Batkovic returns to lead Fire
JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic will spearhead the club’s title defence next season after extending her stay in North Queensland.
Just a fortnight after leading the Fire to their third championship in four years, the six-time WNBL MVP, who has a taken up a short-term contract in France, signed with the club for 2018/19.
The 37-year-old is expected to break the league’s scoring record next season and claim one of the few accolades to allude her during her decorated career.
Batkovic (5625) trails Rachael Sporn (5823) by just 198 points and is likely to become the first player in league history to 6000, while a further 16 games will see her become just the 10th WNBL player to play 350.
“It’s great to be back at the Fire,” Batkovic said.
“I never considered playing anywhere else – we just needed to sort through the details – and now the focus will return to defending our title.
“Hopefully the majority of last year’s squad return and we can try and win it again.”
With Opals forward Darcee Garbin also under contract, the Fire expect to make further announcements in the near future.
Club General Manager Richard Goodbody said he was delighted Batkovic had signed on for 2018/19.
“It’s always great to see Suzy in a Fire singlet,” Goodbody said.
“She was phenomenal throughout the final series and was a deserving winner of her sixth WNBL MVP and Rachael Sporn Medal.
“I know she would have traded both for a fifth WNBL title, but fortunately, she didn’t have to.”