Marianna Tolo's burning desire to help Canberra Capitals make WNBL history

The Canberra Capitals captain paints a picture of steely determination, never wavering from the task at hand even as the temperature continues to drop.

Because the WNBL all-star has a burning desire to do her job which, on this night, is to pose for a photo. Come Wednesday night, it will be to launch the club's shot at history in a gruelling season like no other.

Tolo will be at the helm of the Capitals alongside Kelsey Griffin as they look to become the first group to win three consecutive championships in franchise history, and the league's first in 24 years.

A foot injury means Tolo will need to be passed fit to play against Adelaide in her hometown of Mackay, and she will leave no stone unturned with the fire still burning as brightly as ever for the 31-year-old centre who already has four championship rings to her name.

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"The thing with the three-peat is it's a chance to make history with the Capitals. We've never done that before," Tolo said.

"It's something that gives me that little bit of extra motivation to do everything I can to perform at my best when I'm out there on the court, and to represent the community, the club, and everyone that supports us, and try to do our best by them."

While so much talk this season will revolve around Canberra's hunt for three consecutive titles, only five players have been there for the past two grand final series victories.

Among them are Tolo, Griffin, and emerging stars Maddison Rocci, Keely Froling and Abby Cubillo. Alex Delaney was a part of last season's triumphant roster.

Sprinkled around them are six new faces yearning for a chance to be a part of Canberra's next successful chapter, with coach Paul Goriss adamant this season is about a new group trying to forge their own legacy.

Mikaela Ruef was a part of last season's squad but left Australian shores before she could play a game after a delay in the processing of her citizenship paperwork. Hannah Kaser joins the club after a stint with Adelaide.

Tahlia Tupaea will pull on a Capitals uniform in search of a fresh start after an injury-riddled period in her career, while Ashley Taia is determined to make the most of her second chance in the league.

Then there is rising star Jade Melbourne, an 18-year-old with a future so bright Goriss is as excited about her as any young talent he has come across. And of course, veteran guard Britt Smart, who has taken Melbourne under her wing during the opening phase of life in the hub.

"That's the exciting thing about this season, we have no imports so it's an all-Australian league," Tolo said.

"That gives some people an opportunity that might not have gotten it before that. It's really exciting that we have a new group of girls together. Everyone brings different strengths and different parts of their game that make our team whole."

So for all the key pieces the Capitals managed to retain from last season's roster, they still have six players who weren't there on grand final day back in March.

Fresh faces combined with an injury-riddled pre-season campaign that at times left them with as few as four fit players on the court makes the reigning champions something of an unknown.

Yet Tolo knows there are seven rival clubs in the same boat, all determined to knock Canberra off their pedestal.

"That can be dangerous, when you don't know players and how they play, and then coming out there and they get the chance to do what they do well," Tolo said.

"The scout is going to be really important, as is listening to and trusting the coaches as to how they prepare and what they say about each player and each team, and having faith in them. That's how we need to play each game."

CANBERRA CAPITALS 2020 FIXTURE

All times in AEDT.

Round one: Wednesday, November 11 - Adelaide Lightning v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round one: Sunday, November 15 - Canberra Capitals v Townsville Fire at Mackay Stadium, 8pm.

Round two: Monday, November 16 - Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round two: Wednesday, November 18 - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at Mackay Stadium, 6pm.

Round two: Saturday, November 21 - Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 9.30pm

Round three: Monday, November 23 - Southside Flyers v Canberra Capitals at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.

Round three: Wednesday, November 25 - Canberra Capitals v Sydney Flames at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 6pm.

Round three: Thursday, November 26 - Canberra Capitals v Perth Lynx at Cairns Pop-Up Arena, 7pm.

Round three: Saturday, November 28 - Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7.30pm.

Round four: Tuesday, December 1 - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at Townsville Stadium, 5pm.

Round four: Friday, December 4 - Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.

Round four: Sunday, December 6 - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 6pm.

Round five: Thursday, December 10 - Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals at Townsville Stadium, 7pm.

Round five: Saturday, December 12 - Canberra Capitals v Southside Flyers at Townsville, 5pm.