Madgen set for WNBL return

August 29, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

Opals star Tess Madgen has confirmed she is chomping at the bit to make her Chemist Warehouse WNBL return after signing with the JCU Townsville Fire.

Having arrived in North Queensland last night, the former Melbourne captain, who was an All-Star Five member during her last stint in the league, has spent time in the WNBA and Europe since turning out for the Boomers.

While Madgen expected to join her new Fire teammates for pre-season from early September, a World Cup call-up for the Opals has railroaded those plans, with the 28-year-old now bound for Spain and a place at the sport’s showpiece tournament.

With the WNBL season tipping off shortly after her return, Madgen is using the next week as an opportunity to acclimatise herself with the Fire program, while fine-tuning her preparations for the World Cup.

“I’m super excited to finally get up here,” Madgen said.

“I’ve heard from everyone who has played in Townsville that it is one of the best WNBL (clubs) – if not the best WNBL environment to be in – so I’m just super excited to get back in the league with the best team in the league.

“You can’t really ask for more than that.”

During a decorated 173-game WNBL career, Madgen has enjoyed stints at the AIS, Bendigo and Melbourne, winning back-to-back MVP awards with the Spirit before doing likewise for the Boomers.

Madgen was named a WNBL All-Star in 2014/15 after averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Boomers.

“Obviously my time in Europe did end the way I wanted it to (with an ACL injury),” Madgen said.

“To be back in the WNBL with my family and my friends (nearby); there’s nothing better than playing in the WNBL for sure.”

Join Tess and become a member of the Fire this season, with the reigning WNBL champions poised to unveil their championship banner in round one.

Click here to become a member of the Fire today.

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