Fire forwards ready to rise

JCU Townsville Fire import Ally Malott says she is ready to fill the void in Suzy Batkovic’s absence should be required to do so.

A championship winner in Latvia last season, Malott has been used sparingly through the opening rounds of the season but is a proven player in the Chemist Warehouse WNBL.

With an injury cloud hanging over the six-time WNBL MVP, Malott said the Fire’s formidable front court was ready to stand up ahead of key fixtures against Adelaide and Melbourne on the weekend.

“I think we have a really strong post presence and if I need to take on a couple more minutes in order to help the team then that’s what I’ll do,” Malott said.

“I think ‘Zee’ (Aokuso) and Darcee (Garbin) both had really good games last weekend.

“Obviously Suzy demands a lot of attention when she’s in, but when she’s not in I think everyone has to be a little bit more aggressive and competitive.

“She’s a competitor and I know that if she’s able to play she’s going to give it her all, but if we need other people to step up this weekend then that’s what’s going to happen.”

The Fire face the Lightning from 6.30pm on Friday night at Adelaide Arena and can sew up their series with another victory before facing the Boomers in Melbourne on Sunday.

The latter game will be shown on Fox Sports and SBS from midday as the WNBL Game of the Week.