AFTER a long off-season, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has returned for the opening weekend of the 2024/25 season.

There was plenty to like about the first batch of games, showcasing how even the competition will be with all sides loading up with some eye-catching moves over the off-season. Given how close last season proved to be, it should be a tight race for the finals once again.

Each week, Rookie Me Central will be recapping the week’s play in the WNBL, putting each game under the microscope and what the results mean for the season moving forward.

Geelong United (58) def. by Townsville Fire (84)

The Townsville Fire crashed United’s party at Geelong Arena by claiming a 26-point win to open the 2024/25 WNBL season on Wednesday night. It was United’s first game after rebranding from the Melbourne Boomers and heading down the highway, but it was not their night as the Fire proved far too good.

Facing off against her sister, Alicia Froling took home the chocolates with 17 points and nine rebounds in the win over Geelong, while she had solid help from Zia Cooke, who produced 15 points and was reliable on the offensive end. Keely Froling was Geelong’s best with 15 points and seven rebounds in a valiant performance.

Bendigo Spirit (84) def. Adelaide Lightning (70)

The Spirit got their campaign off to the perfect start by proving 14 points too good for the Lightning when the two sides went head to head on Saturday night. Bendigo was simply too damaging on the offensive end, nailing 50 per cent of their attempts from behind the arc and although Adelaide tried to keep up, it was to no avail.

For the Spirit, Sami Whitcomb was the best in a winning side, posting 27 points and seven rebounds in a damaging showing. She has shown the ability to take over with ball in hand and did exactly that against the Lightning, indicating she may be in for a big season. For the Lightning, Japreece Dean was able to get to her spots and hit the scoreboard, posting 23 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Perth Lynx (94) def. Southside Flyers (79)

The Lynx were able to exact revenge for last year’s grand final series by defeating the Flyers to the tune of 15 points on Saturday night. Perth may have fallen in the decider last season, but it got the job done against Southside out West in Round 1, proving too classy and showing the areas in which it has improved over the offseason.

Lynx star Anneli Maley led from the front with a huge double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds as she builds up for another big campaign. Maley is one of the most consistent players in the WNBL, and was the standout in a strong team performance from the home side. Southside’s Alice Kunek was able to deliver a double-double of her own with 22 points and 11 rebounds, battling hard in the paint across all four quarters.

Sydney Flames (102) def. UC Capitals (85)

The Flames finished off the action from Round 1 with a 17-point win over the Capitals to start their campaign off on the right note. Sydney kicked off its WNBL season with a double-header at Qudos Bank Arena with the Sydney Kings on Sunday afternoon, and looked a step ahead the Capitals for most of the contest, demonstrating why they are right in the hunt for a championship.

The frontcourt pairing of Mikaela Ruef (25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) and Cayla George (23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists) was a defining factor in the match. The duo were simply too much for Canberra to contain and certainly helped the Flames gain ascendancy on the scoreboard. Young gun Jade Melbourne was excellent for the Capitals despite the loss, posting 20 points, six rebounds and four assists.