Batkovic named in the Team of the Week
JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has been named in the WNBL Team of the Week after her double-double against the UC Capitals.
After a slow start to the season, the five-time WNBL MVP returned her dominant best in round two, registering 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists to lead the Fire to an 11-point win over the Caps.
Talking to the media earlier today, Batkovic said the Fire had quickly moved on to Thursday night’s home clash against the Sydney Uni Flames.
The action rolls on next week with the Fire hosting the Flames – winners of the past three @WNBL titles – in TSV –> https://t.co/ov7zRCwIdV pic.twitter.com/BsrSq31Xe6
— JCU Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) October 15, 2017
“They’ve obviously got a target on their back after winning the championship last year,” Batkovic said.
“They’re a quality team – they’re going to be tough – and they’ve got all their players back from last year bar maybe one (Leilani Mitchell), who was a big piece for them.
“I think they’re going to be tough, but for us, it’s more about focussing on today and this year and making sure we get the job done.”
While Sydney have maintained their championship core, the Fire have gone back to the future with the return of Cayla George and the Rio Olympian has come out all guns blazing.
The #WNBL18 Round 2 Team of the Week featuring @BendigoSpirit, @TownsvilleFire, @MelbourneBoomer and two @AdelLightning players! pic.twitter.com/a1BnreBxGM
— WNBL (@WNBL) October 17, 2017
An MVP performance against the Boomers was backed up with 14 points and nine rebounds against the Caps, re-forming the competition’s most formidable front court.
The Fire are also expected to unleash Sydney Wiese on Thursday night, with the LA Sparks sharp-shooter getting through her first training session unscathed.
“She started training this week which is great,” Batkovic said.
“Now we have our full squad together – it’s about learning to gel with each other – and picking up our defence.
“It’s a positive that we have chalked up the wins and showed some good poise and ability to stick together.
“When we finally gel together, we will be able to see how good we really can be.”
The Fire host the Flames from 7pm on Thursday night at Townsville Stadium.
Click here to pre-purchase tickets to the Fire and the Flames.