Crunch Time: The key storylines leading into Round 3

This five-game Round 3 slate features a Champions Series rematch, a first-ever Jewels game in Launceston and a Geelong double-header.

>> CHECK OUT THE FULL WNBL27 SCHEDULE HERE

All the action tips off on Saturday afternoon as Tasmania hosts Sydney from 3pm AEDT, live on 9Now and ESPN via Disney+.

Courtney Ward takes a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Round 3.

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The full schedule

Tasmania Jewels v Sydney Flames - Saturday, October 31, 3pm AEDT - Silverdome
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Geelong Venom v UC Capitals - Saturday, October 31, 7pm AEDT - Microkeeper Arena
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Southside Melbourne Flyers v Adelaide Lightning - Sunday, November 1, 1pm AEDT - VIC State Basketball Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Bendigo Spirit v Geelong Venom - Monday, November 2, 7pm AEDT - Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Townsville Fire v Perth Lynx - Tuesday, November 3, 7pm AEDT - Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre
Watch: 9Now and ESPN via Disney+ | Scores and stats: Game Centre

Talking points

1 – Winning streaks

Through the opening two rounds, Sydney and Perth are the only two sides yet to taste defeat.

But those records will be put to the test in Round 3, as both sides attempt to tackle two of the League’s toughest road trips.

Sydney heads to Tasmania on Saturday to play the Jewels at the Silverdome, marking the franchise’s first-ever WNBL game at the venue.

Then, three days later, the Lynx will head to North Queensland to battle Championship Series rivals Townsville in a blockbuster fixture.

If the League wasn’t already on notice of Sydney and Perth, they will be if they can extend their winning streaks past Round 3.

2 – Pressure mounts

On the flip side to Sydney and Perth, Adelaide and Bendigo are yet to chalk up a win in WNBL27.

There are reasons for both, including Adelaide’s inability to play consistent hoops for four quarters and Bendigo’s notable absentees in Izzy Borlase and Marianna Tolo.

But if the Lightning and Spirit suffer respective defeats to Southside Melbourne and Geelong this round, pressure will really start to mount as their Finals chances gradually slip away.

3 – Milestone watch

Another round, another one full of milestones for a number of the League’s stars.

Geelong captain Alex Sharp needs just 2 points to bring up 1,000 in the WNBL, while also being 6 triples away from 100 made three-pointers.

Flames star Jaz Shelley currently sits on 195 assists and 93 made free-throws, meaning she could break the 200 and 100 thresholds respectively against Tasmania on Saturday.

Other players in striking distance of bringing in statistical milestones are Adelaide’s Steph Talbot (294 steals), Southside Melbourne’s Carley Ernst (395 triples), Sydney’s Ally Wilson (394 triples), Perth’s Steph Gorman (99 triples), Geelong’s Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard (99 triples), Perth’s Alex Ciabattoni (96 triples), Sydney’s Issie Bourne and Townsville’s Abbey Ellis (both 97 free-throws).

4 – Early award talk

It’s never too early to discuss who could claim silverware at the WNBL27 presentation evening.

For MVP, players such as Sydney’s Lauren Nicholson and Jaz Shelley, Perth’s Georgia Amoore, Townsville duo Courtney Woods and Abbey Ellis and Tasmania’s Steph Reid have all impressed and are making early claims.

Flames’ Agnes Emma-Nnopu and Fire’s Marie Gülich look like early Sixth Woman of the Year contenders, while, despite only playing one game, Han Xu will go close to winning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The one that’s as open as ever is the Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year Award. From Southside’s Tess Heal and Madi Ryan, to Adelaide’s Tayla Brazel, Geelong pair Lilly Rotunno and Indi Bowyer, and Tasmania’s Mia Jacobs, plenty of the League’s young stars have taken a huge step forward already in WNBL27.

5 – Young Snakes to strike

I touched on it in point four, but Geelong’s young core have a real chance to step up once again in the absence of injured backcourt stars Maddy Rocci (foot) and Bec Cole (lower leg).

Rotunno, Bowyer, Dakota Crichton, as well as Sharp, Clinch Hoycard and Chinese star Han Xu were all massive in Geelong’s win over the Flyers.

Now it’s up for them all to step up once again during their first double-header of WNBL27.

The Venom first host Canberra on Saturday before travelling to Ballarat to play the Spirit, which both loom as tough fixtures.