A one-two punch for Bendigo Spirit, who desperately need their first win of the season.

This is the Australian Women's Professional Basketball (WNBL) Victoria Derby held at Selkirk Stadium in Ballarat. Bendigo Spirit, led by coach Kennedy Kereama, are in desperate need of a bounce-back in this home schedule as they are yet to record their first win in the opening stages. Although the depth has been thinned by the departures of Izzy Bolreis (scheduled to join in the 4th round according to the WNBA schedule), Olivia Olekhnovic (back), Kelsey Reese (ankle, joining as a replacement for Mia Harvey), and Catherine McGregor (knee), the breakthrough power of Australian national team starting guard Jade Melbourne and the high and low game of seasoned big man Mariana Tolo still boast top-level power in the league.

Geelong Venom put to the test of organizational skills amid veteran duo departure

Directed by Cheryl Chambers, Geelong Venom must overcome the crisis of the simultaneous loss of two previous commanders. Veterans Beck Cole and Maddie Roach, who were the centerpiece of the team, are scheduled to return in the 5th round due to lower extremity and foot injuries, respectively, so Millicent McCarthy and Alex Connolly were brought in as short-term replacements, and rookie India Boyer's participation increased. As Coach Chambers cited frequent turnovers and the lack of veteran leadership as his biggest concerns in a local interview, the key point to watch is how calmly Geelong's young guards handle the strong forward pressure from Bendigo, led by Jade Melbourne.