Capitals Coach Blasts 'Ridiculous' Officiating as Season Nears End
Canberra Capitals coach Paul Goriss has launched a scathing critique of WNBL officiating, labelling the treatment of star centre Zitina Aokuso as "crazy" and "ridiculous" following a crucial loss that extinguished the team's finals hopes. The outburst came after the Capitals fell 82-75 to the Southside Flyers at AIS Arena on Saturday night, mathematically eliminating them from top-four contention.
Aokuso's Struggle Amid Physical Play
The 194-centimetre Opals representative managed just eight points in the defeat, converting only two of thirteen field goal attempts alongside four successful free throws. However, Goriss vehemently defended his player, arguing the stat line fails to reflect the physical challenges she faced throughout the contest.
"When someone like 'Z' who is, I think, the best back-to-basket big in the league, gets five free throws ... when people just shove her in the back, hold and grab her from behind, and she gets five free throws, it's just ridiculous. It's just crazy to me," Goriss stated post-game.
He expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies, noting his formal complaints to league officials have yielded little change. "I've asked for clarification, and literally get the same story each week. It just falls on deaf ears when it comes to the game, and there's a lack of consistency across the board from week to week," the coach lamented.
Season Finale Against Geelong Looms
With their playoff dreams now over, the Capitals will conclude their regular season campaign this Saturday against the Geelong Venom, again at AIS Arena. Despite the disappointment, Goriss emphasised the importance of finishing strongly against an improved opponent.
"To finish fifth, to beat Geelong. Geelong has come on in the back end of the season really well because they're fully fit now. They're playing some really good basketball now they've got everyone fit and healthy. It's going to be a dogfight, but glad we're at home in front of our home fans," he said, acknowledging the support from one of the largest crowds in club history this season.
Brancatisano's Lighthearted Prime Ministerial Plea
In a lighter moment, Capitals guard Isabella Brancatisano revealed her ongoing, humorous campaign for a coffee meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "So if anyone knows any connections," she joked, "He's too busy." The fan favourite, who has stepped up significantly during teammate Jade Melbourne's injury absence, expressed her affection for the Canberra community and the well-run Capitals program.
"I really have enjoyed my time here in Canberra. People don't say too many good things about the place itself, but I would have to disagree with them now. The Caps program is very well-run, very well-resourced. They take very good care of their athletes," Brancatisano shared, highlighting the supportive environment despite a challenging season marked by key player absences.
The Capitals' final game represents an opportunity to build momentum for next season, while the officiating controversy raised by Goriss is likely to spark further discussion within the WNBL community regarding consistency and player protection in the post.
