Last week of preseason has arrived

The WNBL gets underway this week, but the Fire won’t be in action until December eleven.

With that in mind, the coach isn’t easing up on what’s been a gruelling pre-season, just yet.

Shannon Seebohm believes an initial focus on fitness followed by intense training sessions, has his players primed to deliver strong performances.

“I’m really happy with where everyone’s fitness levels are at. In my three pre-seasons here so far, this is probably the best shape that we’ve been in.”

Our women were able to work on their playing style recently, during two practice games against an under 18 men’s side. After overcoming expected rustiness, the Fire found rhythm at both ends off court, executing in offence and building defensive patterns. Seebohm’s confident the team will get another opportunity to fine tune, for its season opener.

“I was really happy with what we were able to get out of those games and we’ll probably get at least one more in before we play in round one.”

Import Sug Sutton has settled in well to her new surroundings. The American is relishing her role as the Fire’s floor general. The coach is anticipating big things from the ‘pass first’ point guard.

“She can score, she plays hard, she’s good on defence but the thing I’ve been most impressed with is just how much better she’s been making all of her teammates. She reads the game really well, she makes great passes, and already has a great understanding of systems so I think she’s going to have a really big season for us.”

Fellow American import Monique Billings is currently quarantining in Cairns. The power forward will link up with her teammates a few days before Townsville tips off its campaign against Adelaide. The clash with the Lightning will be the Fire’s first game outside of the state in almost two years, after last season was played entirely in North Queensland due to the pandemic.