Lynx aren't missing a beat as grip tightens

• New Wave: Meet the WNBL26 import players
• 2025-26 WNBL Team Lists and Roster Tracker
• Seebohm’s Fire: Depth, defence & two new sparks

Stability dominates this week’s rankings. The ladder has clearly tiered: Elite (1–3) then Clear 4th (Canberra) then Scramble for 5–6 and Long shots (7–8): The only adjustment reflects form over fixture difficulty, not narrative bias.

The Only Movement

• Southside Melbourne: ⬆️ up one spot (6 → 5)
• Adelaide Lightning: ⬇️ down one spot (5 → 6)

This is because:

• Adelaide going 0–2 in a brutal Round 10 double-header
• Southside losing ground on Canberra but not collapsing relative to the chasing pack

Every round, basketball.com.au's WNBL expert Hayley Wildes will adjust the WNBL26 Power Rankings. Look for ➡️ ⬆️ ➡️ ↘️ ↗️ ⬇️ next to each name to quickly see how teams are moving.

WNBL Power Rankings – Round 11

1. Perth Lynx

Perth went two from two in Round 10 and continue to power along. They’re a force to be reckoned with, possessing great height and length, shooting and a strong inside presence. After beating the Lightning by 27 points, 109-82, on Sunday, the Lynx backed that up with a defensive masterclass against Canberra on Tuesday night, holding the Capitals to just 49 points.

You never know who is going to tear the game apart on any given night. Against Adelaide it was Alex Ciabattoni, who is in career-best form, finishing with 32 points, while against Canberra, Ally Wilson went off for 28 points. Meanwhile, Anneli Maley is locked in on beast mode every single outing, changing games with her rebounding.

• Why They’re Here: The ceiling of this team is sky high.
• Trending Up: Anneli Maley – Coach Ryan Petrik expressed his disappointment at Maley being snubbed from the Opals squad during the week and Maley let her play do the talking – as she has all season long – averaging 17.5 points and 18.5 rebounds across Round 10. She’s a legitimate MVP candidate.
• Outlook: The Lynx are rolling and have a Sunday night match-up against Geelong at home in Round 11.

2. Bendigo Spirit

Another perfect weekend for the Spirit and their winning streak is almost in double figures, now sitting at nine in a row. Bendigo just finds ways to win, taking care of business against Adelaide and Southside in Round 10. Izzy Borlase continues to shine, averaging 23.5 points, 8 rebounds and 3.5 assists across Round 10, while Kelsey Griffin is doing Kelsey Griffin things, controlling the boards and getting buckets.

What the Spirit have done since losing Marianna Tolo for the season and Casey Samuels until likely February has been incredibly impressive, and they just keep answering the challenges that come their way.

• Why They’re Here: Nine wins in a row and it’s a very Merry Christmas for Bendigo.
• Trending Up: Kelsey Griffin – Adelaide didn’t have any answers for Griffin in Round 10. Finishing with 17 points (10/12 FT), 18 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks, she continues to prove that age is just a number.
• Outlook: It will be a New Year’s Eve blockbuster when Bendigo travel north to take on Townsville. Get the popcorn ready.

3. Townsville Fire

After their seven-game winning streak was snapped in Round 9, Townsville got straight back to business with a pair of wins against Sydney in Round 10. A 96-76 win in Sydney, followed by a hard-fought 79-74 win in Townsville sees a new winning streak start for the Fire and with no Courtney Woods due to a hamstring injury, their depth shone through in both wins.

• Why They’re Here: There’s very little separating the top three on the ladder, and in the power rankings.
• Trending Up: Alicia Froling – It’s always a fierce battle when the Froling twins go head-to-head and Alicia gained the upper hand in Round 10 with a pair of wins. Although she fouled out in the second game against Sydney, she finished with a game-high 25 points and 9 rebounds.
• Outlook: Townsville host the game of the round when they take on Bendigo on New Year’s Eve.

4. Canberra Capitals

With the bottom four faltering, Canberra’s 1-1 weekend sees them take a strong hold on fourth place, now two wins ahead of Southside Melbourne and Adelaide. It was a hard-fought win against Geelong, 77-73, to start the round for Canberra, before they struggled mightily against Perth on Tuesday night, falling 75-49.

The Capitals have strong recent form, but we need to see them compete better against the upper echelon teams before we can take them as a serious threat.

• Why They’re Here: They’ve created some distance from the chasing pack for fourth.
• Trending Up: Jade Melbourne – We all know Jade Melbourne is a human highlight reel, but her passes against Geelong were otherworldly. She put on a show, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds.
• Outlook: The Capitals host the Flames on Saturday night as they look to return to the winner’s list in Round 11.

5. Southside Melbourne

Southside Melbourne fought hard against Bendigo, but the Spirit were just too good. It’s difficult to win games in the WNBL when both of your imports are struggling, and that’s very much the case for the Flyers with Makenna Marisa and Haley Peters combining for six points against Bendigo.

Southside Melbourne’s depth has been an issue all season, with their big three of Cayla George, Maddy Rocci and Issie Bourne being relied upon too heavily. They need others to step up and share the load, quickly.

• Why They’re Here: The Flyers are losing touch with the Capitals.
• Trending Up: Nya Lok – She hasn’t played big minutes this season for the Flyers, but I’m liking what I’m seeing from Nya Lok. She adds some spark off the bench and played a season-high 19 minutes against the Spirit, bringing energy and effort.
• Outlook: A double-header weekend presents the Flyers with a chance to really get back in the running for fourth place. They host Adelaide on Sunday, before heading to Sydney for a Tuesday night battle. Southside Melbourne must take this opportunity with both hands.

6. Adelaide Lightning

In perhaps the toughest double-header you’ll come across this season, Adelaide went 0-2 against Bendigo and Perth. The Lightning got strong contributions from across the board against the Spirit, which saw them stay somewhat within touch after falling behind early, and then against Perth it was an absolute shoot out as both team’s got hot early, but it was the Lynx who stayed hot and ran out 27-point winners, 109-82.

• Why They’re Here: Two losses in Round 10 sees the Lightning fall one spot in the power rankings.
• Trending Up: Sania Feagin – Feagin continues to prove herself in the WNBL. She has all the tools to be a two-way force, and her offensive game is growing before our eyes.
• Outlook: The Lightning travel to Melbourne to take on the Flyers on Sunday, in a game with massive ramifications in the battle for fourth.

7. Sydney Flames

While Adelaide had their hands full in Round 10, Sydney had the unenvious task of facing Townsville twice. After getting blown out at home in the first clash, the Flames gave a much-improved effort in the second game, pushing the Fire to the brink, before falling by five points, 79-74.

The schedule hasn’t been kind to Sydney lately, with three of their past four games being against Townsville, and now they head into a double-header weekend that will have a big say on who is positioned best to make a run for fourth.

• Why They’re Here: At 3-11, time is running out for the Flames.
• Trending Up: Unique Thompson – I’m not sure there’s much more I can say about Unique Thompson’s debut WNBL season. Those that have watched her dominate the NBL1 in recent years knew she would compete with the best of them, but she’s gone above and beyond just competing, she’s starring for the Flames.
• Outlook: It’s another double-header weekend for the Flames, taking on the Capitals on Saturday night, before hosting the Flyers on Tuesday night. Can they get back on the winner’s list?

8. Geelong Venom

Geelong took it right up to Canberra in Round 10, but again, were unable to get the job done in the clutch. Their four-point loss to the Capitals, 77-73, marked their sixth loss this season by six points or less. It’s been a disastrous run for the Venom, having lost seven consecutive games and things don’t get any easier in Round 11.

• Why They’re Here: It’s been a season of what-ifs for the Venom.
• Trending Up: Jaz Shelley – It’s been a roller-coaster season for Shelley, but she bounced back in a big way against Canberra, hitting six triples on her way to a season-high 29 points.
• Outlook: One of the toughest tasks in the WNBL awaits Geelong in Round 11 – a trip to Perth to take on the Lynx.

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 10

1. Perth Lynx I 2. Bendigo Spirit I 3. Townsville Fire I 4. Canberra Capitals I 5. Adelaide Lightning I 6. Southside Melbourne I 7. Sydney Flames I 8. Geelong Venom

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 9

➡️ 1. Townsville Fire ➡️ 2. Perth Lynx ➡️ 3. Bendigo Spirit ⬆️ 4. Canberra Capitals ↘️ 5. Southside Melbourne Flyers ↘️ 6. Adelaide Lightning ➡️ 7. Geelong Venom ⬇️ 8. Sydney Flames

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 8

➡️ 1. Townsville I  ⬆️ 2. Perth I ↘️ 3. Bendigo I ➡️ 4. Southside Melbourne I ➡️ 5. Adelaide I ➡️ 6. Sydney I ➡️ 7. Geelong I ➡️ 8. Canberra

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 7

➡️ 1. Townsville I  ↗️ 2. Bendigo I  ↘️ 3. Perth I ↗️ 4. Southside Melbourne I ⬆️ 5. Adelaide I ⬆️ 6. Sydney I ⬇️ 7. Geelong I  ⬇️ 8. Canberra

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 6

➡️ 1. Townsville I ↗️ 2. Perth I ↘️ 3. Bendigo I ↗️ 4. Geelong I ↘️ 5. Southside Melbourne ⬆️ 6. Canberra I ↘️ 7. Adelaide ↘️ 8. Sydney

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 5

➡️ 1. Townsville I ↗️ 2. Bendigo I ↘️ 3. Perth I ➡️ 4. Southside Melbourne I ➡️ 5. Geelong I ➡️ 6. Adelaide I ↗️ 7. Sydney ↘️ 8. Canberra

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 4

➡️ 1. Townsville I ➡️ 2. Perth I ➡️ 3. Bendigo I ↗️ 4. Southside Melbourne I ↗️ 5. Geelong I ⬆️ 6. Adelaide I ↘️ 7. Canberra I ↘️ 8. Sydney

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 2

1. Townsville I 2. Perth I 3. Bendigo I 4. Canberra I 5. Southside Melbourne I 6. Geelong I 7. Sydney I 8. Adelaide

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — After Round 1

1. Townsville I  2. Canberra I 3. Bendigo I 4. Southside Melbourne I 5. Perth I 6. Sydney I 7. Adelaide I 8. Geelong

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — Pre-Round 1, Post Townsville Tip Off

1. Townsville Fire

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a‍

The Fire went 2-0 at the Tip Off and stamped themselves firmly as the team to beat this season. They are stacked full of Opals’, and their two imports are going to be amongst the best import pairings in the league.

Having kept most of their core from last season, you get the feeling Townsville will hit the ground running when the regular season gets underway. It’s worth noting that the Fire don’t have a home game until round five, which obviously means they will enjoy a run of home games towards the end of the season, including their final three games being at home.

• ‍Why They’re Here: Their combination of star power and depth is unmatched.
• Trending Up: Alex Fowler – the MVP of the Asia Cup as the Opals won gold is primed for a big season with the Fire.
• Outlook: The Fire are championship favourites.

2. Southside Melbourne Flyers

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

The Southside Melbourne Flyers won just six games last season and finished on the bottom of the ladder and have responded by bringing in two Opals in Cayla George and Issie Bourne to play alongside fellow Opal Maddy Rocci.

Even without Rocci in Townsville, the Flyers looked legit. Their ball movement was crisp, a clear standout in this regard, and the George-Bourne duo shone bright. Add to that the addition of import Makenna Marisa, who I was super impressed by, and Southside Melbourne have a really strong core.

Their depth may be in question, but the likes of Haylee Andrews and Manuela Puoch will help in that regard, with both having big roles to play throughout the season.

• Why They’re Here: 2-0 at the Tip Off and showed plenty of positive signs.
• Trending Up: Issie Bourne – she was crowned MVP of the Townsville Tip Off and will stamp herself as one of the premier bigs in the league this season.
• Outlook: With a huge roster turnover I was pleasantly surprised with how smooth they looked as a unit, and as the season goes on that connection will only grow stronger. They loom as an extremely dangerous team.

3. Canberra Capitals

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

The Capitals mean business this season and have built a roster around superstar Jade Melbourne. They’ve added Sara Blicavs, Zitina Aokuso and import Kadi Sissoko, all of whom are going to star this season.

While those four, along with Nyadiew Puoch, are going to be the force behind the Capitals’ push for the postseason, Nicole Munger and Isabella Brancatisano, along with young guns Jayda Clark and Monique Bobongie provide so much depth and talent to the squad.

• Why They’re Here: I love their off-season moves and depth.
• Trending Up: Kadi Sissoko – in her first two games in the country, I was blown away by her presence on the court.
• Outlook: The knee injury to Zitina Aokuso is a massive blow for the Capitals, but thankfully she should be back playing in November.

4. Bendigo Spirit

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

It was an offseason of retooling their roster for the defending champions, as the Spirit lost Sami Whitcomb and Veronica Burton, and while those two are near impossible to replace, Bendigo did unbelievably well to pivot by adding Opal Izzy Borlase and import guard Megan McConnell.

The new backcourt pairing impressed across the weekend, and Borlase averaged 21 points across the two games. After a shock loss to Adelaide in their opening game, Bendigo used a dominant fourth quarter defensive effort to take care of business against Sydney.

• Why They’re Here: A loss to Adelaide halted any chance of them being higher at this point.
• Trending Up: Izzy Borlase – surely the WNBA is the next stop with a strong season in Bendigo.
• Outlook: With key new additions, there’s plenty of growth potential.

5. Geelong Venom

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Geelong opened their account in Townsville with an impressive win over Canberra with contributions from across the roster powering them home. Against Townsville, they were simply overpowered, falling 81-54.

I love the continuity within the group as the likes of Jaz Shelley and Gemma Potter stayed in Geelong for the NBL1 South season, and they’re recruiting went up a level from season one. Without Shyla Heal and imports Alissa Pili and Mackenzie Holmes in Townsville, clearly there is so much upside to be added to this squad.

• Why They’re Here: Post season basketball is a real chance in Geelong’s second season.
• Trending Up: Alex Sharp – after joining Geelong midway through last season and having a real impact, expect to see an even more influential Alex Sharp in 2025/26.
• Outlook: If they can bank wins early without Shyla Heal, the Venom could be dangerous in the second half of the season.

6. Perth Lynx

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

The Lynx were missing Ally Wilson all weekend but many other teams were without stars too and still produced strong showings. For Perth, they went 0-2 in Townsville, and it was abundantly clear they need frontcourt help.

Perth’s defence struggled for most of the weekend, highlighted by Southside Melbourne putting up 102 points against them. The positive for Lynx fans is that realistically, when fully healthy, they have a strong core big three of Wilson, Anneli Maley and Amy Atwell.

• Why They’re Here: I’m not sure their depth is going to cut it.
• Trending Up: Anneli Maley – she was doing Anneli Maley things all weekend and will continue to be a force for the Lynx this season.
• Outlook: With Han Xu joining the team, they need her as soon as possible.

7. Sydney Flames

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

The Flames certainly don’t have the worst roster on paper but they failed to produce in Townsville, going 0-2, albeit against good teams in the Fire and the Spirit. A lot of teams are going to be blown out of the water by Townsville this season.

Without import Grace Berger, obviously the Flames were missing a key offensive player, but there still has to be questions about how they are going to compete on both ends against the top teams in the league.

• Why They’re Here: Scoring just 48 points against Bendigo – and only three in the fourth quarter – finished a tough weekend for the Flames in Townsville.
• Trending Up: Lauren Nicholson – in her first WNBL hit out since giving birth, Nicholson was her usual competitive self as she did all she could to keep the Flames in both games.
• Outlook: The guard rotation of Nicholson, Berger and Shaneice Swain has so much potential, so let’s wait and see if they can put it all together this season.

8. Adelaide Lightning

Record: 0–0‍

‍Streak: n/a‍

‍Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Adelaide claimed an impressive overtime win against Bendigo to kickstart their weekend as Dallas Loughridge led them home with 21 points and 4 assists.

In their final game of the weekend, they struggled mightily on offence against the Flyers, scoring just 17 points in the first half, before eventually falling 67-48. They were stuck in mud on offence, shooting only 25% from the field.

The good news for Lightning fans is that Steph Talbot and import Sania Feagin are still to be added to the squad, and both are strong defenders who should help keep Adelaide in contents.

• Why They’re Here: I’m just not sure where enough offence is going to come from on any given night.
• Trending Up: Sharne Robati – the New Zealand forward plays hard and whenever I watched her play during the NBL1 South season for Casey, she was impressive. She’ll have a big role to play for Adelaide.
• Outlook: They’re going to need a lot out of their two 22-year-old imports in Serena Sundell and Sania Feagin.

About the Author

Hayley Wildes is passionate about all things Australian women’s basketball and loves to highlight the stories of players from all levels and competitions across the globe. From our own backyard in the WNBL, to the WNBA and the Opals, and everything in between, Hayley has you covered.