Capitals youngster Abi Wehrung proves her worth before crucial clash at Dandenong Abi Wehrung shows great calmness on court. Abby Bishop has been their go-to player all season, but it's a youngster with the same Christian name who excites Canberra Capitals coach Carrie Graf. With starting point guard Kristin Veal one of many players battling illness and injury last week, Abi Wehrung stepped up with 13 points off the bench in an 80-78 loss to West Coast in Perth. The loss leaves Canberra's WNBL finals hopes teetering on the edge but Wehrung's display, including five of seven from the field and no turnovers, justified why the club signed the 18-year-old for the next three seasons. The Capitals are now fifth with a 3-4 record before Saturday night's road clash with bottom side Dandenong, whom they thrashed 101-72 early this month. Bishop (virus), Michelle Cosier (virus) and Veal (blurred vision) all played under duress against the Waves, but starter Hanna Zavecz will return after missing the last few matches with a knee injury. Veal also pulled out of training on Tuesday with a hip injury, but the former Australian Opals guard will play against Dandenong. At 2-6, the Rangers' finals hopes will effectively go on the line on Saturday. Canberra doesn't expect another cakewalk, with Opals star Penny Taylor drafted into the Rangers line-up since the round-three thrashing at AIS Arena. Graf said the blessing in disguise from its issues in Perth was the chance to give young players, such as Wehrung, more game time in pressure situations. It [Wehrung's form] is no surprise to us. We signed her for three years because we think she can be a hell of a player and we're getting value already," Graf said. She's got great size, shows no fear and plays with calmness, which is a great trait. We had some players step up and play under duress, and Abi was one one of those. She showed she can play at this level. While Dandenong boast two of the league's best players in Taylor and WNBA star Cappie Pondexter, Canberra exposed their youthful front court in round three. Forward Bishop, who racked up 28 points and 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes that day, hinted they'll stick with a winning formula. "We know what worked well for us last time against Dandenong; we're going to go back to what worked," Bishop said. It's not even about going to me, it's about penetrating and getting the ball inside, whether it's through the posts or dribble penetration. You want to get the ball out of Penny and Cappie's hands. They're going to get points, but if Penny gets 30 that's not the end of the world for us. WNBL round six: Dandenong Rangers v Canberra Capitals at Dandenong Stadium, 6.30pm