How to watch & talking points: Geelong v Townsville

Geelong Venom v Townsville Fire
Saturday, November 5, 7pm AEDT
Microkeeper Arena

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Rosters

Geelong

Expected depth chart:
PG: Rocci / Rotunno / McCarthy
SG: Bowyer / Crichton / King / Cole (out)
SF: Wanglai (IP) / Connolly / Stevens
PF: Sharp / Smith
C: Han (IP) / Clinch Hoycard

Townsville

Expected depth chart:
PG: Ellis / Bobongie
SG: Jensen / Forster / Sowah (out)
SF: Woods / Stephens / Ward
PF: Fowler / Van Es / Clarke (out)
C: Froling / Emma-Nnopu / Gülich (out)

Missing in action

Geelong

Bec Cole - Lower Leg - Round 5 (replaced by Millicent McCarthy)

Townsville

Emma Clarke - Knee - Round 5 (replaced by Antoniette Emma-Nnopu)
Marie Gülich - Ankle - Round 5 (replaced by Catelyn Van Es)
‍Miela Sowah - WNBA commitments - Round 5 (replaced by Bree Stephens)

>> View full injury list

Talking points

Rocci returns

Maddy Rocci returns for the Geelong Venom after missing the last three games due to injury, giving them a major boost after a stretch without their star point guard.

The three-time WNBL champion has been sorely missed after a sensational performance in Geelong’s opening game of the season against the Tasmania Jewels, where she posted 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Geelong’s young guard group of Lilly Rotunno, Indi Bowyer, and Dakota Crichton have impressed in the absence of Rocci and Cole, and they will look to make a big statement when Rocci is reintroduced to the rotation.

Back to their best

The Townsville Fire made a big statement in their second Championship Series rematch of the season, beating the Perth Lynx 99–86 at the Townsville Entertainment Centre to avenge their opening-round loss.

Courtney Woods led the way once again, falling just short of a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, as the Fire’s best proved too much for the Lynx to handle.

If the defending champions can bring that same energy into this contest, they’ll be very tough to stop as they look to keep their momentum rolling.