Kelly Wilson knew what was coming when she glanced to her right and saw Kaili McLaren edging her way into a throng of journalists asking about the Canberra Capitals.
"I heard the team calls you 'Supergirl', where did that come from?"
Recruits: Kaili McLaren, Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Griffin.Credit:5 Foot Photography
Wilson couldn't get out of there quick enough – "no, oh my god, yes, done?"
Capitals guard Leilani Mitchell laughs there might be a simple reason – "probably because she had nearly a triple-double, she’s awesome".
There may be a more significant meaning, but Mitchell's assessment seems fair enough as the Capitals prepare to face the Melbourne Boomers in Geelong on Friday night, before hosting Adelaide at the National Convention Centre on Sunday.
Wilson played more than 36 minutes and led the way in rebounds and assists during Canberra's opening night victory over Sydney – a triumph which will mean little if they can't back it up.
"We all know it’s great to start off the season well but it doesn't mean much when we don’t keep putting wins on the board," Wilson said.
"[Coach Paul Goriss] reminded us straight away after the game, it’s good to get off to great start but we need to keep the ball rolling.
"That’s what our plan is this Friday against Melbourne, we’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves and that’s what our focus is right now.
"Once you have a great start to the season, we don’t want to play that first game and then not show up this weekend. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.
"Obviously we’re excited to play Melbourne, but then to be home on Sunday for our first game in Canberra is pretty exciting and an incentive for us as well.
Kelly Wilson played her first game for the Capitals last week.Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
"Melbourne had not an ideal start to their season, they have a great team, they have a pretty impressive roster. We know they’re not going to show that same way they played on the weekend against us.
"We’ll be ready to go come Friday."
Wilson is preparing to shoulder a heavy workload against one of the league's most imposing outfits in Melbourne as the Capitals await the debut of Mitchell on Sunday.
Goriss says Mitchell's return will be a huge boost because it will mean he won't have to play Wilson for 36 minutes, but he laughs he isn't sure where he can fit the Australian Opals star after a breathtaking start.
However the Capitals mentor has urged his side not to get too carried away given they were in the same predicament last year – two opening round wins were followed by a 13-match losing streak.
"It’s a different group but we were in the same situation last season where we won our first two games and then we lost our way a little," Goriss said.
"The focus has definitely got to be at practice and getting better week to week. As we add [Mitchell, Marianna Tolo, and Kristy Wallace] in it changes the dynamic of the team as well."
WNBL ROUND 2
Friday, October 19: Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Geelong Arena, 7.30pm
Sunday, October 21: Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at National Convention Centre, 2pm.
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