Froling to join WNBL’s 150-game club
Not only will this Sunday’s round 16 fixture against the Melbourne Boomers be the Sydney Flames’ last for WNBL23 but it will also mark skipper Keely Froling’s 150th in the competition.
During her nine-year career in Australia’s elite women’s competition, Froling has established herself as one of the country’s top forward/centres – shown by her being third in the league in scoring (18 points/game) and fifth in rebounds (8.7) as well as recently being crowned the WNBL’s Player of Round 15.
As such, the Townsville product fully appreciates the significance of the milestone, especially bringing it up with her Hoops Capital side.
“It’s really special – it’s a league I grew up watching and have been a part of for a long time, so it’s nice to clock up those milestones,” Froling said.
“To do it with this group of ladies and this team is really special too.
“It’s no secret that this has been a tough year for me on and off the court but the girls and the club have been incredible and I’m really proud to be able to do this with them by my side.”
Froling started her WNBL career with Townsville in 2012 as a 15-year-old and admittedly, she’s come a long way since then.
“I remember getting on in the last few minutes [of my first game],” the 27-year-old said.
“I would’ve only been 15 years old and I had four foul shots – I was so nervous I missed them all.”
That journey includes stops at Townsville (two years), Canberra (five) and Sydney (two) – which includes two titles with the Capitals in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
“The most memorable matches would definitely be the two championships,” she said.
“Nothing compares to that winning feeling and celebrating as the final buzzer goes off.”
Upon reflecting on her career, the Australian Opal admitted a lot has changed since her debut 2012-13 campaign.
“I’ve changed a lot [during my time in the WNBL],” she said.
“I think you don’t realise until you reflect but I’ve obviously grown as a basketballer and added elements to my game like my shooting and defence, but the biggest thing would be my leadership and decision making.
“When I was younger, I was a very reactive player to the game and emotionally and I’ve learnt to take a step back now and take it in before I make any decisions or do anything.”
The harbour city captain will aim to use those strengths in her game at the Melbourne Sports Centre from 1pm AEDT Sunday.
“I’d love nothing more than a win for this game – obviously to celebrate 150 but mainly because this group of ladies deserves it so much and we have put in all the work,” she said.
“It would be great to finish with a win!
“But we know the Boomers are a great team – they have some serious talent so the key will be shutting them down on the defensive end.”
Fans can watch Froling and her Flames fixture via 9Now on Sunday.