TOWNSVILLE Fire will search for the winning formula in 2019/20 to move up the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) ladder after a sixth placed finish last season. The Fire changed head coaches with Canadian, Claudia Brassard stepping down with Australian Opals’ assistant coach, Shannon Seebohm named as her replacement in June. She is not the only departure with a legend retirement and a star’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) meaning Townsville will look to a host of up-and-coming players from various parts of the globe.

Finished: 6th
Wins: 9
Losses: 12
Points: 18
Percentage: 99.20%

Last season:

The Fire finished the season outside the finals positions by four wins, but a healthy percentage of 99.2. Leading from the front with all her international experience, Suzy Batkovic averaged 16.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in the 2018/19 season and showed just how much she will be missed now she has retired. The other key loss from last season down with an ACL injury is Zitina Aokuso, whose work off the bench for 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game was important in the Fire’s rotation. Aside from the departures, Micaela Cocks played 20 games for an average of 8.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per match, while Darcee Garbin had 10.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists from 20 games. The two will aim to continue that form in 2019/20 among a host of inclusions.

New recruits:

Townsville has got creative with its recruitment strategy in season 2019/20, picking up Belgium national Julie Vanloo via Hungary, along with experienced Australian, Abby Bishop who has also spent the past season there. Canadian, Bridget Carleton has come across from the United States while the Fire also targeted plenty of developing stars around the country. Aliza Fabbro has been brought up from the Townsville Flames, Alison Ebzery crosses from Newcastle in the New South Wales competition, while Christina Boad joins the side from the Rockingham Flames in Western Australia. Along with Kate Gaze and Hannah Young from the University of Canberra Capitals, and there will be plenty of new faces out on the court.

Star player:

Abby Bishop. The experienced Australian Opal is used to teaming with Batkovic, and now she looks to fill her shoes, with the Olympic Games’ bronze medallist returning to the side having played previously at the Capitals, Dandenong Rangers and Adelaide Lightning as well as in the United States, France and now Hungry. Now back home, Bishop could be the vital experience the Fire need to move up the ladder.