Winning start to season is Froling’s main focus

On the back of a big pre-season, which included winning trial games against Canberra, Melbourne and Southside, Sydney Flames skipper Keely Froling is keen to translate to a triumphant start to the WNBL23 campaign.

Standing in the way of that for Froling’s Hoops Capital side is Bendigo, who won both of their matches during the opening round.

“Everyone has worked really hard this pre-season, which has been extremely successful and long as we didn’t play in round one,” said 26-year-old Froling, who has been impressed by the growth and fight of her side during the pre-season.

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“In saying that, we’re all ready to go and can’t wait to step on the court against Bendigo.

“The Spirit is a well-drilled, veteran team that knows what it takes to succeed in this league, so we know it’s going to be a grind for the full four quarters.”

Headlining the hosts’ side at the Red Energy Arena from 7pm AEDT Saturday will be Froling’s twin sister Alicia.

“There’s been a little chat back and forth between Alicia and I about the game but I try not to talk to her too much during game week, rather concentrating on the game itself,” she said.

“It’s always exciting to play against her but we both know as soon as we step over that white line, we’re not friends or sisters.”

Echoing what her coach Shane Heal said, Froling knows her side will be basing their game around their defence.

“We’re going to be a very defensive-minded team, full of that tenacity you can’t teach, which disrupts a lot of teams this season,” the Townsville product said.

“Off the back of that, we have plenty of weapons on the offensive end, who can score in numerous ways from a variety of positions – which will no doubt make us hard to contain.”

And with the Flames’ first four games of the WNBL23 away from Sydney, Froling knows how much a win on Saturday would do for her young side.

“Winning would be massive, as it would prove that all the hard work we’ve put in was worth it,” she said.

“In saying that, we’re taking it one game at a time through this tough open to the season and are fully focused on getting that victory on Bendigo.”

Saturday’s fixture, which tips off at 7pm AEDT, will be broadcast on 9Now.