IT is that time of year again, with the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) grand final series arriving this weekend. After an interrupted 2021/22 season, the competition has finally reached the deciding group of games, with just two teams remaining in the hunt for the ultimate prize. In a best of three series, the Melbourne Boomers will take on the Perth Lynx as the two best sides of the season lock horns.

It has been an interesting road to the big dance, with a number of COVID-related hurdles putting the season in doubt on more than one occasion, but things managed to roll on. Although the first-week series between the Lynx and the UC Capitals was canned, with the latter forced to forfeit due to a lack of players, which caused plenty of controversy. Regardless, the Lynx now have an opportunity to claim the WNBL championship, but face a firing Boomers side, so it could go either way.

Melbourne Boomers vs Perth Lynx

In the final match up for season 2021/22, the two best sides in the competition will face off for the ultimate prize when the Lynx and the Boomers play out a best of three series over the next week. It is shaping up to be a contest of the highest quality, given the rapid scoring produced by both sides over the course of the season. There will be stars on both sides, with plenty for WNBL fans to enjoy across the next two or three games. Expect neither side to leave anything on the court.

The Boomers have finished the season in some serious style, dominating their last few opponents to storm into the deciding series. It was a terrific last month of play from Melbourne, as they finally hit their stride to sneak to top of the standings in the final round. Their first finals series saw another powerful showing against the Lightning, winning their two games comfortably and advancing to the decider in style. It has been built on their outstanding two-way work and overall work rate around the court. It has resulted in some big wins, but they face an explosive offence here, so they will need to bring their defensive A-game. With ball in hand, they have plenty of weapons such as Tiffany Mitchell and Eziyoda Magbegor, so it should prove an enthralling battle.

The Lynx have managed to make their way into the grand final series thanks to some bad luck in the Capitals camp. They will be looking to capitalise on their fortunes against the Boomers, but will need to improve their work on the defensive end. Melbourne has been terrific on both ends of the court, but Perth’s biggest chance will be if their import duo of Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey can fire. We have seen what they are capable of throughout the regular season, when Perth was at its best, so if they can produce a couple of performances of similar calibre, then they will put some serious pressure on the Boomers defence.