Crunch Time: The key moments from Round 1

The opening round of the revamped WNBL was a one to remember for all involved.

From record crowds, to amazing comeback stories and road victories, all four games of the first round of the WNBL26 season had it all.

Join us as we recap all the top moments from Round 1, during our weekly column.

Historic day at John Cain Arena

In front of the biggest crowd for a season-opener in WNBL history, the reloaded Capitals proved too strong for the Flyers.

Leading the way for the Caps was the returning Sara Blicavs, who missed last season due to spinal surgery, with the forward tallying 19 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal.

The Australian Opal was well-supported by teammates Jade Melbourne (15 points, 8 dimes, 6 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks), Nyadiew Puoch (16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal) and Kadiatou Sissoko (15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 dimes).

In the loss, Tera Reed has 22 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Cayla George moved into third all-time on the WNBL's scoring list.

Flames' mothers ruin Venom's historic night

This fixture marked Geelong's first-ever since the new 'Venom' rebrand, which saw a huge crowd on hand at the Geelong Arena.

Despite this, it was the visitors who controlled the match from start to finish, behind the incredible play of Lauren Nicholson (27 points, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 rebounds) in her first WNBL game back since the birth of her son Ari.

Other standout for the Flames was mother of three Mikhaela Cann, (7 points, 7 dimes and 4 boards) who produced plenty of highlights including a silky ankle-breaker.

Fire exact grand final revenge

On a day where Bendigo unfurled their third championship banner, it was Townsville who claimed the spoils at Red Energy Arena.

Despite a strong debut by Spirit recruit Issy Borlase (17 points), who fuelled their host's fightback, the day belonged to Abbey Ellis and the Fire, who exacted revenge for their 3-0 sweep in last year's grand final series.

In the win, Ellis, who won WNBL25's Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year) scored a career-high 31 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

Lynx spoil Lightning's special night

A full-capacity crowd turned up for Sunday's season-opener to witness the thrilling final game of Round 1, which Perth won by three points.

The rebranded Lightning dug deep and fought their way back from a double-digit deficit to take the lead late in the piece, before a late offensive rebound and put-back by Alex Ciabattoni (23 points) sealed the win.

Sania Feagin (16 points and 9 rebounds) starred for the hosts in the defeat.

Record-breaking opening round

The opening round of the WNBL26 season was one for the record books.

It all opened with Saturday's historic Southside Melbourne Flyers and UC Capitals clash at John Cain Arena, which saw 4,342 fans attend the fixture, marking the biggest season opener crowd in the competition's proud 45-year history.

In total, close to 9,000 fans watched the league's incredible opening round in-person.