As a way of honouring the club’s rich history, the Sydney Flames are proud to unveil the Hall of Eternal Flames.
The Hall of Eternal Flames recognises the individuals who have made the most significant impact in building the club into what it is today, both on and off the court, since its inception in 1981 as the Bankstown Bruins.
Separate from existing halls of fame, this honour is designed to be one the entire Sydney basketball community can rally behind. It celebrates not only excellence on the court, but leadership, service, character and contribution to the Flames legacy.
The selection panel
A panel comprising Matthew Denholm (Hoops Capital Executive Director), Jenni Screen (Flames Special Advisor and two-time Olympic medallist), Lorraine Landon (Basketball Australia Hall of Fame), and John Davidson (WNBL Life Member) shortlisted the inaugural nominees.
Once nominated by the panel, fans and members are invited to vote to determine who will become the first inductee into the Hall of Eternal Flames.
Screen, who joined the club ahead of the WNBL24 season, said the initiative was about recognising those who laid the foundations for success.
“There is a truism in the Chinese proverb, those who drink the water must first remember those who dug the well, and the Hall of Eternal Flames epitomises this,” Screen said.
“It emphasises the importance of recognising and appreciating those who laid the foundation or provided the means for success in this great club.
“It reminds us to have gratitude for the contributions of others who have helped create the current situation, and that without them and their personal investment, what is here today would not exist.”
The Flames’ proud history has seen 231 players represent the club across more than four decades, and Screen believes initiatives like this play a vital role in strengthening culture.
“Initiatives like this can root the club’s culture more deeply,” she said.
“Bringing current players into contact with alumni reinforces a shared identity.
“It reminds them they’re part of something bigger, a legacy that stretches back decades. That sense of continuity builds pride and purpose beyond just the current season.
“Alumni carry rich stories of triumph, heartbreak, resilience and sisterhood. These stories can help mentor today’s players, fuel them and perhaps even bring perspective.”
The inaugural Hall of Eternal Flames nominees
Karen Dalton
A one-club player who suited up 375 times for the Sydney Flames across 19 consecutive seasons, she was the heartbeat of the club during its formative years and a constant presence as the Flames grew into one of the most respected programs in the WNBL.
Her influence extended well beyond Sydney. As an Australian Opal, Dalton represented her country 342 times as a player and coach, including appearances at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, with 1984 marking the first time women’s basketball was included at the Olympics. She also competed at three World Championships and later served as assistant coach at the Athens 2004 Olympics, helping guide the Opals to a silver medal.
Dalton’s impact on the Flames did not end when her playing days finished. She returned to coach the club to a WNBL Championship in 2001/02, took the Flames to six Grand Finals, was named Coach for the WNBL 2003 season. She is a member of the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame and a WNBL Life Member.
Trish Fallon
Grace, toughness and leadership defined Trish Fallon’s career, and nowhere were those qualities more evident than in Sydney.
Across 176 games for the Sydney Flames, Fallon was a central figure in two championship teams and delivered one of the most memorable performances in club history, earning Grand Final MVP honours in 1997. A two-time WNBL MVP, she combined elite skill with an ability to rise in the biggest moments.
Her resume with the Australian Opals is equally extraordinary. Fallon represented her country 224 times, captained the national team on 34 occasions, and stood on the Olympic podium three times with bronze in 1996, and silver in 2000 and 2004. She also added a World Championship bronze medal in 2002 and enjoyed a distinguished international career in Europe and the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury.
Recognised as a member of the WNBL 25th Anniversary Team and inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, Fallon’s legacy did not end with her playing career. She returned to the Flames in an administrative leadership role and today continues to serve the sport as Team Manager of the Australian Opals.
Her name lives on through the Trish Fallon U16 Fair Play Award, a fitting tribute to a player who exemplified excellence and integrity at every level of the game.
Annie La Fleur
There is nobody quite like Annie La Fleur.
Across multiple stints with the Sydney Flames, La Fleur played 223 games, becoming one of the club’s most prolific scorers and a fan favourite throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Her ability to light up the scoreboard was matched by her deep connection to the community, where she played an active role in growing women’s basketball during the club’s formative years.
On the international stage, La Fleur’s career was historic. She was part of the silver-medal winning Opals team at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, captured World Championship bronze in 1998, and earlier helped secure Australia’s first ever World Championship medal, across men’s or women’s programs, at the 1989 U19 World Championships.
Her impact extended globally through a WNBA career from 1999 to 2003, and later through more than a decade as Development Manager for FIBA Oceania, where she mentored athletes and coaches across the region.
Annie La Fleur’s legacy is one of generosity and enduring contribution.
Robyn Maher AM
Robyn Maher’s time with the Sydney Flames forms a significant chapter in one of the greatest careers Australian basketball has ever known.
Across 145 games with the Flames, Maher was a key contributor to two WNBL Championships in 1993 and 1997. In total, she claimed an extraordinary 10 WNBL titles across four clubs, a testament to her leadership and competitive drive.
A three-time Olympian, Maher represented Australia at five World Championships and secured Olympic bronze in 1996, cementing her place among the sport’s elite. Her influence was recognised nationally with appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to basketball and youth development.
Maher’s honours speak for themselves: induction into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, and most recently the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023, placing her among the global greats of the game.
A champion on the court and a leader beyond it, Robyn Maher’s contribution to the Flames and Australian basketball is truly timeless.
Belinda Snell
Across 226 WNBL games with the Sydney Flames, Belinda Snell became one of the club’s most recognisable and popular figures, and in doing so, inspired a generation.
A four-time WNBL All-Star with Sydney, she claimed the league scoring title in 2005, thrilling fans with her offensive firepower and competitive edge.
Her success extended far beyond the WNBL. As an Australian Opal, Snell competed at three Olympic Games, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008, and bronze in 2012. She was also part of the historic gold-medal winning team at the 2006 World Championships, adding further bronze medals in later campaigns.
Snell’s professional resume includes a WNBA Championship in 2007 and multiple WNBL titles, including her time with the AIS and later championship success in 2017.
Equally important was her commitment to the community. Snell worked tirelessly to promote women’s basketball, engaging young fans and helping grow the Flames’ supporter base during a pivotal era for the club.
Vote for the Hall of Eternal Flames inductee now
Fans and members are encouraged to vote for the nominee they believe is most deserving of being the inaugural inductee into the Hall of Eternal Flames.
Voting is open to the entire Sydney basketball community and supporters are invited to consider not only on-court excellence, but the broader impact each nominee has had on the club and the game.
This may include:
- Exceptional performance and achievement on the court
- Leadership and influence within the team
- Commitment to the Flames and women’s basketball
- Contribution to the community and the club’s culture.
Voting closes on Tuesday 27 January.
The inaugural Hall of Eternal Flames inductee will be formally recognised at the Sydney Flames last home game of the season, on 1 February at Quaycentre.
