 1989 & May 1, 1987". botinagy.com. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  5. ^ a b "2014–15 WNBL Media Guide" (PDF). wnbl.com.au. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2014.
  6. ^ a b c "YEAR BY YEAR". wnbl.basketball/perth. Archived from the original on 25 September 2019.
  7. ^ "ROBYN MAHER ON HER INCREDIBLE CAREER". wnbl.basketball. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  8. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (12 March 2024). "Melissa Sinfield and Melissa Marsh hope a Perth Lynx championship will secure the club's financial future". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 12 March 2024.
  9. ^ a b O'Donoghue, Craig (4 April 2022). "WNBL Grand Final: Melissa Sinfield proud of teams that played for free to set Perth Lynx up for success". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 30 August 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Perth Wildcats purchase WNBL license". NBL.com.au. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  11. ^ Sapienza, Joseph (6 August 2010). "Perth basketball team to ride the Waves". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  12. ^ Foreman, Glen (6 August 2010). "Basketball WA announces rebranding of Lynx to West Coast Waves". PerthNow.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  13. ^ Hope, Shayne (16 August 2010). "Waves to tip-off WNBL season at home". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Introducing the Perth Lynx". Wildcats.com.au. 16 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  15. ^ Rynne, Nick (16 April 2015). "Wildcats creating waves with Lynx". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  16. ^ Robinson, Chris (27 February 2016). "Perth Lynx coach Andy Stewart confident his side can match it with ladder-leading Townsville Fire". PerthNow.com. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  17. ^ "LYNX SMASH FIRE, QUALIFY FOR GRAND FINAL". PerthLynx.com. 28 February 2016. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  18. ^ "LYNX DEFEATED BY TOWNSVILLE IN GRAND FINAL GAME 1". PerthLynx.com. 12 March 2016. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  19. ^ "Perth Lynx defeated in WNBL Grand Final". PerthLynx.com. 18 March 2016. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  20. ^ "CLINICAL LYNX CLINCH FIRST PLACE". PerthLynx.com. 23 December 2017. Archived from the original on 23 December 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  21. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (6 January 2018). "Perth Lynx call for WNBL change after semifinal heartbreak against the Melbourne Boomers". The West Australian. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  22. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (7 March 2018). "Jack Bendat keen on helping Perth Lynx break WNBL title drought after extending the club's licence". The West Australian. Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  23. ^ "PERTH LYNX TO ENTER NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH". wnbl.basketball/perth. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020.
  24. ^ "MEDIA RELEASE – PERTH LYNX". basketballwa.asn.au. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020.
  25. ^ "LYNX PREVAIL TO MOVE TO WITHIN ONE WIN OF GRAND FINAL". wnbl.basketball/perth. 25 March 2022. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  26. ^ "CANBERRA AND PERTH GAME POSTPONED". wnbl.basketball/perth. 27 March 2022. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  27. ^ "PERTH THROUGH TO WNBL GRAND FINAL". wnbl.basketball. 29 March 2022. Archived from the original on 29 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  28. ^ "THE PERTH LYNX JOURNEY TO 2022 WNBL GRAND FINAL". wnbl.basketball/perth. 1 April 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  29. ^ "LYNX GIVE IT ALL BUT BOOMERS WIN WNBL CHAMPIONSHIP". wnbl.basketball/perth. 9 April 2022. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  30. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (3 March 2024). "Perth Lynx import Aari McDonald holds the key to a WNBL grand final berth ahead of clash with Townsville Fire". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024.
  31. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (3 March 2024). "Perth Lynx beat Townsville Fire to qualify for WNBL grand final as Aari McDonald and Amy Atwell star again". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024.
  32. ^ "LYNX DIG DEEP AT HOME TO ADVANCE TO GRAND FINAL". wnbl.basketball/perth. 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024.
  33. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (10 March 2024). "WNBL grand final: Perth Lynx thrash Southside Flyers in game one as Amy Atwell stars". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 10 March 2024.
  34. ^ "LYNX SCORCH FLYERS IN AMAZING GAME 1 SHOWING". wnbl.basketball/perth. 10 March 2024. Archived from the original on 10 March 2024.
  35. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (14 March 2024). "Perth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik wants his players to run Southside Flyers into ground in WNBL grand final". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024.
  36. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (14 March 2024). "Perth Lynx defeated by Southside Flyers after buzzer beater in game two of grand final series". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024.
  37. ^ "FLYERS PREVAIL AFTER LYNX ALMOST PULL OFF FIGHTBACK". wnbl.basketball/perth. 14 March 2024. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024.
  38. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (17 March 2024). "WNBL grand final: Perth Lynx smashed in game three by Southside as championship dream gets shattered". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024.
  39. ^ "LYNX FALL IN GAME 3 BUT PLENTY TO BE PROUD OF". wnbl.basketball/perth. 17 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024.
  40. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (17 March 2024). "WNBL grand final: Perth Lynx coach Ryan Petrik admits inexperience was costly against Southside in decider". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024.
  41. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (27 May 2024). "Perth Lynx in discussions to sell their WNBL licence to WA couple Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024.
  42. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (9 June 2024). "Perth Lynx about to get new owners as WNBL delays start of free agency period so deal can be completed". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 9 June 2024.
  43. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (12 June 2024). "Perth Lynx are just hours away from finalising a deal to make Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn new owners". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024.
  44. ^ "TRANSITION OF PERTH LYNX WNBL LICENCE". wnbl.basketball/perth. 13 June 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024.
  45. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (13 June 2024). "Basketball WA transfer their WNBL licence for Perth Lynx to Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024.
  46. ^ "SEN ENTERS MANAGEMENT RIGHTS AGREEMENT WITH NEW PERTH LYNX OWNERS". SEN.com.au. 13 June 2024. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024.
  47. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (13 June 2024). "Perth Lynx to work with Perth Wildcats after WNBL licence is transferred to Christian Hauff and Jodi Millhahn". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024.
  48. ^ "PERTH LYNX TO MAKE HISTORY WITH THREE HOME GAMES AT HBF STADIUM FOR THE 2024/25 SEASON". wnbl.basketball/perth. 21 August 2024. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024.
  49. ^ "Hoops for the future at HBF Stadium as NBA legend visits Perth | Western Australian Government". www.wa.gov.au. 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  50. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (2 September 2024). "Perth Lynx keen to turn HBF Stadium into their permanent home for WNBL matches after fixture release". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024.
  51. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (18 September 2024). "Perth Lynx captain Anneli Maley thrilled for chance to play at RAC Arena as part of HoopsFest". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024.
  52. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (19 September 2024). "Perth Lynx beat Sydney Flames at HoopsFest but kids took centre stage in first week of pre-season training". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024.
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