Tess added to hot Fire line-up

BASKETBALL TOWNSVILLE Fire have sent a warning shot to their rivals they’ll need to improve to stop them defending their WNBL championship after signing Australian Opals star Tess Madgen for next season.

The Fire are building an imposing line-up for their title de- fence, with the 27-year-old joining six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic, Opals young gun Darcee Garbin and Kiwi international Micaela Cocks as signed players thus far.

The combo guard has spent the last 12 months recovering from a knee injury she suffered playing in Poland, and will make her return to the court in SEABL with Dandenong Rangers before linking with the Fire.

Madgen (pictured), who was in talks to join the Cairns Dolphins in the QBL last season, is an elite creator and scorer, and a noted defender across a number of positions.

She is the older sister of former Cairns Taipans development player Jack Madgen, who is now on Collingwood’s list in the AFL. Townsville has tried for years to lure her north, and Fire coach Claudia Brassard believes their persistence is worth it.

“We’ve tried recruiting her for at least the last five years so to finally get her up here is excellent,” Brassard said.

“I think she’s going to help us on both ends of the floor, she’s such a good player.

“I like her versatility. She can play the one and the two and can defend different positions as well.”

Her recruitment comes at an ideal time, with Brassard confirming championshipwinning point guard Kelly Wilson will not return next season.

Wilson is considering starting a family but if she plays on, it will be with a Victorian club.

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