NBL1 star joins Southside Melbourne

The Southside Melbourne Flyers on Monday announced the commitment of Claire Jacobs to the club for the WNBL27 season, pending League approval.

Born in Perth, 24-year-old Jacobs played five seasons in the US college system with La Salle (four years) and Nevada (one year), amassing 132 games.

Since then, she has played professionally in the United Kingdom (Nottingham Wildcats) and New Zealand (Southern Hoiho), before recently shining for Mandurah in the NBL1 West competition. In the 2026 season, Jacobs averaged 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest.

"I'm really excited to join the Flyers and be part of the club," Jacobs said.

"I have been really pleased with the discussions I have had with Sam [Mackinnon] and am looking forward to working with my new teammates and contributing to the team's goals for the season.

"It is going to be an exciting year for everyone involved."

Flyers coach Sam Mackinnon is looking forward to what Jacobs will bring to the team.

"Claire's experience and versatility bring great depth to our roster," Mackinnon said.

"Her shooting ability will help stretch the floor and allow our guards and bigs to operate in space.

"I know our fans are going to love her work ethic and energy on the court.

"We are thrilled to welcome Claire to the Flyers family."

Jacobs joins Haylee Andrews, Lara Edmanson, Carly Ernst, Cayla George, Hannah Hank, Tess Heal, Saffron Shiels, Siyu Wang and Isobelle Wightman on Mackinnon's WNBL27 roster.

The Flyers open their season against Sydney at the State Basketball Centre on October 16.