Perth Lynx star Alex Ciabattoni is set to celebrate a monumental personal milestone this Thursday, playing her 150th WNBL game in what is arguably the finest form of her career. The veteran guard's journey to this point, however, almost didn't happen, as she reveals she was prepared to walk away from the sport entirely after the birth of her son.
From Retirement Contemplation to Career-Best Performance
The 31-year-old athlete took the entire 2022-23 season off to welcome her son, Elijah, into the world. During that time, Ciabattoni was convinced her elite basketball days were behind her. "I was pretty much prepared to quit when I had Eli and didn't think I'd come back," Ciabattoni confessed. Her return to the court for the Lynx has defied those early expectations, culminating in a standout season where she is averaging 15 points per game as a crucial starter.
Her comeback trail was far from smooth. The mental and physical challenge of returning to peak condition tested her resolve. "There were a lot of ups and downs, especially in that first season coming back. My mind knew what I wanted to do but my body would not do it," she explained. The emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood, combined with the rigorous demands of professional sport, created a unique struggle. She credits the support of the Lynx coaching staff for helping her navigate this difficult period.
A High-Stakes Milestone Against Bendigo Spirit
Ciabattoni's 150th game is no ordinary fixture. It pits the third-placed Perth Lynx, with a record of 13-4, against the ladder-leading Bendigo Spirit, who sit at 14-3, in a potential grand final preview. The match will be played on the big stage of Perth's RAC Arena on Thursday night, with top spot on the ladder potentially on the line.
Ciabattoni recognises the significance of the opponent. "They're a great opponent, they're well coached and they're playing incredible team basketball, probably the best in the league," she said of Bendigo. She also acknowledged that this clash could foreshadow a finals meeting, adding an extra layer of intensity to the occasion.
Unfinished Business and a Quest for Glory
The milestone is sweet, but for Ciabattoni, the ultimate goal remains winning a championship. She has experienced the heartbreak of losing two grand finals with the Lynx and another season where the team finished minor premier only to fall in the semi-finals. This history fuels her current campaign. "I have been there twice and lost both identically, so hopefully we've learnt from that," she stated.
Her decision to return was driven by a sense of "unfinished business." Now, playing some of the best basketball of her life—including a career-high 32-point outburst against Adelaide Lightning in December—she is a central figure in Perth's 2026 title aspirations. Her 150th game is not just a celebration of longevity, but a testament to resilience, marking the triumphant second chapter of a career she once thought was over.
