Alex Delaney determined to shine in Canberra Capitals' WNBL tilt

The 25-year-old is set to shoulder a bigger load as the Capitals set their sights on a third consecutive championship without the aid of two star imports.

WNBL teams will be without international stars this season as clubs brace for a financial hit in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

It opens the door for players like Delaney to make their mark on the league with Canberra retaining the core of its championship-winning roster.

"Across the league there are a lot of younger players that are going to get more of an opportunity, Australian players are going to get more of an opportunity," Delaney said.

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"The imports are great players and they are imports for a reason, but I think it's exciting. We'll see a whole range of talent coming through and I don't think the league is going to suffer.

"Me personally, I improved so much throughout last season. Being around such great players, they push you to be your best every single day. I can take that confidence going into next season.

"We had a good culture and a good group of girls last year, so that will continue into next season too so that's exciting, and a few other girls I have played with before in Sydney."

Delaney is in the capital to lay the foundations for a title defence with coach Paul Goriss before returning to Sydney to link up with Manly in the Waratah League.

Gemma Potter is in Canberra for training as she nears a decision on her future, with Keely Froling, Kelsey Griffin, Abby Cubillo and Tolo based in the capital.

Canberra have added Tahlia Tupaea and Brittany Smart, while Maddison Rocci will aid the club's search for a 10^th championship.

However more pressing for Rocci now is tending to her injured ankle after the promising guard tore a lateral ligament and slightly tore a tendon during off-season training. She will meet with a physiotherapist on Monday to assess her next move.

Missing from their title-winning team are Canadian superstar and the league's most valuable player Kia Nurse, and grand final series MVP Olivia Epoupa.

"To fill that void is hard, but we've done pretty well out of the situation to get the players we have," Tolo said.

"I'm really excited. I can't wait but it's still a long time away. Not starting until the end of November sucks, but it's good to have a date we can work towards.

"It gives us plenty of time to prepare. This could be one of our best pre-seasons ever because normally we have to wait for the SEABL, or Kia to come back from WNBA.

"This pre-season we won't have to do that, so it's good we can get longer than ever before."