Why WNBL26 will be a breakout year for Amy Atwell

Amy Atwell is unequivocally one of the best three-point shooters Australia has produced, representing the country in the Paris Olympics specifically to space the floor for the Opals. 

Across her first two seasons with the Perth Lynx, Atwell shot an impressive 38.2 percent from the three-point arc. However, in 2024/25, Atwell struggled to maintain her WNBA-level shooting – dropping to a below league average 28.6 percent. 

Atwell’s accuracy dip is attributed to a leg injury she sustained a week before tip-off last season. Determined to stay on the court, she adapted her game to continue contributing, though she said the adjustment was far from easy. 

“Last year was a bit frustrating for me because I felt like I couldn't really play my game, I didn't have the same freedom of movement and I couldn't move the way I wanted to… (My mindset was) ‘what can I do to just get back on court and contribute a little bit?’,” Atwell said. 

“I couldn't get the same lift from my legs underneath my shot, I couldn't create the same separation coming off screens. So I was probably taking more contested shots than I normally would have.”

Shooters depend on their strong legs, balance and quickness for both accuracy and speed, all of which were compromised due to Atwell’s leg injury. Unable to consistently rise above defenders or curl off screens, the Lynx lost a key element of the offence.

However, with post-season knee surgery and an off-season spent on rehabilitation and rest, Amy Atwell believes she’s bound for a bounce-back season in WNBL26. 

“I’ve had a really good six-month period of really solid rehab, strengthening my leg back up and getting the power back in it. Hopefully, come Round 1, I'll be 100%, all guns blazing,” she said.

“I’m definitely feeling a million times better than I was last year.”

Atwell got her feet wet in the inaugural Townsville Tip-Off pre-season tournament, playing both games in the tournament, where she scored 27 points in 42 minutes total. 

Ahead of WNBL26, Atwell is excited to add her shooting to a roster filled with interior threats like Asia Cup gold medallist Ally Wilson, WNBL22 MVP Anneli Maley and import Yemiyah Morris.

“All good shooters kind of demand a lot of attention, you can’t give them too much space. That’s the biggest thing I can bring to this team,” she said. 

“We've added Yemiyah, who is a big presence in the key.  If I can create and keep that space, allowing free driving lanes for the other girls, that is key.” 

The Lynx’s season starts on October 19 against the new-look Adelaide Lightning at the South Australian Basketball Centre. Watch the entire season live and free via 9Now, WNBL.com.au or the WNBL App.