Payne Poised for Special Moment in her Home Town
Nadeen Payne played her 250th WNBL game in Adelaide last weekend but Fire fans will celebrate that incredible achievement when Townsville hosts Southside today.
“It really comes full circle for me you know starting my career in Townsville, celebrating a milestone like that here, it’s really cool.”
More milestones are likely with the power forward still only 28. An age where labelling the local, a league stalwart seems a little odd, albeit appropriate.
“Look I’m happy with the label I feel like I’ve earned it, I don’t know there seems to be a lot of young girls playing in the league now so I kind of do feel like I’m a bit of a vet. At the moment I’m into accepting things for what they are and if that is the term, then I’ll take it.”
Townsville coach Shannon Seebohm believes she’s added a calming influence on the court, during her second stint at the club.
“She’s very experienced and she’s been around the block numerous times and I definitely think she’s got a few mor years in her yet.”
Point guard Steph Reid loves the fact her teammate doesn’t hide when the side needs a lift.
“She just has a lot of positive energy and she’s been able to bring that and she’s a great player for us, and down the stretch in a lot of games she’s been really solid.”
Payne’s focused on finishing the season strongly despite our women already out of the playoff picture, preferring not to speculate about just how many games she could reach.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time and one season at a time. Coming back home has been really special for me and yeah I’ve really enjoyed my time with the club and with Shannon and the girls he’s recruited.”