No nasty surprises for Townsville Fire
THE late nights spent poring over game footage are always time well spent for Townsville Fire technical assistant Paul Foster.
Foster works with Fire head coach Claudia Brassard and her staff in breaking down their performances on video while also looking at their opposition in preparation for each game.
The hardworking volunteer has played basketball since he was a kid and spent time as an assistant coach with the South West Metro Pirates in the Queensland Basketball League.
But Foster has found his niche as a technical assistant and holds a similar role with Townsville’s QBL teams, providing another perspective to help the players be at their best.
“I think the role is a very important part of the game, being behind the scenes and producing something that the players can see what the opposition are doing,” he said.
“It’s a bit like an intelligence sort of role, so when they get on the court they don’t have any surprises. They know what that player’s going to do and what that team’s going to present to them.
“It saves the time of the coaches having to put all that together. When they’re on the road I’m back home here doing that.”
Foster officially came on board with the Fire last season as they claimed their third WNBL championship in four years with an epic 2- 1 grand final series victory over Melbourne.
He proudly wears his championship ring and said it was a thrill to play a part in the club’s success.
“I think last year was a testament to the culture. We had a great team ( on the court) and we had great team behind the scenes,” Foster said.
“You think you don’t have a really big part, but when you look back you realise that was pretty special to be a part of a championship.
“That was a big shock to go up on stage and get a ring. It made me feel all the hours were worth it.”
Foster has to juggle his regular job as a police officer with his volunteer role at the Fire, but he said he was proud to be involved with the WNBL powerhouse.
“I’m grateful that the Fire bring me on board. It’s a blessing and a pleasure to be a part of the club and I’m hoping that I’m part of it for a little bit longer,” he said.
“As a volunteer, you do it because you want the club to be successful. I want ‘ Clo’ ( Brassard) to win another championship, I want Suzy to win another championship.
“Hopefully we can bring home back- to- back championships. That’s what I’m focused on and making sure that we can do that.”
IT’S A BIT LIKE AN INTELLIGENCE SORT OF ROLE, SO WHEN THEY GET ON THE COURT THEY DON’T HAVE ANY SURPRISES. PAUL FOSTER