Game Preview: UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit

After six weeks of pre-season, the UC Capitals are ready to tip off their 2026/27 WNBL campaign, opening their season at home this Saturday against the Bendigo Spirit.

Following a season that saw the Caps narrowly miss out on a finals berth, the off-season brought plenty of change across the league. The introduction of a ninth team triggered a wave of movement as new opportunities emerged for players.

The Caps have been part of that movement, welcoming a number of fresh faces to the Nation’s Capital, with just three players returning from last season’s roster. Nicole Munger and Isa Brancatisano return as co-captains, alongside Nyadiew Puoch, who is back from her rookie Portland Fire season in the WNBA.

Fresh off a Commonwealth Games 3x3 gold medal win, sharpshooter Amy Atwell is chasing a new opportunity with the Caps after four seasons with the Perth Lynx. The Caps have added further strength to their squad with American import Megan McConnell joining from the Bendigo Spirit, while Manuela Puoch makes the move from the Southside Melbourne Flyers to join her sister in Canberra.

The Caps have also added New Zealand internationals Sharne Robati and Charlotte Whittaker to their frontcourt, with both players coming off their league debuts with the Adelaide Lightning.

WNBL rookies Caitie Jones and Isabel Palmer were also picked up by the Caps this off-season. While this will be their first season in the league, both athletes bring a wealth of experience and impressive junior careers.

The Caps round out their roster with local talents Jaz Boutzos and Zara Funnell, both of whom were key contributors to the Canberra Nationals’ most recent NBL1 campaign.

Despite the significant changes to the roster, the new-look squad has come together quickly, building chemistry on and off the court as they prepare to make their mark on the competition.

Head Coach Paul Goriss says the group’s willingness to work together and put the team first has been a highlight of the pre-season.

“We’re trying to build chemistry and cohesion quickly. And the girls have been great,” Goriss says.

“There’s a great feel and vibe. They’re in it for each other. We haven’t got any egos. We have a group that wants to be here, work hard together and do it for each other.”

Forward Nyadiew Puoch shares that excitement, believing the team’s energy and connection will be key strengths as they enter the new season.

“I think we're going to be such an energy team and getting around each other, we get along so well off the court which I think will help in games. We're going to be all over the floor with so much energy and we've got great shooters,” Puoch says.

While the Caps may be entering the season as a relatively untested group, Puoch says the squad has high expectations of its own.

“We're a brand-new team, and I know lots of people aren't expecting a lot from us, but we are expecting a lot from us because we know we're really good.”

With confidence building throughout the pre-season, the Caps are eager to put their hard work into action and show Canberra fans what this new-look squad can do.

Be there to cheer on your Caps as they take on the Bendigo Spirit this Saturday at 3pm at AIS Arena. Tickets available here.

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Standing in their way are the Bendigo Spirit, a side featuring several familiar faces for Canberra fans.

One of the most talked-about moves of the off-season saw Jade Melbourne leave the Caps after six seasons to join the Spirit, returning to her home state of Victoria.

Melbourne will suit up in her new colours against her former side on the court she knows so well, alongside fellow Caps alumni Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin, Abbey Wehrung, Casey Samuels and Kelly Wilson.

Reigning league MVP Isobel Borlase will be absent from the Round 1 match-up as she continues her pursuit of a WNBA championship with the Atlanta Dream.

The Spirit roster is rounded out by returning players Olivia Pollerd, Kelsey Rees and Georgia Booth, alongside development players Olivia Olechnowicz and Catherine MacGregor.

Canberra fans will be in for a show as the Caps hit the court for the first time in WNBL27.

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