WNBL Off-Season Tracker: What does each team still need?
A new team, familiar faces, and blockbuster moves out of almost every city. What's next for every team in their title pursuit?
There’s so much to like about the upcoming WNBL season: A brand new team! Superstars swapping clubs! A long list of genuine title contenders! But there’s also so much left to do.
Here’s what each team is still needing for a run at the title.
Photo credit: Dan Cowley / Images by Dan
Adelaide Lightning: Imported Goods
New GM Tess Madgen has been busy since taking the helm of her hometown team, bringing in Opal Zitina Aokuso, Gemma Potter and Jess McDowell-White, as well as re-signing Tayla Brazel to pair with former league MVP Steph Talbot. The loss of Betty Watson Breakout Player Dallas Loughridge will sting, but I’m told the club is now eyeing two imports to fill out its rotation: Shay Ciezki will take the reigns at point guard, while they’re also set to land an elite big. Adding in an international playmaker, as well as a capable frontcourt partner for Aokuso could empower Aja Parham-Ammar to lead the Lightning to its first serious run at finals in years.
Bendigo Spirit: Pick your Poison
If you think about it, the blockbuster arrival of Jade Melbourne basically brings together the best of Bendigo’s past two seasons. You’ve got reigning MVP Izzy Borlase and breakout big Liv Pollerd running it back from last season, while the addition of Melbourne fills the void left by Sami Whitcomb in the club’s championship run. Holdovers like Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung fill out the Venn diagram bridging both eras. Borlase and Melbourne is an NBA-Jam caliber partnership, opens up all sorts of possibilities on offense. The big question: do they chase another big to cover Mariana Tolo following the birth of her first child, or more shooting to empower the most explosive backcourt in the league? Either way, shutting down the Spirit will be a lethal task for most teams this season.
Canberra Capitals: Reinforcements
The Caps had been the laughing stock of the league for some time, but last season they finally showed some serious intent. The mix of Nyadiew Puoch, Sara Blicavs, Aokuso and Melbourne never quite worked out, but the team has gutted the house, and will now build around one foundational piece in Puoch: one of the competition’s most tantalising talents. Puoch’s potential seems limitless, especially as she evolves in the WNBA in real time, and will become a focal point for the first time in the WNBL. Amy Atwell is an ideal running mate, and a massive coup for the Caps, but more help is needed. Sharne Robati and Charlotte Whittaker will bolster the frontcourt, but project as complimentary pieces. Upgrades at guard, centre, and to help Puoch on the wing are all still on the table.
Geelong Venom: More Winners
There’s nothing quite like getting the band back together. The newly appointed Cheryl Chambers is reimagining her championship roster from Southside, with Bec Cole and Maddy Rocci making the move down the Princes Highway. It’s a promising start, with all three knowing exactly what it takes to climb the summit. Who else can help them get there? Chambers has a history of luring big names and big imports. She’ll no doubt be on the hunt for more if the Venom are finally going to make some noise in the finals.
Perth Lynx: Organic Growth
Having come up short in multiple seasons now, the winds of change are blowing in Perth. Wilson and Atwell have both departed, while retaining Han Xu is no certainty. But securing Sami Whitcomb is a paradigm shifting get, and with foundational pieces in Maley and Ciabattoni still in place, there’s still plenty to like in the wild west. While more signings are still in the works, the growth of Nya Lok (from Southside) and Steph Gorman are crucial for the club’s title hopes. If Lok can build on her breakout, and Gorman’s continues her evolution into an elite 3+D wing, the Lynx won’t lose much of a step.
Southside Flyers: An Identity
Geez, what a difference a year can make. Gone is Kristi Harrower, and marquee names like Rocci and Bourne. In comes Slammin’ Sam Mackinnon, who’s wasted no time reshaping the roster. Saffron Shiels is a fascinating addition at the one. She boasts as much upside as any player in the league, but missed the entirety of last season. Now 20, is she ready to make the leap? Additionally, Hannah Hank returns after a year abroad, and could be an early frontrunner as Breakout Player of the Year. Beyond that though, what is this team’s identity? With a number of spots to fill, it could be anything.
Sydney Flames: The Right Big
Credit to Renae Garlepp and Hoops Capital. In the past month, they’ve reunited best friends Jaz Shelley and Issie Bourne in the Harbour City, poached Alex Wilson from Perth, and signed Chinese star Shuyu Yang. Add that group to a core of Loz Nicholson, Shaniece Swain, and Agnes Emma-Nnopu, and you have a seriously supercharged seven. But while Bourne’s star continues rising, she needs help on the front line. Spending big on a top-tier import could put this team into a new stratosphere, but the right role-player could do the same. Fit is everything with such a deep group, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Garlepp harnesses the talent at her disposal.
Tasmania Jewels: Diamonds in the Rough
While new teams in the WNBA benefit from concessions such as expansion draft choices and additional picks, Tasmania has had to build its entire roster from scratch. With Steph Reid as the centrepiece, they have a bona-finde star to build everything around. Offense and defense are one thing, but having someone who can set standards and drive culture is equally as important. Keeley Froling and Darcy Garbin are an excellent frontcourt combo, especially regarding Reid’s skillset. But how do they fill the rest of the roster? Taylor Mole’s homecoming doesn’t move the needle massively, while Andie Smith is still just 17. With many Australians already under contract at the close of last season, the Jewels will need to continuing search far and wide to find locals who can exceed expectations and bolster the club’s burgeoning core.
Photo credit: Dan Cowley / Images by Dan
Townsville Fire: A Cherry on Top
The pieces are already in place for the reigning premiers: Woods, Sowah, Ellis, Fowler, Froling. That’s as good a five-player unit as you’ll find anywhere. Chloe Forster adds continuity, while the addition of Emma Clarke is intriguing. The 26-year-old didn’t quite stick with the Spirit at short notice last season, but has been an insaitible force for the Gangurrus in recent tournament play. Her rare combo of size and shooting could see the rich get even richer. Still, it’s unlikely Shannon Seebohm is done tinkering. The addition of an import - or two - that compliments his core will likely see Townsville as the team to beat in 2026-27.