Players to Watch for Round 9

Round 9 kicks off tonight! With a massive aray of superstars across the country, make sure to check out who to watch this weekend below.

See the full fixture here.

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Sara Blicavs 

Heading into her 300th game, Sara Blicavs will become the 23rd player in league history to reach this historic milestone.

Returning from a post-spinal fusion, it wasn’t guaranteed that she could play basketball again – let alone re-emerge as one of the league’s best players. Averaging 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season, Blicavs has been one of Canberra’s most consistent threats in WNBL26.

Coming off back-to-back wins, can they make it a third against Isabelle Bourne’s and Cayla George’s Southside Melbourne Flyers? 

Jade Melbourne ‍

Celebrating a milestone alongside her former idol and now teammate, Jade Melbourne will reach 100 WNBL games this weekend. 

The Olympic medallist and WNBA talent will be one of the youngest ever to reach such a feat. While her stats haven’t jumped off the page this season, Melbourne has dramatically increased her involvement on the ball in the past few games – leading to Canberra’s increased pace and winning record. 

Can the young star get Canberra over the hump on Friday? 

Steph Talbot ‍

In the past four rounds, Olympian Steph Talabot has reasserted herself as a key threat. Starting the season as more of a conductor, getting Dallas Loughridge and Sania Fegain involved, Talbot has now taken control, and the Lightning are striking.

She’s increased her points per game average by 2.4 points from her first five games to her last five and has been the ball-handler in crunch time – now leading the team in assists and ranking fifth overall in the league. 

Can the WNBA talent take over against Sydney to put Adelaide back into the finals race? 

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Lucy Olsen ‍

With half a season under her belt, the WNBA talent has found a home in north Queensland. 

Averaging 10.7 points, 3.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds, Olsen has been Townsville’s spark plug in what has been a historic season with a 9-1 record and a seven-game win streak.

Having a three-headed monster in Olsen, Abbey Ellis and Miela Sowah has made the Fire nearly impossible to stop. With all the attention on Han Xu this week, can the Washington Mystics guard steal the spotlight infront at home? 

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Maddy Rocci ‍

WNBL veteran Maddy Rocci is having a career season with the Southside Melbourne Flyers, averaging six assists per game (1.1 better than her previous career-best).

With the offensive focus on Isabelle Bourne and Cayla George, Rocci has settled into a facilitating role for the finals contenders. While adding her own 15.3 points, Rocci has positioned herself as one of the league’s best offensive options under Head Coach Kristi Harrower.

With more emphasis on driving to the basket and drawing fouls, can Rocci reach another level offensively in the back half of the season? 

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