Fire debutants reach new milestone
JCU Townsville Fire guard Laurin Mincy is poised to become the 100th player to represent the club tomorrow when she makes her WNBL debut.
Since the Fire’s inaugural game in 2001, 97 players have represented the club in at least one WNBL fixture, with skipper Suzy Batkovic the sole survivor from that first match.
Serendipitously, the Fire’s first game was also against the Boomers, who they will confront tomorrow as the WNBL returns to TV through their partnership with Fox Sports.
Fellow debutants Zitina Aokuso and Mikhaela Donnelly will become players 98 and 99.
Over the past two decades, the Fire has turned into a competition powerhouse, contesting eight of the past nine finals campaigns including four consecutive grand finals and back-to-back championships.
A raft of Olympians and international superstars have represented the club, with Batkovic and Rohanee Cox also claiming the league’s highest individual honour whilst representing the Fire.
“We don’t boast a long history, but we are extremely proud of what we have achieved to date,” Fire General Manager Richard Goodbody said.
“It is an honour for any player who receives the privilege to be able to pull on a Fire singlet and represent Townsville on the national stage.
“Each and every one of those players have contributed to the culture of our club and it’s fitting that tomorrow’s milestone will be brought up against the Boomers – our first ever opponent – and we wish Zitina, Mikhaela and Laurin well.
“I’m sure they will represent our club with distinction.”
The Fire commence their 2017/18 WNBL campaign against the Boomers from 2pm on Saturday with the match broadcast live on Fox Sports.
Fire members and fans are encouraged to watch the game at Townsville RSL.
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