Kelsey Griffin Says Bendigo Bank Spirit Still Believe Despite Losing Streak
27 January 2017 | Bendigo Spirit news
Bendigo Spirit captain Kelsey Griffin isn't giving up on her side and its WNBL finals chances.
The Spirit (10-9 win-loss) were second at Christmas but have fallen to a four-game losing streak and sit outside the top four with last year's grand finalists Perth Lynx (3rd, 11-7) and Townsville Fire (4th, 11-8) ahead of them and firming their grip on the remaining two spots.
So the Spirit enter Saturday night's clash with Melbourne Boomers (4-15) at Bendigo Stadium with a must-win attitude but also the belief they are ready for a last charge at the finals.
"I believe us to be a play-off team but if you can't beat teams that aren't going to make it then you don't really deserve to make it yourself," Griffin said on Friday.
"Even though we have lost four games, we have got better overall and are overdue for a break out.
"We can't forget we have beaten some of the best teams in Dandenong, Perth and we beat Sydney University by 15 points in Sydney."
The Spirit hope to have point guard Kerryn Harrington back on court after a quad injury forced her out of the last three games, while the Boomers will be waiting on the fitness of import Brittany Smart, who hurt her ankle last round.
"Kerryn trained this week and pulled up well so fingers crossed she plays," Griffin said.
While the Spirit have their work cut out for them, Griffin said belief would be key.
"We are in with a chance and we have to keep reiterating that we need to keep working hard and keep working together," Griffin said.
"This league is amazing in how just a couple of minutes can completely change the momentum of a game ÐÊwe've benefited from that a couple of times and had that against us a couple of times.
"So we can't be catastrophically over-analysing what is happening right now. It's important we learn from it and move forward."
Article: The Age
Photo: Akuna Photography