The unassuming Canberra Capitals coach is plotting ways to overcome a stern test on the road and continue an unbeaten start to the WNBL season.

It's not the framed Capitals or Boomers jerseys adorning the walls that command one's attention. Rather, it is a sign behind his desk.

It's not the team with players that win. It's the players with the best team that win.

It is a philosophy Goriss and his committed group of players live by, perhaps none more so than the league's reigning most valuable player award winner in Kelsey Griffin.

In front of that sign sits a computer screen Goriss watches intently as he picks apart the Melbourne Boomers' last outing ahead of their clash at Geelong Arena on Friday.

"It's hard because Melbourne have played Bendigo twice, so we've only got game footage of them playing Bendigo twice," Goriss said.

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"It's about how we defend individuals and their concepts of play. At this early start, knowing we have only played two games too, it's about fixing what we need to do and what we need to get better at.

"They've got a mix of the Australian team and half the New Zealand national team. They've got a lot of experience across their group. Lindsay Allen is their point guard and they've brought in a shooting guard from the WNBA [Sophie Cunningham].

"They're a difficult proposition. Cayla George and Ezi [Magbegor] as their front court are always a huge task offensively. We had three good battles against them last year so we expect nothing different.

"The battle of the front court is really going to be where it's won."

But Capitals co-captain Marianna Tolo believes the battle begins long before tip-off - well, about 45 minutes beforehand.

Moments after the defending champions make their way back to the change rooms following a quick loosen-up on the court, Goriss swings into gear.

"That's when he starts to really ramp it up and tries to motivate us," Tolo said.

"He talks about the game plan first and just before we go out again he is going to fire us up and try to get us pumped before the game. It's really exciting and helps us get motivated to get back out there.

"I don't want to give away all of his secrets. He kicks it up a notch and he gets really intense with his words. That's what drives us as well, so we need a bit of that."

But the job description goes far beyond pre-game and half-time pump up talks. Because what he is working with is "a great group, and a new group".

Goriss is looking to manage Tolo's workload during a double-header against Melbourne and Sydney this week with an Opals window around the corner.

He is looking to balance his depth chart while the Capitals wait on Mikaela Ruef to be cleared for a return.

He is searching for ways to allow rising guard Maddison Rocci to click offensively and provide a little more scoring punch for one of the league's most potent outfits.

He knows it will come - just as Rocci does.

"It's just a matter of finding my feet in the team and knowing where and when to take that shot on offence and also being that pest on defence I can be," Rocci said.

"I always lean to asking Kelsey questions about what I should be doing when the ball goes into the post. She is always good.

"Her and Tolo are always giving me that confidence to do a little bit better so I know I'm ready to go.

"[This week is] super exciting, especially to head back to Geelong where all the family will be watching.

"To look up and see them in the crowd is special to me because I don't really see them much."

WNBL ROUND THREE

Friday: Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Geelong Arena, 7.30pm.

Sunday: Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Sydney Uni Sports Centre, 2pm.