Crunch Time: The key storylines from Round 3

An amazing Round 3 of the WNBL27 Season wrapped up on Tuesday night in Townsville, tying a bow on an exciting five-game slate highlighted by historic moments, streaks coming to an end and stars continuing to rise.

Courtney Ward looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – Atwell’s evolution

The talent has always been there for UC Capitals’ Amy Atwell, but it’s more about opportunity and embracing it.

After what she’s called ‘one of her best off-seasons yet’, the Canberra sharpshooter is averaging a career-high 23 points, which is more than four points higher than her All-WNBL Second Team season in 2023-24 with Perth.

Part of it is that she is shooting and taking more field goals than ever before, but she isn’t settling for any shot, with her easily averaging more free throws, highlighting her willingness to get to the rim.

Sitting at 2-1, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist is playing the best basketball of her career and is part of one of the League’s most dangerous duos, alongside forward Nyadiew Puoch.

2 – Woods you believe it

Through her first seven seasons in the WNBL, Courtney Woods has achieved plenty.

From two championships, to a Championship Series MVP and two All-WNBL First Team selections, Woods has established herself as one the League’s top players.

The one major award she hasn’t secured yet is the Suzy Batkovic MVP, but is this season her time?

Across the first five games of the 2026-27 season, Woods is averaging career-highs in points (19.6), triples (2), rebounds (6.2), assists (7.4) and steals (2), while leading the reigning champions to a 3-2 record.

While others are in the mix, Woods has established herself as the frontrunner for this year’s MVP.

3 – Lightning strikes

After three straight losses to start WNBL27, the Adelaide Lightning finally broke through for their first win against Southside Melbourne on Sunday.

Led by electric guard Shay Ciezki, who’s well and truly found her feet in the League, and Opal Zitina Aokuso, the Lightning moved to 1-3 on the season.

As those two, and others like Steph Talbout, Maddy Westbeld and Tayla Brazel, continue to get more comfortable with one another and build cohesion, Aja Parham-Ammar’s side will only become more dangerous.

4 – Pressure cooker

Unlike Adelaide, the Bendigo Spirit remain winless after three rounds after losing to Geelong in Ballarat.

While I appreciate the addition of reigning MVP Izzy Borlase will make a huge difference, the Spirit have still has plenty of firepower on their roster, including Opals Jade Melbourne and Marianna Tolo.

At 0-3, it’s still early but the Spirit’s Finals chances slip away with each passing loss.

Their outlook doesn’t get any easier either, with a trip to Perth to play the Lynx up next.

5 – Jewels create more history

Weeks after making a victorious entrance into the League at MyState Bank Arena, the Tasmania Jewels etched their names into more record books on Saturday.

Claudia Brassard’s side won the first-ever WNBL game at Launceston’s Silverdome, ending the Sydney Flames’ unbeaten start to 2026-27.

Leading the way was star guard Steph Reid, who had 17 points and 6 dimes.

This adds to the Jewels’ record membership numbers and sellout home opener.