Round 12 DrinkWise Game Preview

WHEN: Monday 5 January, 2026
TIME: 5pm AEDT
WHERE: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
WATCH: 9NOW, ESPN on Disney+

Bendigo Spirit will remain on the road again in Round 12 as the reigning Champs prepare to take on the Sydney Flames at the Qudos Bank Arena on Monday.

After a monumental win against the Townsville Fire to close out 2025, the Spirit claimed their 10^th consecutive victory whilst simultaneously knocking the previously top-of-the-table Fire down to third, handing them their third loss of the season.  

Holding off their opponents in one of the toughest games of the season, a team-wide effort executed formidable game play, which the Fire failed to penetrate. A double-double from Spirit co-captain Kelsey Griffin (14 points, 10 rebounds) supported a masterclass of WNBL skill right across the entire list.

The Flames met with one victory and one loss respectively in their Round 11 efforts, with massive efforts from Lauren Nicholson (21 points) and Unique Thompson (18 points, seven rebounds) allowing the squad to claim their fourth win of the WNBL26 season against the Canberra Capitals.

Having met twice this season already - with the Spirit holding the upper hand in both matches - the Spirit will put their all into bringing their ever-consistent domination to their opponent’s backyard. However, with the Spirit now remaining on the road for the third consecutive match, the conditions will be trying for the squad who have not yet returned home in the new year.

A fresh new face to the Bendigo line-up in Emma Clarke - recently announced as Nominated Replacement Player for the Spirit - will see her making her Spirit debut in Monday night’s game. An exciting first step onto the WNBL26 court, Clarke will come up against her former Flames teammates, giving the Spirit an edge over the 7^th positioned group.  

As the Spirit fight to inch beyond 10 uninterrupted wins, they will bring their all to Monday night’s game.