Suzy the tip ahead of the Loloma MVP

Dual championship winner Micaela Cocks believes Suzy Batkovic is the player to beat entering tomorrow night’s Loloma MVP. Having claimed a record-breaking fifth WNBL MVP earlier this month, Batkovic is shooting for her fourth straight club award, which would draw her level with former skipper Rohanee Cox. Since returning to the Fire, Batkovic has swept the past three club MVP awards and after finishing the season as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, she will be hard pressed not to add to her growing tally. “Most people will know she’s a great teammate,” Cocks said of Batkovic. “She’s dominant – rebounding, scoring – and she can win games.” Cocks is one of two Fire players under contract for 2017/18 after signing a two-year deal last season and remains hopeful that there will be more players added alongside her and Darcee Garbin. The Fire is expected to make an announcement as early as tomorrow, with a number of their championship-winning stars off contract. “I think it is always a goal (to return as many players as possible),” Cocks said. “Having that core is always helpful.” Cocks will keep her touch over the off-season after signing with Mackay for the Queensland Basketball League season, while also hoping to pilot New Zealand to next year’s World Championships. The Loloma MVP will be held at Townsville RSL from 6.30pm tomorrow.