Despite heavy road losses to Victorian powerhouses Dandenong and Nunawading at the weekend, the guard is relishing her greater responsibility with the side.

McAppion scored 22 points in the 103-67 loss to Dandenong on Friday night, and backed it up with 17 in a 97-59 defeat against Nunawading on Saturday.

The 24-year-old averaged less than five minutes a game in her debut WNBL season with Canberra Capitals last year, but Tomley says she’s ready to step up.

“She’s got a really good understanding of the game, and that carries across to whether you’re in a WNBL or SEABL program,’’ Tomley said.

“With her development as more of a leader in this group, it’s only going to flow through to WNBL.

“Once Graffy [Capitals coach Carrie Graf] sees her in pre-season and gets her back in the fold, she’ll she the benefits she got out of it.’’

The Capitals Academy remains winless after four games.

In the men’s, Canberra Gunners dropped to a 1-4 record after also succumbing to Dandenong (88-64) and Nunawading (97-80).

“In both games we were significantly out-rebounded, in particular giving up too many offensive boards,’’ Gunners coach Shawn McEachin said. "Not having any size, missing Jono [Miller], it really hurts because it affects the rotations.’’

MEN

Dandenong 88 (T Lewis 27, D Montreal 22) bt Canberra 64 (D Joyce 16, M Staff 14)

Nunawading 97 (S Conn 27, S McDonald 16) bt Canberra 80 (D Jackson 21, G Green 16)

WOMEN

Dandenong 103 (R Antoniadou 18, L Scherf 17) bt Canberra 67 (S McAppion 22, E Junod 16)

Nunawading 97 (R Allen 20, R Cole 18) bt Canberra 59 (S McAppion 17, C Rowe 12)