Round 4 Preview: The GF rematch is here.

December 22, 2021 | WNBL news

It’s Christmas week and the 2020 grand final re-match comes as a treat.

Round four will pay tribute to the Hillcrest community, with all teams honouring those lost by holding a minute silence and wearing black armbands.

WNBL Media previews the round.

Sydney Uni Flames v Melbourne Boomers.

Qudos Bank Arena. Wednesday 5 pm local. Kayo Freebies.

The Boomers are riding high after back-to-back round three wins and will carry the momentum as they hit the road to Sydney for the first time this season. The Flames continue to chase their first win as they return home and will look to upset the Boomers’ winning streak. The Flames will look for a big input from both recruits in Shyla Heal and Chelsea Dungee to destruct the flow of Boomers Tiffany Mitchell and Tess Madgen.

Note: Boomer Cayla George is averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds per game and may be the one to stop for the Flames.

UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit.

National Convention Centre. Wednesday 7:30 pm local. Kayo.

Both the UC Caps and the Spirit experienced round three defeats and will be looking to quickly bounce back but there can only be one who comes out on top. The Spirited trio of Tessa Lavey, Maddie Garrick and Anneli Maley will look to make a strong impression while on their road trip while Caps’ leading scorer and youngster Jade Melbourne along with the games longest server Kelly Wilson will need to make a significant impact to set up a Caps victory. Brittney Sykes and Anneli Maley will make a fascinating match-up to watch.

Note: It’s business as usual for the UC Capitals, however, they will be without head coach Paul Goriss after a Basketball Australia ban was announced yesterday.

Southside v Townsville.

Dandenong Stadium. Thursday 7:30 pm local. Kayo.

It’s the 2020 grand final rematch. Townsville Fire has gone two from two, opening their season with a perfect record however their round four opponents in the reigning champs will be no easy feat. Southside has fallen away after a convincing start to the season and facing the Fire will be their biggest challenge yet. They’ll be looking for strong performances from Bec Cole in her 200th game along with senior players Jenna O’Hea, Abby Bishop and Sara Blicavs to water down the Fire’s Loz Nicholson and Monique Billings who will heat up the court if they’re allowed to roam free.

Note: Fire defensive duo Zitina Aokuso and Monique Billings have become a problem for oppositions, taking 39 rebounds between them over the first two rounds.