Batkovic says we’re the team to beat

Five-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic believes the JCU Townsville Fire is the team to beat ahead of the 2017/18 season.

With the WNBL conducting their season launch at Crown Towers this morning, the Fire captain was quizzed by Fox Sports emcee Neroli Meadows as to who was the team to beat this year and Batkovic did not miss a beat when she replied ‘us.’

Become a member of the JCU Townsville Fire.

Having assembled a start-studded playing roster, the Fire will see dual championship winner Cayla George return to strengthen their front court alongside Under-19 Australian representative Zitina Aokuso, while the back court has been bolstered by imports Laurin Mincy and Sydney Wiese who will bring WNBA experience.

Fresh off her record-breaking fifth WNBL MVP, Batkovic looks poised to once again dominate the competition, with the likes of Micaela Cocks and Mia Murray also primed for big seasons.

“It’s an exciting squad we have put together,” Batkovic said.

“It’s a deep roster – I think we have all positions covered – and there’s going to be competition for minutes.

“But due to the nature of the season, it’s important that you have depth in your roster and we have certainly got that.”

The Fire tackle Perth in two pre-season fixtures on September 22 and 23 as part of the Wilmar Sugar Burdekin Blitz ahead of their round one opener against Melbourne on October 7.

Earlier today, Fox Sports announced that the Fire’s clash with the Boomers would be their debut WNBL broadcast game.

The Fire’s round three fixture against Dandenong in Melbourne will also be broadcast.

Click here to see the full broadcast schedule for the 2017/18 WNBL season.