WSBL Power Rankings - Pre-Season Editions

1. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (18-4 in 2011, first place) - The talent the Tigers have lost in the off-season, particularly Kate Malpass, Zoe Harper and Ebony Antonio, would be enough to challenge for a title if they formed their own team. But few would argue the three-time defending champions weren't still the team to beat.

2. People's Choice East Perth Eagles (16-6, third) - While most of the 2011 contenders have lost significant playing talent, East Perth has a similar enough side to the one that was seconds away from claiming the championship. They should be Willetton's main threat again.

3. Wanneroo Wolves (15-7, fifth) - The loss of Rebecca Mercer figured to be a huge blow, but it was largely offset by the recent signing of Nikita Martin. The Wolves are a genuine title contender.

4. Perth Redbacks (7-15, ninth) - A lack of back court quality was the big problem last year and the arrival of Rachel Watman will significantly improve that. Glenn Ellis is an elite coach who should be able to get more out of the players, while also allowing Narelle Henry to focus on her own game. The Redbacks could even contend for the title if things go their way.

5. Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers (2-20, 11th) - Sure, the Slammers have won six games in the past three years and have never made the finals, but when you add two WNBL players and a pair of highly-rated imports it should make any team competitive. A title is highly unlikely, but top four is certainly in the equation.

6. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (17-5, second) - The Hawks are one of many women's teams to have been hurt by key losses, including Tanya Kelly and Tegan Walker. But it would still be shocking if they missed the finals and they're a decent chance to make the top four.

7. Rockingham Flames (2-20, 12th) - Exactly how far the Flames could improve is hard to tell. Last time they had Casey Haggar and Kaye Tucker on the court they finished second, but without them they endured a dreadful wooden spoon season. With Tucker and Haggar back they should at least make the finals, but if things go right they could go much further.

8. Mandurah Magic (16-6, fourth) - The loss of Casey Mihovilovich is going to be really hard to overcome. The perennial MVP candidate is pregnant and will sit out the season, while Hailey Dunham has also departed. They'll have done well to make the finals without them.

9. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (12-10, sixth) - The Suns are an interesting proposition going into 2012. They've got promising young players and could consolidate their spot in the eight, but with the likes of South West and Rockingham rising up they could also fall out of the finals.

10. Cockburn Cougars (11-11, seventh) - After starting strongly but fading in 2011, the Cougars will find it hard to make the eight again. They've lost a huge amount of talent and 2012 is more likely to prove a transitional and developmental year.

11. Lakeside Lightning (10-12, eighth) - It rarely showed in the stat sheet, but Jess Van Schie was the heart and soul of Lakeside's team. Without her, they're going to need massive improvement from their youngsters to make the finals.

12. Western Stainless Stirling Senators (6-16, 10th) - There'll be a big youth focus at Stirling in 2012, which bodes well for getting the program back on track. There's likely to be a fair degree of short-term pain though and they're highly unlikely to compete for a finals spot.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)

Follow the SBL on Facebook