Batkovic says our best is still to come
JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has issued a chilling warning to the remainder of the competition: our best is still to come.
With the Fire sitting outside the top-four after splitting their opening four games at 2-2, the Chemist Warehouse WNBL could be forgiven for rejoicing in the reigning champions’ position.
The JCU Townsville Fire return to our home fortress on Saturday night to host Perth! Pre-purchase your tickets via —> https://t.co/lUllh8W4kV #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/YbylF1Yo6Q
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) October 30, 2018
The six-time WNBL MVP is adamant, however, that it is a matter of if – and not when – everything clicks into gear for the Fire in 2018/19.
“Last year we were 2-2 — same scenario — and we won the championship,” Batkovic said.
“The positive thing is we’re actually not flowing that great and it hasn’t all connected for us just yet.
“Obviously it was a little bit disruptive with Tess (Madgen) being away and people that haven’t played with her so we’re still finding what people do and knowing when a shot’s going to go up.
“For us it’s definitely getting through a play and trusting what the coaches have asked us to run. At times we’re getting bogged down on the first side which is a bit of an issue.”
While the Fire have struggled to find their best rhythm at either end, any hope the remainder of the competition held of Batkovic slowing down during her 17th and final season in the WNBL has been quickly dispelled.
For consecutive occasions, the 37-year-old was named in the WNBL Team of the Week after posting a game-high 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Fire to victory over Sydney Uni.
In her final season with the @TownsvilleFire, @SuzyBatkovic is closing in on another milestone as the @ChemistWhouse WNBL's all-time leading scorer: https://t.co/kmRV92SnHu #WNBL19 #ChemistWarehouse pic.twitter.com/TKNxXMHEK9
— WNBL (@WNBL) October 31, 2018
After three rounds, Batkovic leads the league in scoring and sits second in rebounds.
“When we have actually slowed down and let the play work for us it’s been really good,” Batkovic said.
“It’s just having a bit of trust in the play and new people understanding what we’re exactly looking for.
“The coaches have put a really good team together, we just haven’t completely clicked yet and hopefully in the next week or two that’s going to start flowing more and more.”
The Fire host the Lynx at Townsville Stadium from 7pm on Saturday night.
Click here to pre-purchase tickets to the Fire and the Lynx.