Fire staying positive
STAR guard Tess Madgen insists the Townsville Fire’s disrupted WNBL pre-season hasn’t dented their enthusiasm as they prepare to hit the court for the first time this weekend.
Fans will have the chance to meet the players at Townsville Stadium on Sunday for the club’s community day before the Fire take on the Sydney Flames in a pre-season game.
The Fire won’t be at full strength with Abby Bishop, Darcee Garbin, and Micaela Cocks still away on international duties, while young gun Zitina Aokuso is out for the season with a serious knee injury.
It has made for a challenging preseason under new coach Shannon Seebohm as the Fire look to bounce back after missing the finals for the first time since 2010-11.
Madgen is one of just four returning players this season, but she credited Seebohm’s upbeat attitude for keeping the team focused as their first pre-season hitout looms.
“Shannon’s so positive. He’s kept the group really positive with all the disruptions and injuries and people in and out,” Madgen said.
“We’re undersized given we’ve lost two bigs to the Opals and obviously Zitina, so it’ll be a good hitout (against the Flames) for us.
“We’re going to have to play really hard to be competitive and I think what will hold us in good stead for the season is playing with that toughness that Shannon’s really drilling into us at practice.”
It hasn’t been all business for the Fire during the pre-season as they’ve spent the past two days inspiring young Townsville basketballers with a free school holiday clinic.
Players including Madgen, recruit Hannah Young and Burdekin junior Aliza Fabbro taught the girls and boys skills needed to take the court.
Madgen said the clinic was a nice break from the grind of pre-season training for the Fire players as they get the chance to interact with young fans in a fun environment.
“I’m studying PE teaching so I love doing the clinics with the kids,” Madgen said.
“We just tried to have a lot of fun with them – get them interacting with the Townsville Fire.
“I think it’s really important that girls and boys have role models in basketball in Townsville to aspire to and see what they can achieve if they train really hard and put in the work.
“It’s also really important to get them involved with the Fire and get familiar with the players so we can hopefully get them to the game and get their support that way as well.”