WNBL 2024: Geelong United face Bendigo Spirit in round 2 double-header

Days after a historic first WNBL win, Geelong United face their next big test against a “stacked side” coach Chris Lucas is firmly betting will be top four this summer.

Geelong United head coach Chris Lucas is expecting to face a top four calibre team in Bendigo Spirit on Sunday. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Geelong United coach Chris Lucas says his team will go out and “just play and enjoy” against a rival he expects to be top four in the league.

United hit the road for the first time to face Bendigo Spirit on Sunday, just days after their inaugural 90-87 win over Southside Flyers on Thursday.

Sami Whitcomb and Marianna Tolo have joined Bendigo Spirit this season. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The Spirit, who won their first game against Adelaide and played in Canberra last night, have recruited some heavy hitters this season in the form of Australian Opals Sami Whitcomb and Marianna Tolo and WNBA guard Veronica Burton, which complement their existing experienced veterans in Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Griffin.

“They’re a top four team, they’ve recruited that way, they’ve got super-vets in their team, they’re stacked,” Lucas said in his post-match press conference on Thursday.

“They’ve got players out, so have we, but they’re a super team I expect will be top four.

“But we don’t care, we can just play and enjoy.”

Haley Jones and Sarah Elsworthy celebrate during Thursday night’s win over Southside Flyers. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Geelong guard Gemma Potter said the Spirit’s veteran line-up, whose average age is 27.5, was the “polar opposite” to United’s youthful roster (avg. age 24.6) but backed her teammates to put up a fight.

“I think tonight we showed what we’re definitely capable of and I know Chris will have a different game plan for Bendigo, they’re a whole different team,” Potter said.

“We’re just going to regroup Saturday before we head up and reassess how we can try and get the win.”

Veteran center Lynetta Kizer is in doubt for Sunday’s game, the US import a late out with illness for Geelong in Thursday’s win.

“Lynetta’s not well, we needed to just give her a bit of time and hopefully recover over the weekend,” Lucas said.

“We’ll see how she goes (for Sunday), it’s a day-by-day.

“We left it as late as possible (Thursday) to make a decision.”

United are already without fellow forwards Daniel Raber, who is away on international duties for Israel this weekend, and Taylor Mole (back injury), while Monique Conti (AFLW finals) is yet to join the team, as Lucas turned to development players Dakota Crichton and Tanielle Knight for minutes against Southside.

“I think next player up mentality is really important, Raber was out, Lynetta was out (but) everybody stepped up and I can’t ask for anything more,” Lucas said.

• Geelong tip off against Bendigo 12.30pm Sunday at Red Energy Arena. Watch live on 9Go or 9Now.
  

Originally published as WNBL 2024: Geelong United face Bendigo Spirit in round 2 double-header