Donnelly returns for title defence

The JCU Townsville Fire have re-signed their sixth championship hero with Mikhaela Donnelly putting pen to paper for the 2018/19 WNBL season.

The former under-19 Australian captain was a standout in her return to the competition last season as she played a key role in the Fire’s championship success after earning her way into the rotation.

A late injury replacement for Marena Whittle, Donnelly, who enjoyed previous stints at the AIS and Logan, averaged 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 15 minutes per game.

“We’re thrilled to have Mikhaela returning for another season,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.

“Mikhaela’s always been well regarded within the Australian system, but last year she proved that she’s a quality point guard in the WNBL.

“She did a great job steering us around the court and we’re expecting her to go to another level next season.”

Fresh off a dominant Queensland Basketball League campaign for Logan whereby she led the competition in assists, the 23-year-old has re-signed for the Thunder ahead of the WNBL season.

Donnelly averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds leading the Thunder last season, including four games with double-digit assists, and is again expected to play a large role starting later this month.

“I am very excited that we have chosen to come back to Townsville this season,” Donnelly said.

“I can’t wait to get back into training with the girls and try and contend for another championship.

“We were so lucky last year to be a part of a great, supportive and family-friendly club and we did not want to pass up another opportunity to be a part of it.

“I also know (my daughter) Adisyn is looking forward to seeing her Townsville family again.”

Donnelly is the seventh signing for the Fire in 2018/19 joining championship winning teammates Suzy Batkovic, Darcee Garbin, Micaela Cocks, Zitina Aokuso, Laurin Mincy and boom recruit, Tess Madgen.