X- factors to decide outcome
SUZY Batkovic and Liz Cambage may be the headline acts, but WNBL life member Carly Wilson predicts the “x- factors” around them will ultimately decide whether Townsville or Melbourne lifts the trophy.
The battle between the two centres will be the marquee attraction in the series, which begins at Townsville Stadium tonight.
However Wilson, a Canberra Capitals assistant coach and Fox Sports commentator who won three WNBL championships in a 363- game career, insists their teammates will determine the outcome.
“Everyone’s going to be looking at the Suzy- Lizzie match- up. It will get a lot of attention but the game’s going to be won outside of that match- up,” Wilson said.
“Both teams have got really good support for their superstars in the rest of the starting five, and coming off the bench.
“It will be the x- factors like ( Darcee) Garbin, ( Micaela) Cocks, those types of players who will make the real difference.”
Wilson said the versatile nature of both teams meant they would risk being burned by the opposition’s perimeter shooters should they focus too heavily on shutting down Cambage and Batkovic.
“A lot of teams in the league are focused on one aspect, but both Melbourne and Townsville have got their inside and outside games covered,” Wilson said.
“It’s going to make it really difficult for both teams to trap in the post because there’s so many outside shooters who can be wide open and really blow the game apart if they focus too much on defending the inside.”
The Fire is attempting to become the first team to win three titles in four years since Canberra won four championships in five seasons from 2006 to 2010.
“They’re really trying to cement a dynasty up there,” Wilson said.
“It’s so hard to be at the top of the league for an extended period of time, and it’s getting tougher.
“There’s more opportunity for players to move around and play professionally during the season, when you couldn’t as much in the past because girls were working jobs.
“It’s harder for teams to stay together, but Townsville has done a really good job of keeping their core group and that’s helped them stay on top as long as they have.”