TOWNSVILLE TAKES ON SYDNEY

January 22, 2025 | Townsville Fire news

Townsville takes on Sydney for a second time this season, to get round 13 of the WNBL underway at the Fire Pit tonight. The hosts hammered the Flames by 25 points at the same venue a little over a month ago and will be aiming for another imperious performance in front of their supporters.

 

A seventh win from eight games will guarantee Townsville post-season playoff basketball but the visitors are in a dog fight for fourth spot and will also be desperate to secure a crucial victory. Fire coach Shannon Seebohm has urged his players to be prepared for combat.

 

 

“We talked about that yesterday with the team, like every team we play from here on out are going to be fighting for a spot, so for us it’s important not to look too far ahead and just at the next game and that’s Sydney. So making sure we come out and not allow them to be the team that jumps us.

 

We had a good start against them last time and I’m sure they’ll make some adjustments, and we need to be ready for a really tough game.”

 

Seebohm’s been impressed by the home side’s showings in recent weeks but that hasn’t stopped him finding areas for improvement.

 

A last start demolition of Canberra wasn’t without a few moments of frustration, for the man in charge. “We played well and I think the biggest thing we’re trying to find now is consistency, we had a couple of good defensive quarters but thane a couple of not so good ones.”

 

 

Forward Alex Fowler did a good job during a different defensive roll while the team was down on troops, but she’s happy to be back battling bigs.

 

“I mean I’m glad Nia’s here and I can go back to my spot! But no I’m very glad that the team and the coaches had that trust to put me in that situation, to guard the three man and give me that opportunity to you know show myself too that I can play different positions.  I think that’s what I learned in those games, I can be versatile.”

 

The local’s living out her childhood dream one which was inspired by former Fire fan favourite, now Sydney stalwart Cayla George.

 

“I think it’s really cool! When I was little I used to go to all the games and Fire camps and she’d be there and just be towering over me. She would like say hi to me and I would like fan girl and say oh my god she remembers me.”

 

Tip off tonight is at 6.30pm. Tickets are available here.