Spirit welcomes back home-grown star

The Bendigo Spirit has re-signed back-up centre and home-grown star Maddy Wild for the 2018-19 WNBL season.

Wild is coming off her best SEABL season to date, averaging almost 6 points per game with the Braves Women, scoring big points against quality national and international competition.

Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said he was keen to see Wild continue her development, after debuting for the Spirit last season.

“Maddy was thrown in the deep end after the injury to Kelsey Griffin last season and responded well to the challenges of the WNBL,” he said.

“On the back of that WNBL season, she had an incredible start to the SEABL season earning a starting spot with the Braves.

“Maddy will provide back up for our frontline players and I’m keen to have her pressure for game time this season.”

Pritchard said he had noticed strong improvements in Wild’s all-round game this SEABL season.

“Her rebounding has improved, and her defence has become much more consistent throughout the season,” he said.

“Fans can really expect that to continue through the pre-season and into our early rounds of the WNBL season.

“We welcome her back to the Spirit and it’s great to have home-grown talent on show in Bendigo.”

Wild said she was excited to be back.

“Simon was a great coach and mentor last year,” she said.

“He understands me as a player and knows how to push and develop me.

“I’m looking forward to continue growing my game especially with some new post players this year.”