The Canberra Capitals' playoff push has suffered a significant setback with star guard Jade Melbourne ruled out for up to six weeks, requiring surgery on a finger injury.
Injury blow strikes in Perth loss
Jade Melbourne sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of the Capitals' defeat to the Perth Lynx on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old guard, a pivotal figure in the team's lineup, will now go under the knife to address the issue.
Medical staff have indicated a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, placing Melbourne in a race against the clock to feature again this WNBL season. Canberra's final regular season fixture is scheduled for February 7 against the Geelong Venom, exactly six weeks from the announcement.
Tupaea answers the call for comeback
Faced with a major gap in their roster, Capitals coach Paul Goriss has moved swiftly to secure experienced cover. Tahlia Tupaea has agreed to a short-term deal to return to the club where she has previously had two separate stints.
The New Zealand international is expected to be available for selection when the Capitals host the Sydney Flames at the AIS Arena this Saturday. Her return coincides with the welcome news that Opals star Sara Blicavs has been cleared to play against the same opponents.
There is a notable irony in Tupaea's return as an injury replacement. Her own time in Canberra has been marred by significant injuries, including two foot fractures, a posterior cruciate ligament issue, and a shoulder problem that disrupted her initial season with the team five years ago.
Capitals' finals hopes face stern test
The loss of Melbourne is a severe blow for a Capitals side sitting fourth on the ladder with a 6-7 win-loss record. Alongside Blicavs and Zitina Aokuso, Melbourne had formed what was considered one of the most formidable trios in the league, though the team has struggled to have all three fit and on court simultaneously.
Melbourne's absence will test the depth and resilience of Goriss's squad as they aim to hold off a chasing pack and secure a return to the playoffs. The coach recently emphasised the importance of a fit roster after a slow start to the campaign.
"Now for us [it's about] being consistent at both ends of the floor," Goriss stated earlier this week. "We can't get too carried away looking at playoffs, it's still one game at a time."
He highlighted the tight nature of the competition, noting that just two wins could see another team level with Canberra's record, underscoring the critical need for points during Melbourne's recovery period.
