At just 17, the Daramalan College point guard was thrust into the action against the loudest fans in the league on the longest road trip in Australian sport.

"I was so nervous when he called my name, I was shocked and I didn't really know what was happening," Bourne said. "It all went really quickly."

Bourne had played on the bench for the Capitals in the first three games of the season but she says the initiation in enemy territory means she'll be ready to take the court again this Friday against the Melbourne Boomers.

"Just to get that first bit of game time out of the way was really good," she said. "In the first few minutes on the court I freaked out, I didn't know what to do but now I'm not as nervous to play as I was.

"I'm definitely ready now and I know what to expect."

With her final year 12 exams fast approaching, Bourne will likely play her first minutes on home soil as cover for the league's emerging star, Lauren Mansfield.

"She's [Mansfield] such a good role model and I look up to her so much, she's just so skilled, controlled and doesn't let anything faze her."

Bourne and her sister Issie, 15, were added to the Capitals' training program in the pre-season but a string of injuries have brought opportunities.

Kate Gaze, Mansfield's regular reserve at point-guard, is still struggling with a back injury and Goriss will wait until game day to make a decision on her selection.

Alice Coddington will miss again with an injured hand, as will Abbie Wehrung. But the Capitals will be bolstered by the return of Steph Bairstow who will likely play valuable minutes off the bench.

Goriss said the defensive pattern will be pivotal against a mature Melbourne team.

"Their core group has been around for a while together with the same coach," he said. "Their system is very structured and they know their roles within that system, so it's about coming up with different ways we can defend.

"If we can hold them to a reasonable score and defend against their screening actions then it will hold us in good stead for a win."

AT A GLANCE

WNBL ROUND 4

Friday: Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers, Tuggeranong Stadium, 7pm.