Championship or bust for Townsville Fire?

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

Townsville Fire are the presumptive favourite heading into WNBL26. Five-time coach of the year Shannon Seebohm has been blessed by the return of his core that went to the 2025 WNBL Grand Final Series as well as adding WNBA rookie Lucy Olsen and WNBL Second Team member Miela Sowah.

Every round basketball.com.au will adjust the WNBL26 Power Rankings. Look for ➡️ ⬆️ ➡️ ↘️ ↗️ ⬇️ next to each name to quickly see how teams are moving. (How we calculated our Power Rankings are below).

basketball.com.au WNBL26 Power Rankings — Pre-Round 1

1. Townsville Fire

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Miela Sowah; Lucy Olsen (Import); Courtney Woods; Alex Fowler; and Lauren Cox (Import)
• Key Bench: Alicia Froling; Abbey Ellis; Dakota Crichton
• Injuries/Absences: Saffron Shiels

Why They’re Here: The Fire were WNBL25 runners-up and doubled down in the off-season, arguably coming out with the best roster in the league. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Cox returns, and her pairing with Washington Mystics rookie Lucy Olsen gives Townsville the league’s top import duo. Add in Miela Sowah as a high-energy Opal-in-waiting, and suddenly the Fire’s already-stout defense is paired with dynamic new scoring options.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Lucy Olsen — fresh from her WNBA rookie season, brings versatility and scoring.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Shannon Seebohm has depth everywhere, with the tools to run a high-pressure defense and a fluid, inside-out offense. His biggest challenge may be managing playing time and rotations across a team stacked with capable starters.

Outlook: Townsville are the preseason favourites. With elite imports, a proven core, and unmatched depth, it’s championship-or-bust in WNBL26.

2. Bendigo Spirit

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Megan McConnell (Import); Isobel Borlase; Abbey Wehrung; Kelsey Griffin; and Marianna Tolo
• Key Bench: Olivia Pollerd; Kelsey Rees; Casey Samuels; and Micah Simpson
• Injuries/Absences: Kelly Wilson (Maternity Leave)

Why They’re Here: The defending champions didn’t sit still. Losing Sami Whitcomb is a blow, but the Spirit reloaded by signing Opals guard Isobel Borlase and adding WNBA-linked import Megan McConnell. McConnell’s playmaking and versatility complement the veteran leadership of Tolo and Griffin, while Pollerd and Rees add depth and upside.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Isobel Borlase — ready to shine after her breakout with Adelaide.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Kennedy Kereama has a team built on toughness, defense, and experience. The challenge will be integrating Borlase and McConnell while maintaining last year’s chemistry.

Outlook: Still a powerhouse. Expect Bendigo to be right in the championship mix, with a strong chance at going back-to-back.

3. UC Capitals

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Jade Melbourne; Nicole Munger (Import); Nyadiew Puoch; Sara Blicavs; Kadi Sissoko (Import)
• Key Bench: Zitina Aokuso; Isabella Brancatisano; Teige Morrell; and Zara Russell
• Injuries/Absences: None reported

Why They’re Here: Canberra have gone from rebuilding to resurgent. Adding Sara Blicavs and Zitina Aokuso stabilises the frontcourt, while French import Kadi Sissoko brings length and athleticism. Nicole Munger, a known commodity in the WNBL, remains the team’s heart and hustle. With Jade Melbourne running the show, the Capitals are suddenly a playoff contender.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Kadi Sissoko — poised to be a top-tier import in WNBL26.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Paul Goriss has a roster with balance and versatility. The challenge will be maintaining defensive intensity while maximising Melbourne’s fast-paced playmaking.

Outlook: The Caps are back in business. Expect them to fight for a top-four finish with real upset potential.

4. Perth Lynx

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Ally Wilson; Amy Atwell; Anneli Maley; Alex Ciabattoni; Yemiyah Morris (Import)
• Key Bench: Steph Gorman; Tegan Graham; Alira Fotu; Kiara Waite
• Injuries/Absences: None reported

Why They’re Here: The Lynx doubled down on their identity. They retained Maley, Atwell, and Wilson, ensuring continuity, while adding Yemiyah Morris, who impressed in limited minutes with Sydney last year. Losing Miela Sowah hurts, but Perth’s up-tempo, three-point-heavy system remains intact.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Anneli Maley — her relentless motor is the heartbeat of Perth.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Ryan Petrik will once again unleash high-pace, high-volume basketball. The challenge is balancing defensive lapses with the offensive firepower of Maley and Atwell.

Outlook: Playoffs are within reach. Perth may lack star imports but their continuity and system make them a tough matchup.

5. Southside Melbourne Flyers

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Maddi Rocci; Makenna Marisa (Import); Isabelle Bourne; Cayla George; and Carley Ernst
• Key Bench: Haylee Andrews; Manuela Puoch; and Tera Reed
• Injuries/Absences: Jas Dickey (ACL)

Why They’re Here: The Flyers reshaped their roster after a down year. Cayla George brings championship pedigree, and Isabelle Bourne adds young Opals talent. Losing Jas Dickey was a blow, but replacement import Makenna Marisa is an explosive scorer with proven international form.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Makenna Marisa — instant offense in the backcourt.
• Stock Falling: Jas Dickey — sidelined all season with ACL.

Coach’s Corner: Kristi Harrower has a versatile roster but must balance inside-out play with the loss of Dickey. Expect a George-led offense with Rocci orchestrating.

Outlook: Bounce-back potential is high. If Marisa delivers, Southside are a playoff dark horse.

6. Sydney Flames

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Grace Berger (Import); Lauren Nicholson; Shanice Swain; Keely Froling; and Unique Thompson (Import)
• Key Bench: Agnes Emma-Nnopu; Lara McSpadden; Maddy Norris; and Isabelle Morgan
• Injuries/Absences: None reported

Why They’re Here: Sydney boast one of the league’s most exciting backcourts. Berger, Nicholson, and Swain form a scoring trio that will test any defense. The question is inside, where Unique Thompson brings strength but the team lacks a proven star post-player after losing Cayla George.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Grace Berger — WNBL debut after a whirlwind WNBA year.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Guy Molloy will push tempo, rely on spacing, and trust the backcourt firepower. The challenge is ensuring rebounding and rim protection hold up.

Outlook: The Flames will entertain, but unless the frontcourt solidifies, they may sit just outside the top four.

7. Geelong Venom

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Shyla Heal*; Jaz Shelley; Alex Sharp; Alissa Pili (Import); and Mackenzie Holmes (Import)
• Key Bench: Gemma Potter; Elissa Brett; Lilly Rotunno; Taylor Mole
• Injuries/Absences: Shyla Heal (out early season, knee)

Why They’re Here: Geelong’s rebrand brought real upgrades. Pili and Holmes give them WNBA-calibre size and scoring, while Shyla Heal’s return adds proven guard play (once healthy). With Jaz Shelley and Alex Sharp steadying the core, this team has real upside, though consistency is a concern.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Alissa Pili — versatile forward with WNBA pedigree.
• Stock Falling: The United name. It's out and the Venom in in!
• Injuries/Absences: *Shyla Heal — starts the season on the sideline recovering from a knee injury.

Coach’s Corner: Chris Lucas has youth and firepower, but will need to manage expectations and grow chemistry around new imports.

Outlook: Year two should be stronger, but a playoff berth feels just out of reach. Expect improvement with upset potential.

8. Adelaide Lightning

Record: 0–0
Streak: n/a
Last Week’s Rank: n/a

Roster Snapshot:

• Potential Starting 5: Serena Sundell (Import); Dallas Loughridge; Steph Talbot; Sania Feagin (Import); and Ella Tofaeono
• Key Bench: Tayla Brazel; Jasmin Fejo; Sharne Robati; and Ashlee Strawbridge
• Injuries/Absences: None reported

Why They’re Here: It’s transition time in Adelaide. Losing Isobel Borlase and Isabelle Bourne hurts, but exciting imports Sania Feagin and Serena Sundell bring hope. Feagin is a two-time NCAA champion with athleticism to spare, while Sundell has the size and vision to be a backcourt leader. With Steph Talbot’s experience, they have pieces, but not the depth of rivals.

Trending Players:

• Stock Rising: Sania Feagin — SEC All-Defensive Team pedigree and big upside.
• Stock Falling: —

Coach’s Corner: Kerryn Mitchell’s rebuild hinges on blending youth and imports. Expect heavy minutes for Talbot and opportunities for new faces to grow.

Outlook: Adelaide will compete hard but are positioned for the future more than immediate success.

How we calculated our pre-round 1 Power Rankings

Since no games have been played in NBL26, the rankings are based on forward-looking strength rather than results. I blended four main categories:

1. Roster Talent (40%)

• Offseason acquisitions (imports, returning Opals, WNBA pickups).
• Star power vs role-players.
• Depth at key positions (point guard, bigs, wings).

2. Continuity & Chemistry (25%)

• Returning starters and coach’s system familiarity.
• Stability of core rotations from WNBL25.

3. Recent Performance & Pedigree (20%)

• WNBL25 finish (including playoffs).
• Respect for champions/contenders even with roster turnover.

4. Coaching & System Fit (15%)

• Proven head coaches and their ability to maximise talent.
• Track record in close games and playoff runs.

Calculations

1. Weighted each team across the four categories (40/25/20/15).
2. Adjusted up/down where context mattered
3. Cross-checked against Round 1 matchups

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.