Game Preview: Round 1 v Flyers

The 25/26 WNBL season kicks off for our UC Capitals with a BIG road clash against the Southside Melbourne Flyers. How big? John Cain Arena big!

After finishing last season just shy of a finals berth, the Caps reloaded from the top-down. First order of business was resigning Head Coach Paul Goriss and superstar Jade Melbourne. The team then tapped new Executive General Manager Christy Collier-Hill to fill the role vacated by Lucille Bailie.

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With Goz and Jade locked in, along with Nyadiew Puoch, Mon Bobongie, and the returning Jayda Clark, the team went to work filling the roster with the goal of building a squad that will compete for the club’s 10^th championship.

The results?

The addition of Opals Zitina Aokuso and Sara Blicavs, French international and former WNBA player Kadi Sissoko, veterans Teige Morrell and Isa Brancatisano, and the return of fan-favourite Nicole Munger.

Supplementing the roster are development players Zara Russell, Tayha Watkins, Abby Solway, and Sharn Hayward.

Through the preseason, the Caps flashed some of the promise of a squad that is desperate to end its three-year finals drought, going 1-1 in the Townsville Tip-Off (Win vs Perth, loss to Geelong) and sweeping a two-game series vs the Sydney Flames in Canberra.

Unfortunately, the team lost Zitina Aokuso to a knee injury during the Townsville tournament, and will have to navigate the first few weeks of the season without their prized centre.

Fortunately there is depth in this year’s squad and the team has built a strong foundation throughout the preseason.

“The chemistry and togetherness have been real positives since day one. It’s and exciting team on paper with great versatility on both end of the court and I am excited to see what we can do this season,” said Goriss.

Like the Caps, the Flyers finished out of finals contention last season, falling all the way to the bottom of the ladder after being hit hard by injuries. They have reloaded their roster too, in the hopes of a strong finals run this season.

Decorated veteran Cayla George makes the move back south from a season in Sydney, and rising star Issie Bourne, who has made headlines with a strong preseason including her Opals debut, seems primed for a big season ahead.

While they lost veterans Bec Cole and Alice Kunek and young guard Dallas Loughridge, Maddi Rocci is still around to captain the ship, and Manny Puoch and Tera Reed will both be ready for bigger roles. Imports Makenna Marisa and Haley Peters will also add scoring and toughness to the group.

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Key matchups:

Jade Melbourne v Maddi Rocci in the backcourt – the game could very well come down to who between these two star point guards is able to dictate the pace and control the game better.

Caps frontcourt (Blicavs, Sissoko, Morell) v Flyers frountcourt (George, Bourne, Peters) – star power, experience, versatility, and toughness – this frontcourt matchup has it all. Both teams will rely heavily on their frontcourt the group that wins this matchup will likely be the from team that wins the game.

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UC Caps v Southside Melbourne Flyers
2pm Saturday 18 October at John Cain Arena
Tickets
Live on 9Go and ESPN

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