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Flames star inducted as a life member

Indigo Lemay-ConwaySound Telegraph
Club favourite Ryan Godfrey has been awarded life membership with Rockingham Flames.
Camera IconClub favourite Ryan Godfrey has been awarded life membership with Rockingham Flames. Credit: Sports Imagery/Tiarna Rose Photography

Ryan Godfrey, one of Rockingham Flame’s favourite sons, has been inducted as a life member of the club.

Godfrey fell in love with Rockingham aged four and has not looked back since, notching more than 250 games for the franchise.

“I’ve had a few small stints playing for the AIS, the Australian junior teams and the Perth Wildcats. But while I’ve been playing in WA, it's always been for the Flames,” Godfrey said.

“Representing my country was a pretty big deal for me. Playing in the Australian under-19s Emus team was a definite career highlight.”

Earlier this year, Godfrey was awarded the Men’s NBL1 MVP Award and inducted into the club as a life member.

“For others to think of you as someone they can rely upon that can win games and contribute in that light is super nice,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win the MVP award a few times but earning the life membership was pretty big deal for a Rocko junior. I’ve seen some pretty cool players that I’ve played with in the past be up there too, so standing up with them was an amazing feeling.”

Godfrey has played over 250 games for the Flames.
Camera IconGodfrey has played over 250 games for the Flames. Credit: Michael Parr

The Flames made it into the grand final for the first time in the men’s club history this year, which Godfrey said felt like “history in the making” for the team. But they missed out on premiership glory, losing out to the Perry Lakes Hawks 92-82.

“This year was a really positive experience for us. We were in the top five for the most part throughout the season and then made a run into finals, which was pretty nice,” Godfrey said.

“We made the grand final for the first time in the men's history, so that’s about 27 years. I didn’t realise how big of a deal it was until we were in the situation.

“As players and coaching staff, we all have the same goal, to win it all, so getting a taste of it was a great feeling.”

Godfrey’s advice to youngsters wanting to get into the sport was to allow yourself to give it a go, because you never know where it will lead you.

“I just know in my experience it has taken me around the world. You’re certainly going to meet a heck of a lot of good people along the way that are going to be in your corner to help you along,” he said.

“I’ll keep playing until the wheels fall off, or unless people come in to take my spot or we win the whole thing. I can’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon, I just love the club and team so much. The goal for next year is to win.”

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