Shyla healing as debut looms

She was one of their marquee signings for the WNBL26 season but was forced to miss the club's historic season opener due to injury.

But now Australian Opal Shyla Heal, who injured her knee playing NBL1 East for Bankstown, is nearing a return to the hardwood, labeling it a 'week-to-week' proposition.

In an interview with CODE Sports, the former Chicago Sky WNBA Draft selection, whose rebranded side lost Saturday's Round 1 clash to Sydney in front of a record 1,310 fans at Geelong Arena, explained that her recovery from her first big injury has been a challenge.

“This is my first big injury and for someone that’s such a hard worker and loves the game it’s been pretty hard for me, definitely had some down days,” Heal said to CODE Sports.

“But I have good people around me that are keeping me balanced.

"I’ve really just been looking after my mental health, spending lots of time with my family.

“It’s nice to finally get back into it and running again, it’s been a challenge but it’s been good."

Heal's Venom host Adelaide on Saturday during the WNBL's annual Indigenous Round, tipping off at 3pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 9Now.

Read the full story here >> Geelong Venom point guard Shyla Heal is unsure when she will return to the floor after early July knee injury