'We can get it done': Maddison Rocci's Canberra Capitals eye Melbourne Boomers WNBL road trip

Why wouldn't she? She has the WNBL's newly-crowned coach of the year Paul Goriss in her corner.

Plus a return to Melbourne's State Basketball Centre for game two of the WNBL semi-finals brings the 21-year-old guard home.

The Capitals will look to book their ticket to the decider when they hit the road to face a Melbourne Boomers outfit fighting for their season on Sunday.

It would be the perfect way to continue the Capitals' red hot run which has seen the league's highest individual accolades make their way to the club's University of Canberra base.

Goriss has claimed the league's coach of the year gong for the first time, polling 22 votes to finish clear of Southside's Cheryl Chambers and Melbourne's Guy Molloy on 20 apiece.

Coaches and captains cast a vote for their top three selections with Goriss coming out on top - but he will tell anyone he'd take another title every day of the week.

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As would Capitals star Kia Nurse, who claimed the Suzy Batkovic Medal to become the first import to win the WNBL's most valuable player award.

As would rising star Rocci, who finished third in the WNBL's Betty Watson Australian youth player of the year votes with 11, behind winner Ezi Magbegor and Shyla Heal.

The Werribee product has already put her hand out for 20 tickets to give the Capitals a boost from the stands as she continues to emerge as one of the league's most impressive guards.

Rocci played a key role in her first finals start as Canberra took a one-game lead in the series with an 84-70 win at home this past weekend.

She will need to rise to the challenge once more as the Capitals brace for another physical encounter, but it's one Rocci is prepared for.

Because the third-year sensation is beginning to shine in her own right after spending last season's title run learning from Kelly Wilson and Leilani Mitchell.

"It's quite different, I'm playing a completely different role this year," Rocci said.

"There were a few nerves out there to start but this is an amazing feeling. To be 21 years of age and potentially going into another grand final is an amazing feeling.

"This is a special group so hopefully we can get that game in Melbourne and go to the big dance.

"I'm feeling more confident this season, I have great players around that boost my confidence day in, day out. To have them have my back is what I need.

"I reckon we can get it done. We're going to have some great fans in Melbourne, I've asked for 20 tickets myself.

"We have a few girls here that are from Melbourne, it's a big city but I think we're going to have a few Caps fans behind us."

Capitals coach Paul Goriss knows Rocci is ready for the task against a desperate Melbourne outfit steered around the court by Maddie Garrick and Lindsay Allen.

He needn't look any further than two "huge" drives down the lane to make vital buckets during the first semi-final for proof.

"She continues to grow in confidence and belief in herself," Goriss said.

"She is starting to feel comfortable in our group, our team and in her role.

"She is starting to think about the game more, she has become a student of the game and you can tell that on court with her leadership and how she is thinking about the game."

Goriss' recognition as the league's coach of the year is fitting after an injury-plagued season, and it comes after he was pipped last season in Canberra's run to a drought-breaking championship.

His sentiment today remains much the same as it did then - individual accolades are fantastic, but he wants to bring a title to Canberra.

"Being back here in front of this home crowd and being back in finals, everyone is just juiced up about a new opportunity to win another championship," Goriss said.

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"We spoke about it from day one, it wasn't really about us going back to back, it was about winning a championship because we've got a new group, we haven't got the same 12 players from last year.

"It's going to be a battle, this isn't over. It's a three-game series, we've got to go to Melbourne on their home court and play them.

"They're going to throw their best punch at us because it's do or die for them.

"It's going to be a different ball game going down there and playing them at home."

While Goriss sits in his office this week sifting through game footage to make sure Canberra come away with a series-clinching win in Melbourne, one eye will be on Dandenong Stadium on Tuesday night.

It is there Southside will meet the Adelaide Lightning in game one of their series.

WNBL SEMI-FINALS

Semi-final series two (all times in AEDT)

Game one: Canberra Capitals 84 bt Melbourne Boomers 70 at AIS Arena.

Sunday, February 23: Game two - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at State Basketball Centre, 6pm.

Game three date to be confirmed if necessary.