'Dream come true': Freer returns to Lightning

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Three-peat Adelaide Lightning star Debbie Freer’s (née Copley) daughter Maddy Freer said it was a "dream come true" to re-sign for her mother's club for the 2025-26 WNBL season.

The Lightning, who won WNBL championships from 1994 to 1996, announced this morning Freer was returning to the South Australian club for her second professional season.

“I’m so excited to have re-signed with the Lightning," Freer declared.

"It was a dream come true to play for the team I grew up watching as a kid last season, and I couldn’t be happier to be back.

“My Mum played for the team in the 90’s and I feel so lucky to follow her footsteps. It’s special to be a part of something she helped build from the ground up.

“With new ownership and the WNBL launching a new era, it’s an exciting time to be a part of basketball in Adelaide.

"It’s a privilege to be involved.

“We’ve got some incredible local players in Steph Talbot and Tayla Brazel, and (head coach) Kerryn (Mitchell) has put together a roster that I know will compete hard every day.

"Everyone is super excited to get to work at SASI for pre-season.”

Freer played for the Lightning last season is coming in ready after a competing for NBL1 Central's Forrestville Eagles.

Mitchell said Freer was an important piece to the Lightning's puzzle as they try to return to the glory days of the mid-90s.

“We’re excited to have Maddy returning for her second season with the Lightning," Mitchell said.

"She was out with injury for a lot of the NBL1 season, but finished strong to help her Forestville team finish on top of the ladder and compete in finals.”

“Maddy is a great culture fit and is looking to take her game to the next level, we’re excited to see what she can do with this opportunity.” Mitchell said.

New Lightning CEO Melanie MacGillivray understood the importance for the historical club to build its new legacy.

“We’ve had some of the country’s best basketball talent come through the Adelaide Lightning and this signing really reflects our respect and celebration of the past and hope and strength for the future,” MacGillivray said.

“The Freer family have made a significant contribution not only to the Lightning but to the South Australian basketball community and we’re excited to support the rising stars of the league right here in Adelaide.”