Wildcats Association Series | Ryan Godfrey, Rockingham Flames

More than 370 senior games, two championships and Life Membership honours in his 30's tell only part of Ryan Godfrey’s story with the Rockingham Flames.

His connection to the club stretches back to the age of four, when he attended Flames camps and watched the imports whose athleticism, finesse and skill first sparked his love of basketball.

More than three decades later, Godfrey remains in a Flames jersey, commonly referred to as the 'heart and soul' of the club and one of the clearest examples of what the club’s pathway can produce.

The defining on-court chapter came in 2022, when Rockingham claimed its first men’s NBL1 West championship before going on to win the NBL1 National Championship.

“Winning the NBL1 West championship was an unreal experience,” Godfrey said.

“We felt like we were floating on air, but what it did for the club and the community made it even more special.

“People still talk about how important it was and what a proud moment it was for our club.”

Godfrey’s contribution to that history was recognised when he became a Rockingham Flames life member in his early thirties.

The honour placed him alongside former teammates, coaches and club figures who had each shaped the association in their own way.

For someone who had grown up within the Flames system, seeing his name join theirs on the honour board carried plenty of weight.

“Being inducted as a life member is a huge honour,” he said.

“When you look at the people on that board, they’ve all played a big part in the history of the club.

“I’m forever grateful to have played enough games and contributed enough to be recognised alongside them.”

Growing up in Rockingham, Godfrey naturally gravitated towards the Flames and progressed through the club’s junior pathway after those early camps introduced him to the game.

“My basketball journey started at a very young age, probably attending the early days of the Flames camps,” he said.

“The imports we had back then sparked my love for basketball. The athleticism, the finesse and the skill of the sport made me fall in love with it.”

Adam Caporn was among those who took Godfrey under his wing, introducing him to a professional environment at the Perth Wildcats and the standards required at the next level.

Godfrey already considered himself a capable player, but training around established professionals pushed his development forward and showed him what was required to get the most from his ability.

“My experience with the Perth Wildcats came at a really vital age for me,” he said.

“It gave me the chance to step into that system, understand what it meant to be a professional and learn what I needed to do to become the best player I could be.”

The Rockingham Flames supported Godfrey throughout his junior years, while he explored college and Australian Institute of Sport opportunities, and whenever his journey took him away from Rockingham.

There was always a familiar group of people ready to welcome him back and he believes that continuity remains the heartbeat of the Flames.

Players and coaches may change, but long-serving volunteers, families and club figures have helped preserve the community feel that first drew him in.

“The Rockingham Flames have always been special because they’ve been the most consistent part of my life,” Godfrey said.

“They were always there to support me and help me on my journey.”

That consistency has also helped Godfrey build a career of remarkable longevity.

He believes the Flames’ coaches, resources and support network now give young players everything they need to pursue their ambitions without having to look elsewhere.

His own career shows what is possible coming through its pathway, gained experience at higher levels and returned to help Rockingham win championships.

“For the next generation of Rockingham Flames players, I hope they see the value in the club and everything we have to offer,” he said.

“The consistency and the number of people who have been in my corner are a big reason why I’ve had the longevity I’ve had.”

Godfrey’s continued impact was recognised when he was named the 2026 NBL1 West Sixth Man of the Year.

The Flames are back on court tonight when Rockingham hosts the Perry Lakes Hawks at Mike Barnett Sports Complex, with a place in next weekend’s NBL1 West Championship Game at RAC Arena on the line.

Tip-off is at 7:30pm AWST.