Round 3 Women's Power Rankings
1. Wanneroo Wolves (1st place, 5-0 record) - Since Power Rankings started midway through last season, Willetton has always been on top. But not anymore. Wanneroo have been phenomenal so far and comfortably disposed of the Tigers, so they're deserved leaders.
2. Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers (fifth, 2-1) - An early stumble isn't too surprising given the changes in coach and personnel. They're probably still the most talented side on paper, but they need to lift considerably to beat the Wolves at full strength.
3. Perth Redbacks (fourth, 4-1) - With Rachel Watman on the sidelines the personnel of this team is extremely similar to last season, but the way they're playing is unrecognisable. Glenn Ellis has obviously had a big impact and Perth is looking like a title threat.
4. Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers (third, 2-0) - On the face of it, a narrow win against Stirling is nothing to write home about, but it's impressive they're getting the job done with Zoe Harper playing limited minutes and Rachel Kloke on the sidelines. They're looking good so far.
5. Toll Ipec East Perth Eagles (eighth, 1-3) - The Eagles were desperate for a win and they finally delivered. But where was all that offense before? They exploded for 81 points against the Senators and now have to back it up with a similar effort against the Suns.
6. Lakeside Lightning (second, 3-0) - The next three weeks mean a lot to Lakeside. Up against Stirling, Perry Lakes and Cockburn, if they win all three they could show themselves as genuine top four contenders. Either way, it'd be a big surprise if they missed the finals after this start.
7. Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks (sixth, 2-2) - Like the Lightning, Perry Lakes are about to enter a crucial part of their schedule. They're not going to win all three against the Wolves, Lightning and Flames, but if they take two they'll show they're in top four contention.
8. Rockingham Flames (seventh, 1-2) - Even after Kaye Tucker's return, Rockingham were still clearly missing an ingredient. Thankfully for them, it has been found. New import Emma Cannon was unstoppable against Cockburn and she could transform this team.
9. Mandurah Magic (11th, 0-3) - After a woeful loss to Stirling, the Magic improved against Perth but still came up short. Their next two, against the Slammers and Flames, are tough to predict but will define Mandurah's season.
10. Kalamunda Eastern Suns (10th, 0-3) - The Suns have played three good teams and lost all three, but they have the chance to take advantage of a weaker schedule now. The Eagles, Slammers, Magic and Senators are their next four. They've got to win at least two to contend for finals.
11. Western Stainless Stirling Senators (ninth, 1-3) - It just wouldn't be a Stirling team - men's or women's - without wild inconsistency. After a great win against the Magic, a massive loss to East Perth and a defeat to an under-strength Slammers team are hugely discouraging. Have a brutal upcoming schedule.
12. Cockburn Cougars (12th, 0-3) - The Cougars need to start winning really soon but their schedule is going to make it really tough as their next three are Willetton, South West and Lakeside. It gets a bit easier after that, but 0-6 would be a near-impossible hole to recover from.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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