Bunton ruled out, McSpadden to step up for Flames

Lara McSpadden will step up this weekend as the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames take on the Bendigo Spirit without starting centre Alex Bunton.

Bunton has been ruled out with a knee injury – another blow to the Flames who have played the last four rounds without guard Tahlia Tupaea due to concussion sustained in round two against Melbourne.

The team have also played hard-fought games without Captain, Belinda Snell and Bunton due to injury, including their painfully close loss to Townsville in Townsville last month.

In this game and in games since, McSpadden has had the opportunity to prove herself as a formidable young talent, and at just 19-years-old.

“She is an exciting talent and will be given extra opportunity with Bunts out this week,” Coach Cheryl Chambers said.

“She has shown such great improvement in the past 12-months.”

The 194cm Novocastrian has been involved in the Flames program since the team’s 2016-17 Championship winning season, and an instrumental part of the Southern Design Sydney Uni Sparks in SEABL.

“Lara has done the work over a long period of time that has made her performances and impact consistent, whether it’s been 3 minutes or 10,” Flames Assistant Coach, Mark Alabakov said.

“This will lead to her emergence as a minutes-playing, relied on team member.”

So far this season, Lara has contributed six rebounds and 19 points, shooting at a 73 FG%.

Alabakov commented on Lara’s “enthusiasm and a genuine thirst for knowledge.”

“She brings a notebook to training to scribble down teaching points and plays on drink breaks,” he said.

“She actively seeks opportunity to get better.”

See Lara and the team in action this Saturday as they take on the Spirit at Qudos Bank Arena, tip off at 2.45pm. Tickets available HERE.