Semi - final

Melbourne and Canberra will resume the rivalry from last year’s semi-finals which saw elbows, fines and a tight 2 – 1 UC Capitals win in the 3 game series. After splitting the regular season matchups, it seemed destined for these two clubs to meet once again. Likely the most consistent teams from the past 3 years, the Boomers, like the Caps, have kept the core of their group together in Cayla George, Ezi Magbegor and Maddie Garrick. This allowed them to bring in the continuity that many other clubs were missing through the start of the year. The addition of All WNBL 2nd team member Tess Madgen this year has eased the loss of Lindsay Allen and presents a new matchup issue for the Caps. Well equipped to deal with the small, jittery style of point guard – Madgen, with her ability to post up smaller guards, means that the likes of Rocci, Cubillo and Melbourne will need to dig deep.

There is Opals talent all over the floor at the big spots, with George matching up with Marianna Tolo, and Kelsey Griffin coming up against Magbegor. Froling and Ruef will also see time at the bigs for the Caps which gives us the ability to use fouls – particular on the long and athletic Magbegor.

Maddie Garrick got going in the second regular season matchup and she will be a focus of the Caps coming in. Whether or not she can get her perimeter shooting going could be a determining factor in the outcome of the game.

It’s finals time so it’s do or die. Which of these powerhouse clubs can stay alive and progress to the preliminary final and that all important chance at playing in a GF.