Tess all fired up to earn a place

TESS Madgen has just returned from helping Australia claim World Cup silver, but the versatile guard insists she’s not guaranteed a starting spot for the Townsville Fire in Sunday’s WNBL season opener.

Madgen is the Fire’s prized off- season recruit and she is expected to play a big role in their title defence after making a strong comeback from a serious knee injury with the Opals.

But that World Cup campaign also means Madgen hasn’t had as much time to prepare with her new teammates, playing just 10 minutes off the bench in last weekend’s final practice match.

The Fire take on Dandenong in the opening round at Townsville Stadium on Sunday and Madgen said she would be happy to play wherever is best for the team.

“I think there are still a few spots up for grabs which is super exciting this late into the preseason,” Madgen said.

“I haven’t been here so I have to prove myself and it’s very competitive at practice, which is what you want.

“I like to work hard for my spot on any team. I practice as hard as I can let everything else take care of itself.

“If I’m coming off the bench and that’s the best thing for the team I’m more than happy to do that.”

Madgen admitted she still has some studying to do before the season gets underway, but the veteran of 173 WNBL games was confident she would have no trouble adjusting to the Fire’s playing style.

“I think Claudia ( Brassard, head coach) and the girls have done a great job in preseason and it’s pretty easy to just slot in,” Madgen said.

“I know the style Townsville play with from playing against them in the past, but getting on the floor and actually running through the sets there’s quite a bit of freedom within the play which I like.

“I’m just going to knuckle down this week and get my role down for the team and what everyone expects of me.”

The Fire struggled against Dandenong last season, winning just one of their three clashes, but Madgen was confident they were prepared for anything the Rangers might throw at them on Sunday.

“They play really up tempo and they have a lot of quick guards so we’ll definitely be looking to contain their penetration and try and force them to shoot outside contested shots,” she said.

“In the first round you don’t really know what’s going to happen so you have to be ready for a bit of everything and Claudia and the coaches are doing a great job getting us prepared for that.”