Geelong aim high with WNBL title up for grabs

WNBL newcomers Geelong United are aiming high in their debut season, setting their sights firmly on the championship.

Geelong have replaced the defunct Melbourne Boomers and enter an unpredictable league after a huge amount of player movement over the off-season.

It means the title race will be wide open when the season tips off on Wednesday night, with Geelong hosting Townsville Fire in the opener.

"I don't see why anyone in this league couldn't (win the championship)," Geelong guard Jaz Shelley told AAP.

"There's a lot of talented teams and you just never know how it's going to turn out.

"But our team's very confident in our ability and we're going to try to win as many games as we possibly can."

Shelley, who spent five years in the US college system, was selected in the WNBA draft by Phoenix Mercury but was cut at the end of pre-season.

The 24-year-old Victorian returns to Geelong, where she played NBL1 in 2019, and lines up in a talent-stacked United back-court under inaugural coach Chris Lucas.

It also features dual-sport star Monique Conti and American import Haley Jones, a 185cm point-guard who was selected by Atlanta Dream at No.6 at last year's WNBA draft.

"I don't think many Australian teams have seen a big point-guard like Haley Jones," Shelley said.

"She can handle it, she can post people up, so it's super exciting to have her.

"We haven't seen much of Mon (Conti) because she's playing AFLW right now but she's going to be a little firecracker once she gets here."

Shelley said there would be no secrets about Geelong's style of play under Lucas.

"We're going to play quick, we're going to play smart and mainly on the defensive end - we're going to try to hold teams to low scores," Shelley said.

"We think that our offence can be transitioned by our defence, so we'll focus on that."

Shelley's own defensive skills were put to the test when she lined up for Nebraska against Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark in March.

Poster-girl Clark, the WNBA's No.1 draft pick when selected by Indiana Fever in April, has since gone on to help take the popularity women's basketball to new heights around the world.

"I get asked her almost every day since I've been back in Australia," Shelley said.

"She's an unreal player. It kind of takes a team of five to be able to stop one person, which is something I've never experienced before.

"It was really cool to share the court with her and play against her, and I felt like if you keep her in front for a couple of possessions that you're not a bad defender," Shelley said.

"It's incredible what she's been able to do and it not only helps the WNBA, but helps the WNBL as well. Now we have mores eyes all around."

Geelong's season-opening opponents Townsville topped the ladder last season before being knocked out of the title race in the semi-finals.

They are one of many teams who have since been through a huge amount of change, bringing back just two players from last season's squad.

But coach Shannon Seebohm is expected to keep the Fire in title contention.

"Townsville's known for being a successful club and I think people come here to win championships," Fire guard Courtney Woods told AAP.

"So we're really hoping to be able to compete for one, but it's a league where on any given night anyone can beat you.

"Every team has capabilities of doing really well, so it should be exciting."

Townsville scored a narrow win over Geelong (78-72) when the teams met during the HoopsFest pre-season competition.

The season opener will pit Fire recruit Alicia Froling against her twin sister Keely, with the two forwards set for a physical battle.

WNBL - ROUND ONE

Geelong United v Townsville Fire

Bendigo Spirit v Adelaide Lightining

Perth Lynx v Southside Flyers

Sydney Flames v UC Capitals

Perth Lynx v Townsville Fire

Geelong United v Southside Flyers

UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit

Southside Flyers v Sydney Flames.