Fire to make game day call on Batkovic

November 14, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire will give captain Suzy Batkovic every chance to play on Friday night ahead of their up-coming clash with Adelaide.

Having sat out most of the second half against Melbourne at the weekend through injury, the six-time league MVP, who was dominant in the Fire’s round two win against Lightning, is racing the clock to be ready to return.

With the Fire scheduled to depart tomorrow, the reigning Chemist Warehouse WNBL champions are likely to travel with the 37-year-old before making a game decision before tip-off.

“Basically there’s a disc in her neck that’s all locked up; she’s got two that are in really bad shape — one down the lower back and one up in her neck,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.

“Her back and neck have given her grief for a while now, she just manages it and plays through a lot of pain.

“Clearly right now it’s too much pain for her.

“She needs a little bit of rest…and then just release all the muscles around it and get it to unlock.”

Having slumped to a 2-4 record, the Fire are in desperate need of finding their best form ahead of back-to-back games against the Lightning and the Boomers.

A pair of wins, however, would allow them to remain in striking distance and to sew up a crucial series win against Adelaide.

The Fire and the Lightning tip-off at Adelaide Arena from 6.30pm on Friday night.