'Don't underestimate us': Canberra Capitals fire warning to WNBL rivals

The 19-year-old has been included in an extended Opals squad alongside Capitals teammate Jade Melbourne, with the 26-player group picked with an eye on this year's Asia Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Swain's inclusion is a nod to her emergence as one of the WNBL's most talented youngsters, having shone in a tough season for the Capitals.

The Cairns product was always regarded as one of the centre of excellence's brightest prospects, with her rise into Sandy Brondello's Opals squad coming after Swain overcame a serious knee injury.

Long before Swain joins the Opals squad in camp at the AIS from March 31 to April 5, she will look to inspire the Capitals to another seismic WNBL upset without three veterans.

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They're at opposite ends of the WNBL ladder but Canberra import Rae Burrell has fired a warning shot at the Melbourne Boomers as the Capitals chase back-to-back wins.

The Capitals had to wait 305 days for their last win - now they want a second in the space of four days as they head to Traralgon to face the league-leading Boomers on Saturday.

They face Melbourne without Alex Bunton, Britt Smart and Alison Schwagmeyer-Belger, with the trio not travelling due to injury, but Burrell says any rival would write off the Capitals at their peril.

"I feel like you should never underestimate a team because the game starts 0-0," Burrell said.

"We're going to work hard in every single game to get better and try to win, so don't underestimate us.

"We've dealt with this from the beginning of the season, so it was just another obstacle we had to get over and overcome."

Burrell led the Capitals with 24 points against Bendigo on Wednesday night, helping to orchestrate a memorable night at the National Convention Centre that left club staff members in tears.

The American import has been given the green light from coach Kristen Veal to back herself on offence, but the Capitals' young squad has been challenged by their mentor to know when to pull the trigger and when to hold fire.

"Our team put in a lot of work to get to this moment and it's nice to see it finally pay off. It was definitely a confidence-booster. We've been waiting for this win. We've been working really hard, week after week," Burrell said.

"We still know we have a lot of work to do in preparation for the next game, so we're not going to get too caught up on this win.

"It'll be a good thing to carry the momentum."

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