Kelsey Griffin's left eye is virtually swollen shut as the Canberra Capitals star waits for scan results that could keep her sidelined for the clubs' long-awaited homecoming.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Capitals will have home court advantage for the first time since March 2020 when they host the Sydney Flames at the National Convention Centre on Sunday.
But they could be forced to front up without Griffin and Tahlia Tupaea after the pair picked up injuries in the season opener against the Flames over the weekend.
Griffin's face was left bloodied and bruised following a collision late in the game, and the Capitals are awaiting a doctor's report after she went for scans on Monday afternoon.
Tupaea was to see a doctor later in the afternoon on Monday after she aggravated a shoulder injury which has hampered her in the past.
MORE SPORT
Capitals coach Paul Goriss had his fingers crossed both would be able to suit up this weekend after an opening round win over the Flames, but he will not rush either back if they are not fully fit given the club is one game into a long season.
"I'm going back and watching some tape, putting some things into plan. Obviously it's likely Kelsey will be out for that game [against Sydney this weekend]," Goriss said.
"In that second half we were way more assertive when we broke the press. Slim [Brittney Sykes] got to the rim a couple of times, Jade [Melbourne], and Kelsey as well, we were better."
Sunday's return to the National Convention Centre marks the Capitals' first game in Canberra since they clinched the 2019-20 championship some 649 days prior.
The club played all of its matches in north Queensland last season when all eight teams relocated to a hub, with this summer marking a return to normality.
Officials hope to pack the near 1700-seat venue out for the Capitals' long-awaited homecoming, confident fans will turn out for their first taste of live WNBL action in almost two years.
"The vibe of competing in front of people and putting on a show, I'm really excited because last year I wasn't able to play in front of the Canberra crowd," Capitals guard Britt Smart said.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in front of them and not being on the other end of it for the first time after six years of being on the other end. I'm really looking forward to it.
"The support, you can already tell Canberra is really excited about the Caps. They have a really good support system. We missed those moments last year.
"It's definitely exciting. Every club is going to have more fans at the games."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram