Round 17 DrinkWise Game Preview

WHEN: Sunday 8 February, 2026
TIME: 6.30pm AEDT
WHERE: Townsville Entertainment Centre, Townsville
WATCH: ESPN, 9NOW, or ESPN on Disney+

Bendigo Spirit will head to Townsville this weekend to play the final match of the WNBL26 regular season against the Townsville Fire.

Gearing up to take the court for the last time before finals season kicks off, the Spirit will travel to Townsville before a quick turnaround where they'll head to Syndey for the WNBL26 Awards Night, and then back home to continue training for their finals campaign.

The Spirit fell to the second-positioned Perth Lynx in Round 16, with the Lynx digging deep to steal the lead in the third term and sprinting ahead for the remainder of the second half to claim the win by 24 points (64-88).

Despite the loss, Abbey Wehrung had a huge day out, claiming 12 points - including four three-pointers -in an attempt to correct the Spirit deficit. An on-court domination from the Lynx’s Amy Atwell (23 points) kept Izzy Borlase (16 points, five rebounds) and the squad down, with their hunt too mighty for the Spirit to overtake.

Spirit Development Players Catherine MacGregor and Hayley McDowell-White have been named in the travelling squad for the trip to Townsville. Spirit co-captain, Kelsey Griffin, will miss the Round 17 clash due to illness, however she is expected to be right for finals. Kelly Wilson and her young family will also not make the trip north.

Abbey Wehrung will step up as Spirit captain this weekend, in the absence of Marianna Tolo and Griffin, preparing to lead the group after an excellent showcase in Sunday’s match.

The Spirit will face the top-of-the-table Fire in Round 17, who will fight to the bone to maintain their number one position on the standings. Taking a victory in Round 16, the team extended their six-game winning streak, with Miela Sowah (17 points) and Abbey Ellis (15 points, six rebounds) continuing to pose an immense threat to the Spirit line-up.

With the Spirit sitting comfortably inside the top three, they will use Sunday’s match to further hone their skill and teamwork, as they ramp up their finals preparation.

With each team earning a win in their previous WNBL26 season battles, the game will provide a highly contested match up you won’t want to miss!