Wilson poised for Fire milestone
Kelly Wilson is poised to become just the 10th JCU Townsville Fire player in club history to reach 100 games tomorrow.
Presently in her second stint with the Fire, the 33-year-old, who is in the backend of a decorated WNBL career, made her debut for the club in 2005 before spending the best part of a decade in Bendigo.
Her time at the Spirit reaped two WNBL title – both coming against the Fire – before returning to North Queensland last summer to chase a third championship.
Wilson joins Rachael McCully (228), Micaela Cocks (178*), Mia Murray (170*), Suzy Batkovic (148*), Tania Baxter (131), Aneka Davis (122), Cherie Gallagher (119), Claudia Brassard (106) and Rohanee Cox (103) in the exclusive club.
Pleasingly, all but Cox – as well as former star import Jenny Crouse who sits 11th on the list with 90 games – were at Townsville Stadium last night to watch the Fire take a 1-0 series lead against the Sydney Uni Flames as Wilson put on a defensive masterclass.
Great to have former Fire captains Tania Baxter & Jenny Crouse in da house to cheer us home tonight! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/Jc8R6U54z7
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) January 4, 2018
A victory against the Flames in game 100 tomorrow can propel her into a fourth Grand Final.
“Kelly is such a hard worker,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.
“Her work ethic is second to none. She has an insatiable appetite to get better and she’s become a terrific leader.
“She controls the team exceptionally well and she brings a raft of intangibles – outside of being an elite player – to your locker room which teammates love.”
The Fire face the Flames at Bryden’s Stadium from 2pm on Saturday in game two of the semi-final series with the game broadcast live on Fox Sports.
Fire fans can watch the game on Queensland’s biggest indoor TV screen at Townsville RSL.
The JCU Townsville Fire congratulate Kelly Wilson on her 100th game for the club.
JCU Townsville Fire Games
- Rachael McCully (228)
- Micaela Cocks (178*)
- Mia Murray (170*)
- Suzy Batkovic (148*)
- Tania Baxter (131)
- Aneka Davis (122)
- Cherie Gallagher (119)
- Claudia Brassard (106)
- Rohanee Cox (103)
- Kelly Wilson (99*)