How Townsville's depth could win it all

With five players in double-digits in their Game One win over Perth in the Championship Series, Captain Courtney Woods praised the depth of her team as they look to end the series in hostile territory on Sunday. 

With four of the league’s best guards in Woods, Miela Sowah, Abbey Ellis and Sixth Woman of the Year Lucy Olsen, the captain explained how game-changing their 1-through-10 roster has been this season.

With the chance to close out the series in hostile territory on Sunday, Woods said Townsville’s balance and versatility gives them confidence on the road.

“I think that's what makes a great team, obviously, Alicia (Froling) how she played in the Semi Finals was awesome. Miela had a great game tonight. On any night, we can have six-to-seven players that are capable of scoring 20 points,” she said.

“That's what makes us really hard to guard. So I think when we locked in defensively and we have all these weapons offensively, we are a tough team to beat.” 

Woods led the way with 22 points, and 10 of those in the third quarter to break the game open. Sowah followed with 20, Froling added 17 and 2025 Asia Cup MVP Alex Fowler with Abbey Ellis put up 12 and 11 respectively. 

With a season-low of only two assists, the WNBL26 Golden Hands winner recognised that her most important skillset is her versatility. With passes not landing, Woods switched her focused on defence and scoring, resulting in a critical steal that broke the Lynx's morale. 

“Every single game, I think we need something different and I feel like I just try to fill the gaps,” she said. 

Woods explained with Han Xu in the paint, the only thing Perth’s defence allowed were more mid-range and pull-up shots – where she scored 16 of her 22 points. 

“I swear I am still trying to pass, I know I have suddenly no assists, but I am trying and I will try on Sunday to pass better,” she joked. 

Winning the Player of the Game, Woods’ diversity will be critical if Townsville wants to win the Championship on Sunday.

Watch the game live from 4:00pm AEDT live on 9GO! And ESPN. 

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