Todd top surprise for Heat
FORMER Crocs superstar Todd Blanchfield is set to make a surprise return to the Townsville Heat as a shortterm injury replacement for import Jamell Anderson.
Anderson will be out for up to a month after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury, with Blanchfield joining the Heat for this weekend’s Central Queensland double- header.
The Sydney Kings recruit has been plying his trade with Melbourne United in the NBL for the past two seasons and he last played in the QBL in 2014 with the Mackay Meteors, helping them to a grand final appearance against Rockhampton.
Blanchfield has previously played with the Townsville Heat, winning the QBL’s Under- 23 Youth Player of the Year in 2013 in guiding the team to the semi- finals.
Heat head coach Rodney Anderson shared his excitement at securing Blanchfield on a short- term contract to replace Anderson.
“Todd is the perfect replacement for Jamell,” he said.
“Their skill sets are so similar in terms of being able to defend multiple positions, score from the wing and the post, and both are players who play above the rim.
“I know Todd’s personality, he is a truly selfless individual who will fit seamlessly into our group this weekend.
“He’s familiar with a lot of the guys on the team and I know the group is excited to have him on board.”
The Townsville Flames went down to the Port City Power 96- 84 in overtime at Kev Broome Stadium in Gladstone last night, despite a monster 34 points and eight rebounds from Fire centre Darcee Garbin.
Both the Heat and the Flames will back up tonight when they take on Rockhampton on the road.