Players to Watch Round 6

With Round 6 kicking off tonight, there are endless stories to follow in WNBL26.

If you need some key players to watch this weekend, scroll down!

Shyla Heal vs Adelaide Lightning, Friday, November 14th from 6:30pm ACDT live on ESPN2

24-year-old Opal Shyla Heal will return to WNBL courts for the first time since 2023 on Friday night against the Adelaide Lightning after suffering an MCL and PCL tear during the NBL1 East season.

Making her WNBL debut at 14-years-old, Heal’s early success resulted in being selected eighth overall in the 2021 WNBA draft. Winning bronze in the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup and the WNBL Championship with Townsville in the same year, success has followed Heal across the globe – most recently coming off a training-camp contract with the Phoenix Mercury.

With Venom sitting at fourth on the ladder and Heal’s return to the court can Geelong cement themselves as a true Championship contender?

Dallas Loughridge vs Geelong Venom, Friday, November 14th from 6:30pm ACDT live on ESPN2 & Tuesday, November 25, 6:30pm AEST live on ESPN.

Moving from Melbourne to Adelaide for more touches and minutes, Dallas Loughridge and has most certainly seized her opportunity.

Increasing her points per game average by 5.8 points, and her assists per game by 2.6, the 21-year-old has been a sensation in the Lightning’s new era. 

With import Serena Sundell suffering a season-ending ACL injury, expect Loughridge to take on even more responsibility while the team searches for a replacement. 

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Kelsey Griffin vs Perth Lynx, Sunday, November 23 from 12:30pmm AEDT live on 9Go and ESPN. 

WNBL legend Kelsey Griffin will play her 250th game this Sunday having cemented her legacy as one of the best naturalised played in the league’s history.

The five-time Champion will reach WNBL life membership alongside close friend and teammate Marianna Tolo in their 13th and 11th seasons, respectively. 

Coming off a Player of the Round performance with 18 points and 12 rebounds, where the 38-year-old out-hustled and worked the young Adelaide Lightning Griffin continues to be one of the league’s most valuable players both on and off the court. 
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‍Lucy Olsen vs UC Capitals, Saturday, November 22 from 6:00pm AEST live on ESPN2 & Tuesday, November 25, 6:30pm AEST live on ESPN.‍

After last season’s Grand Final loss, the Townsville Fire needed an additional scoring punch and they’ve found the perfect fit, WNBA guard Lucy Olsen. 

Averaging 10.6 points and shooting a ridiculous 47.8 percent from three, Olsen has been everything Head Coach Shannon Seebohm wanted. With the luxury of three elite guard scorers in Olsen, Abbey Ellis and Miela Sowah, Seebobm explained how he balances everyone’s touches. 

“She’s got a fantastic attitude, she works really hard... The more consistent we get at (rotating people in and out), we can find even better flow with what we are doing,” he said post-game in Round 4. 

With a two-game Round 6, expect Olsen to carry the burden and take over in key moments this weekend.

Haley Peters vs Sydney Flames, Saturday, November 22 from 3:00pm AEDT live on ESPN.

Flying under the radar in WNBL26, Connecticut Sun forward Haley Peters is finding her feet Down Under. As a late addition, replacing Jasmine Dickey, the WNBA veteran is steadily improving Round-by-Round.

Averaging 10.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and three assists the 33-year-old has been an important locker room presence in a largely younger team.

“What I like about playing now is being an older player and, while I want to play well and that’ll always be my number one priority, it’s also important for me to make sure that the team plays well...” she said in October. 

With a chance to enter the top-four, can Peters finally breakout against the Sydney Flames on Saturday? 

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