Flames 2009/10

[truthordare]

So how about the loss of Poto for the Flames???

Gone to Europe... worse kept secret of the last 2 weeks but I say good on the girl- go get paid! Playing with Gambinus Brno will see her in the top end of Euro basketball and this can only help any selection hopes she holds for Worlds.

Big blow to the Flames so late in the post season though- definitely looks to be an import needed now- current PG options Gilbert, Watman will have even the AIS salivating otherwise.

Doc signing is still huge but losing the General hurts.

[rondo]

La Fleur to get the call up?

[Andy K]

Signing Smith helps, having her in the back court keeps good experience there, Poto is still a big loss but if they hadn't signed D.Smith it would have seemed much worse.

[Pointybits]

Can't understand why Tegan Burke is not in the sites of the Flames or the Capitals. Burke was clearly the best shooter in NSW juniors and way more of a threat than Lewis and Kennedy and I suggest she still is. Currently, for the third year in a row, the leading scorer in Youth League by a mile, She hit the big 3 to win the National U18s has a great work ethic and so on & so on.
The fact that she didn't go to the AIS seems to be held against her but lets face it, most students at the "Institute" fail to make the elite. Sure some head of to the USA and play well in the college system but the standards, in many cases, are much lower than our junior women. Another talent heading of is Newcastle's Sophie Kleeman who will be playing in Division 2 with a team that last season started with 5 Australians a clear example of the state of play in all but the major Division 1 conferences in the States.

[Coachpete]

Can't understand why Tegan Burke is not in the sites of the Flames or the Capitals. Burke was clearly the best shooter in NSW juniors and way more of a threat than Lewis and Kennedy and I suggest she still is. Currently, for the third year in a row, the leading scorer in Youth League by a mile, She hit the big 3 to win the National U18s has a great work ethic and so on & so on.
The fact that she didn't go to the AIS seems to be held against her but lets face it, most students at the "Institute" fail to make the elite. Sure some head of to the USA and play well in the college system but the standards, in many cases, are much lower than our junior women. Another talent heading of is Newcastle's Sophie Kleeman who will be playing in Division 2 with a team that last season started with 5 Australians a clear example of the state of play in all but the major Division 1 conferences in the States.


I spoke to Teagan a few weeks back and she had an invitation from The Flames to come and train with them. However there were no guarantees or offers of assistance etc and when you're currently studying in Bathurst is does make it a little difficult. She's dead keen to give it a try and feels she has as much to offer as plenty that are currently getting a look in but also has her future to think about.

[Andy K]

La Fleur to get the call up?

I had almost forgot about Annie, What year did she retire?

[Coachpete]

I had almost forgot about Annie, What year did she retire?

It was a few years back. Memory aint what it used to be. She's been running around in WABL for Comets this season and looks as good as ever.

[truthordare]

Can't understand why Tegan Burke is not in the sites of the Flames or the Capitals. Burke was clearly the best shooter in NSW juniors and way more of a threat than Lewis and Kennedy and I suggest she still is. Currently, for the third year in a row, the leading scorer in Youth League by a mile, She hit the big 3 to win the National U18s has a great work ethic and so on & so on.
The fact that she didn't go to the AIS seems to be held against her but lets face it, most students at the "Institute" fail to make the elite. Sure some head of to the USA and play well in the college system but the standards, in many cases, are much lower than our junior women. Another talent heading of is Newcastle's Sophie Kleeman who will be playing in Division 2 with a team that last season started with 5 Australians a clear example of the state of play in all but the major Division 1 conferences in the States.

The fact that 2 quality programs in the Flames and Canberra have not "signed" her just yet must indicate that there has to be some sacrifice young Tegan will have to make to establish herself in the WNBL. Yes she was an outstanding junior but that does not equate to WNBL. Like CP said living in Bathurst is a huge stumbling block as 1. they do not have an ABA team that will allow coaches to see how she matches up against WNBL players and 2. her access to both is obviously difficult. As for her dominating YL, I'd like to think that anyone with serious WNBL aspirations would dominate with their dominant hand tied behind their back considering the mediocre standard of the competition. I'd think that if you put Kennedy or Lewis in Youth League, well... that would just be unfair on ANY opposition. I don't think there is anything in the clubs holding anything against her because she did not got ot the AIS- Sydney for one has Potocki, Shiels, Barnes who all missed out on the Tute.

As for Sophie Kleeman, she has fallen off the radar in performance considerably when you remember that apparently she was "inches" from getting an AIS scholarship a couple of years back. Seen her numerous times in ABA and she's almost unrecognisable in play. Hopefully going to college will get her spark back.

Still... given an opportunity and in the right circumstances, Burke could be ok and definitely be good to see her get an opportunity.

[Pointybits]

Yes I agree that Lewis and Kennedy would dominate in Youth League. My point was that Burke would be a much better scoring threat for the Flames, who played small last season, and suffered from a lack of consistancy outside when they went to the bench. I dont know how KD is going with her wish for an effective Centre which would offset to some extent the problems from outside,
I must apologise for Sophie as I was corrected and she is going to a Div1 College, Troy in Alabama. As for her missing out on the AIS, in fact I'm told that she elected to finish her HSC and refused the chance.
Yes her game, currently, is not at her best and I suggest fhat she is still recovering from D.Cook syndrome, caught 2 years back in the NSW U20s
This girl is an amazing talent and I'm sure everyone will wish her well in the USA

[Coachpete]

Sophie would be close to the nicest kid I ever worked with. From what I've seen this season I don't think she's being pushed (or pushing herself) but there's always glimpses of the great talent that's there. Hopefully the full on experience at a Div 1 school will push her back up to what she's capable of.

[truthordare]

Yes I agree that Lewis and Kennedy would dominate in Youth League. My point was that Burke would be a much better scoring threat for the Flames, who played small last season, and suffered from a lack of consistancy outside when they went to the bench. I dont know how KD is going with her wish for an effective Centre which would offset to some extent the problems from outside,
I must apologise for Sophie as I was corrected and she is going to a Div1 College, Troy in Alabama. As for her missing out on the AIS, in fact I'm told that she elected to finish her HSC and refused the chance.
Yes her game, currently, is not at her best and I suggest fhat she is still recovering from D.Cook syndrome, caught 2 years back in the NSW U20s
This girl is an amazing talent and I'm sure everyone will wish her well in the USA

As i said, would love to Tegan get an opportunity but am afraid I will stop short of suggesting that she could've helped the Flames last year- considering it's one thing to hit an open shot and another to be able to make one with a WNBL calibre defender marking you. Would much rather see her dominate an open-age competition where she will most likely demand a "good" defender and see what she does. Let me see her in ABA competition I suggest.

Did Tegan make any National junior teams?

As for Soph, re AIS selection, isn't not just like basketball that there is a difference in interpretation??? ;)

My mail came straight from the AIS. And yes, she is a very nice kid- I wish her the best at Troy- continuing that Aussie influence at the College.

[Showtime_Basketball]

... most students at the "Institute" fail to make the elite. Sure some head of to the USA and play well in the college system but the standards, in many cases, are much lower than our junior women.

I’m not sure where you are getting your facts from, but from the top 20 scorers in the WNBL last year thirteen spent some time at the Institute. Of the other seven, three were imports. Of all the players to play WNBL last year, around 40% have spent time at the AIS, and when you consider that several were unavailable as they were studying in the US, the number would probably be closer to 45% or 50% if they all played in Australia. With these numbers, I find it hard to state that “most fail to make the elite”.

As for US college standards being much lower than our junior women, there were five ex-AIS players (remember these are the best 14 or so junior women we have) playing college ball last year. Only three of them started for their teams – hardly seem like they are dominating – and only one made All-Conference First team, tells me that the NCAA Divsion One competition over in the US is pretty strong and definitely a tough league for the majority of Australian junior women to compete in.

Another talent heading of is Newcastle's Sophie Kleeman who will be playing in Division 2 with a team that last season started with 5 Australians a clear example of the state of play in all but the major Division 1 conferences in the States.

Sophie Kleeman is heading to Troy State University – an NCAA Division ONE institution in the Sunbelt conference. Despite having five Australians, Troy finished 4th in their conference, but failed to make it past the quarter finals of their conference tournaments and were ranked at 171 out of 341 Division one schools on the trusted RPI index. Hardly showing that Australians dominated the 13th strongest conference in NCAA Div One basketball.

The US is tough league for Australians to compete in, but I wouldn’t be stating that Australians dominate the US college as you did, Pointybits!!

[rooster]

So who do the Flames actually have signed for the coming season ??

[truthordare]

So who do the Flames actually have signed for the coming season ??

Not totally sure outside of Doccy who has signed with the team but if my seabl connections are correct last season's import rhonda price won't be back- playing in switzerland apparently. and in more interesting "rumouring" the signing of a new point guard from seabl.

its no secret around the waratah circles that bruins jameii lee samuels and sarah hately are training with the flames atm. would've also liked to add sarah davidson to that training list and lisa braunberger from norths, ex-fire girl who is playing well and has plenty of ability.

manou is also back and running around for the hills hornets. anyone know what her plans are? she'd be a handy pick-up for the flames if she doesn't go back to college- which i notice on Aussiehoopsamerica will be her junior year is he goes back to oregon.

[Casein]

manou is also back and running around for the hills hornets. anyone know what her plans are? she'd be a handy pick-up for the flames if she doesn't go back to college- which i notice on Aussiehoopsamerica will be her junior year is he goes back to oregon.

She isn't, going back to college that is, it was announced on Oregons website a couple of months ago..

[truthordare]

She isn't, going back to college that is, it was announced on Oregons website a couple of months ago..

then i would suggest the Flames will be all over her! could be another decent signing.

[rondo]

[QUOTE=truthordare;175520]its no secret around the waratah circles that bruins jameii lee samuels and sarah hately are training with the flames atm. would've also liked to add sarah davidson to that training list and lisa braunberger from norths, ex-fire girl who is playing well and has plenty of ability.
[QUOTE]

I think Davidson plays for the 'wrong' association to be even considered a chance to train with the Flames.

[Coachpete]

[QUOTE=truthordare;175520]its no secret around the waratah circles that bruins jameii lee samuels and sarah hately are training with the flames atm. would've also liked to add sarah davidson to that training list and lisa braunberger from norths, ex-fire girl who is playing well and has plenty of ability.
[QUOTE]

I think Davidson plays for the 'wrong' association to be even considered a chance to train with the Flames.


I heard from a very reliable source that the Flames had no interest in her because "She can't play D". Now I've watched her closely in Waratah this season and haven't really noticed the supposed huge deficiency on that end of the floor. Or it could be that I was just blinded by the 20 or more points she was dropping regularly.

From what I've seen she has WNBL written all over her

[rondo]

[QUOTE=imported_rondo;175703][QUOTE=truthordare;175520]its no secret around the waratah circles that bruins jameii lee samuels and sarah hately are training with the flames atm. would've also liked to add sarah davidson to that training list and lisa braunberger from norths, ex-fire girl who is playing well and has plenty of ability.



I heard from a very reliable source that the Flames had no interest in her because "She can't play D". Now I've watched her closely in Waratah this season and haven't really noticed the supposed huge deficiency on that end of the floor. Or it could be that I was just blinded by the 20 or more points she was dropping regularly.

From what I've seen she has WNBL written all over her

She can shoot the shit out of the ball!!!! Plus her defense isn't that bad, there are worse in the WNBL.

[truthordare]

Just heard that the Flames have signed Deanne Butler from the Bendigo Spirit. And that there is more to come- brace yourself Sydney fans- if this is true- it's a huge signing!

on Davidson- perhaps she's not keen on it all. I've been told that the reason she moved from Newcastle to Sydney was based solely on work.

[Hoopsta]

Just heard that the Flames have signed Deanne Butler from the Bendigo Spirit. And that there is more to come- brace yourself Sydney fans- if this is true- it's a huge signing!

Am I right in saying this 'huge' signing/s has played for the flames in the past? :rolleyes:

[truthordare]

Am I right in saying this 'huge' signing/s has played for the flames in the past? :rolleyes:

"huge" is the operative word... translate it in what context you like! :p

I'll refrain from saying it as its just a rumour at the moment and until this person tells me herself or I hear otherwise, you won't read a name from me.

But if she does return and sign, for mine its huge because she can flat-out play, is a proven performer and is an Opal squad member.

[Hoopsta]

Ok then, I think we're on the same page then truthordare ;)

[truthordare]

Indeed we might be... we just wait till it becomes official. :D

[Coachpete]

Add a NSW girl who we haven't really seen the best of for various reasons returning to the fold and it could be good times indeed

[guest]

Arrr! I hate when people tease. Why don't you just say it's Porter & Dombkins.

[Andy K]

someone please tell me who this big signing is, Please!

[Wheelsup]

I hope Sydney haven't gone and got those two back. They will loose all crediblilty as a program if they do. They finally got rid of one problem and now they're bringing another one back. Looks like the culture at Sydney will never change.

[BoardMonster]

So has Porter signed with the Flames yet or are they still trying to negotiate Domkins out of the deal?

[BoardMonster]

So yes to those asking it is definately Porter they are talking about.

[Andy K]

Signing Porter would be a huge pick-up for Sydney, but can someone tell me why Porter's numbers have been so bad in the seabl? Her shooting percentage has been terrible and her points average is really low for her.

[truthordare]

Did anyone see the article on ellie manou in the daily telegraph yesterday? guess she's a flame then.

[Keegan]

Link to Manou article is below in case anybody missed it.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ellie-manou-lights-fire-for-flames/story-e6frexni-1225756038564

Another rumour - any truth to the one about Batkovic-Brown returning?

[BoardMonster]

Another rumour - they've cut Lorenzini.

[rondo]

Another rumour - they've cut Lorenzini.

No Poto or Lorenzini??? Who's gonna bring the ball up?

[truthordare]

deanne butler is signed. good, solid point guard who can distribute the ball and play some defense too.

i also heard on the weekend that lorenzini has been cut along with samuels. hately wasn't cut but apparently can't commit.

[Andy K]

Yeah Butler should do fine in the point position, she wont have big numbers but can handle the ball well and that's all she will need to do this year.

[BoardMonster]

Butler is capable and they won't need scorers if they get both Smith and Porter but what if she gets injured? Hately is better than Lorenzini but if she can't commit whats the point? Lorenzini must be disapointed after waiting on the bench for so long.

I am very curious to see how they go without the assistant coach from last year. Apparently he was very well liked and he was the glue holding them together.

[truthordare]

There is no doubt that Sarah Hately could definitely play WNBL if she channelled her energies into it- how good we will never know. But I think it is a situation that she can't commit due to work rather than anything else- mind you the fire brigade is almost as hard to crack than a WNBL roster spot, or NBL for that matter! ;)

As for Lorenzini, it's always sad to not make the cut, but its the nature of the business I guess. I always thought for whatever limitations she had as a player, when ever I watched her play, she put in a tremendous shift of effort and hussle. I wonder what next for her.

As for the Assistant Coach- the Flames have Alava and Turton- which one is leaving and why?

Is there a clean-out of sorts happening there?

I heard along the grapevine that Ebzery is not returning to Rangers too-not sure how true it is, but surely the Flames would have a pitch at her.

[Coachpete]

Vlad is the coach leaving. As far as I'm aware he's moving to Perth and has a job with the Lynx and also the WA Metro U18 women's head coach spot.

[truthordare]

Vlad is the coach leaving. As far as I'm aware he's moving to Perth and has a job with the Lynx and also the WA Metro U18 women's head coach spot.

Wow that's an interesting move :confused: from the top of the tree to bordering on the trunk.

very interesting departure.

[BoardMonster]

I've heard that Ebzery is not even considering Sydney unfortunately. She is taking a year off. Seems strange when Sydney is so close to home. Makes you wonder what stinks here.

[truthordare]

In the old ozhoops I read plenty that were blaming and pointing fingers at Poto. Now she's gone and there's still that notion???

What the hell does stink there? We're not suggesting Dalton are we? She can't be that bad if maquee players like Smith and league veterans like Butler are keen to ship up and join the Flames.

Maybe Ebzery is serious about the year off rather, or maybe a tiff with an old AIS-team mate now playing Sydney??? :p

[falcon]

In the old ozhoops I read plenty that were blaming and pointing fingers at Poto. Now she's gone and there's still that notion???

What the hell does stink there? We're not suggesting Dalton are we? She can't be that bad if maquee players like Smith and league veterans like Butler are keen to ship up and join the Flames.

Maybe Ebzery is serious about the year off rather, or maybe a tiff with an old AIS-team mate now playing Sydney??? :p

Would be fairly confident on saying that Ebzery is serious about having some time off and that there isn't a club in the league for whom she would want to play this year. Definitely not a Sydney thing.

[Andy K]

The Flames have signed Ellie Manou, She is a big girl at 191cm & 90kg, she should be a handy pick up. It seems the Flames may have a championship worthy team again this year, especially if the signing of Porter is true, i still haven't read this for myself yet.

[Wheelsup]

[I
[I]
(What the hell does stink there? We're not suggesting Dalton are we? She can't be that bad if maquee players like Smith and league veterans like Butler are keen to ship up and join the Flames.)

***Dalton is the likely AC to the OPals. why wouldnt Porter, Domkins and Butler want to be at Sydney. Smith has already said that the reason she to came to sydney was to help her chances in making the Opal team.

same thing happened 5 or 6 yrs ago when dalton was the AC to Jane stirling when half the saphires squad (of which she was ac) came to sydney. Like it or not players are going to look for any edge possible to help them get to where they want to go.

I agree with Boardmonster about another PG. They will not make the top four if they dont have someone decent to back up Butler. At least they will be worth watching this yr. It was death by a thousand paper cuts sitting thru a game in 2008

[Andy K]

^^^Really, you don't think a team with Porter, Smith, Dombkins, Afeaki, Potocki, Manou & Butler will make the top 4. Even with only 1 quality point guard this teams experience & scoring power will make them top 4 for sure. Its going to be a great year in the WNBL.

[Coachpete]

^^^Really, you don't think a team with Porter, Smith, Dombkins, Afeaki, Potocki, Manou & Butler will make the top 4. Even with only 1 quality point guard this teams experience & scoring power will make them top 4 for sure. Its going to be a great year in the WNBL.

I agree. Barring injury I don't see a problem with finding five minutes a game from someone else at the point. That's all a backup PG will be needed for with this group

[Wheelsup]

porter and domkin havent signed yet guys. Butler isnt the gaurd she used to be. still doesn't have a great left hand. has been injury prone over the last couple of season. Think about last yr when Poto was injuried. Flames struggled big time.

[BoardMonster]

No disrespect to Butler but they need to have a back up PG. Who will they turn to if she is tired, fouls out or is injured? The opposition would be silly not to target her if she is the Flames only point guard.

[deep-trey]

porter and domkin havent signed yet guys. Butler isnt the gaurd she used to be. still doesn't have a great left hand. has been injury prone over the last couple of season. Think about last yr when Poto was injuried. Flames struggled big time.

Take it as gospel, Porter and Dombkins are signed and so is another HUGE OPAL if what I heard on the weekend is true! Keegan your info was right on the money and you posted it long ago. Whatever/whomever your sources, they're worth the coin.

I'll put it out there now, 2 team competition, Canberra and Sydney and the smoky- Bulleen if Cambage and Penaluna come along in leaps and bounds- although they are still very young.

Sydney fans get excited.

[Keegan]

re: backup point guard - come on Annie, one more season in the WNBL please. Pretend it's the 90s when the Flames actually won grand finals ;)

deep-trey, hope you're right! Admittedly, a bit apprehensive about Nat coming back, but there's no denying her talent.

[Andy K]

Take it as gospel, Porter and Dombkins are signed and so is another HUGE OPAL if what I heard on the weekend is true! Keegan your info was right on the money and you posted it long ago. Whatever/whomever your sources, they're worth the coin.

I'll put it out there now, 2 team competition, Canberra and Sydney and the smoky- Bulleen if Cambage and Penaluna come along in leaps and bounds- although they are still very young.

Sydney fans get excited.

OMG are you serious, Suzi is playing for Sydney. If this is true plus the signing of Porter & Dombkins, Sydney will be almost unbeatable. The gap between Sydney, Canberra & Adelaide to the rest of the teams will be massive. This season is shaping up to be one of the best and strongest seasons for many years.
Now lets just hope Dandy can secure Carly Wilson or Penny Taylor (in my dreams) & Logan can intice Jenny Whittle out of retirement and Kristy plays again in Bendigo. Did i just go to far? LOL.

[BoardMonster]

Sydney has done a great job recruiting this year and they definitely will be title favourites. But what will happen to there youngsters? Potocki will go from playing 40 mins to playing behind Smith and Herrick will have to wait in line behind Porter and Batkovic or will she be cut too? I would hate to see Potocki in particular miss out because she finally got her chance last year.

[deep-trey]

Outstanding job by the Flames and in some respects puts rest to the speculators out there about the culture of the the Flames and coach Karen Dalton- not so much on the recent ozhoops but the old one. 3 Opals squad members, two of which are past Olympians- impressive bit of recruiting.

Picture this:

Butler
Smith
Afeaki
Porter
Batkovic

Now that is scary. Subs with Dombkins, Potocki and the recent Waratah cover-girl and MVP Manou! SCARY!! Plenty to look forward for Flames fans.

[rondo]

With Davidson being selected in the Waratah Allstar 5 I wonder if the Flames will take note

[Keegan]

The Flames have updated their roster (in a botched way). Batkovic-Brown is not there (yet?), but everybody else mentioned in this thread is.

http://www.wnbl.com.au/index.php?id=172

[Andy K]

The Flames have updated their roster (in a botched way). Batkovic-Brown is not there (yet?), but everybody else mentioned in this thread is.

http://www.wnbl.com.au/index.php?id=172

Even without Suzi, this roster looks very good. Flames fans must be happy and have lots to look forward to this year. Some pretty good young players which is good for the future aswell.

[Keegan]

Interestingly enough, Batkovic-Brown shows up here

http://www.wnbl.com.au/index.php?id=170

(Dear WNBL, please sort out your technical crap)

[Coachpete]

Interesting to see Lono taking Vlad's vacant spot on the coaching staff.

Looks like the backup PG spot minutes will be shared between Jaimee and Rach Watman. Kristen Barnes is also going to be very handy playing some minutes here and there. Very very strong looking group. Going to be some strong competition to even get in the 12 each week and players like Rach Herrick and Molly Lewis could be under a bit of pressure judging by Waratah form.

[truthordare]

yeah that definetely needs a bit of an upgrade with the spelling mistakes and what not. That is a talented team there and that's with two eva afeaki's on the roster!

Watman at the point seems a logical idea and it should be interesting to see Kennedy there. She'd be a handy size for a point guard.

As for Davidson, I'd say no chance in that line-up. Good player though.

Batkovic v Cambage. The past/present v the future! Can't wait to see that in action.

[rooster]

Pitty both the links to the Flames team can't spell Ellies' last name correctly !!!!! Its Manou NOT Malou !!!!

[MAIN_MAN]

..so, no Molly Lewis?

[Coachpete]

..so, no Molly Lewis?

Which link are you looking at? Her name is on the list at both the ones mentioned here.

[rondo]

..so, no Molly Lewis?

After her Waratah form she is going to have have a fight on her hands for her spot.

[Adam]

With Suzi added, the squad now comprises 14 players. Who would you make the 13th and 14th players who train with the team but don't play unless a player is injured?

[Keegan]

Who would you make the 13th and 14th players who train with the team but don't play unless a player is injured?

Kiera Shiels and Molly Lewis.

[truthordare]

I speculate that if all are healthy and available a traveling cohort of the following:

1.Butler
2. Afeaki
3. Porter
4. BAtkovic
5. Smith
6. Manou
7. Potocki
8. Dombkins
9. Watman (as the back-up PG)

with the other spot being specific needs of the team depending on the opposition.

Leaving

10. Lewis
11. Herrick
12. Shiels
13. Kennedy
14. Barnes

Luxury of riches!

As for the 2 sitting at home, Barnes would have to be one as she is the most inexperienced out of the lot. The other, who knows what criteria they use.

[rondo]

I speculate that if all are healthy and available a traveling cohort of the following:

1.Butler
2. Afeaki
3. Porter
4. BAtkovic
5. Smith
6. Manou
7. Potocki
8. Dombkins
9. Watman (as the back-up PG)

with the other spot being specific needs of the team depending on the opposition.

Leaving

10. Lewis
11. Herrick
12. Shiels
13. Kennedy
14. Barnes

Luxury of riches!

As for the 2 sitting at home, Barnes would have to be one as she is the most inexperienced out of the lot. The other, who knows what criteria they use.

The only change I would make is Kennedy in watman out. Kennedy would be a nice variation to throw in now and then, not disrespect to Watman I think she is a great player I just think Kennedy would change it up a little.

[deep-trey]

hmmm... I think Lewis would make the ten, despite her lackluster showing at ABA.

[truthordare]

Lewis may just get a chance, as a back-up to the back-up PG! I noticed she brought the ball up a few times with the Hills team this year- Bankstown and Manly in the last rounds.

With the new acquisitions, I worry about the minutes Lewis, Herrick, Shiels, Kennedy and Manou will play but especially Herrick and Shiels who now have Porter, Batkovic and Manou ahead of them I'd imagine. In saying that, the Caps won the comp last year with the deepest team in history. Sydney will take that honour if they manage to win this year.

[baller42]

i am looking forward to this season ahead.. sydney have one hell of a team coming together and look like they will be hard to beat.lets hope they can come up with the goods and not fall at the end like in previous years!

will be a good experience for the juniours.. ie.. kennedy lewis shiels barnes to learn from some experienced players... i would think potocki's minutes would also dramatically drop/be one of the rotation. both her and lewis only got their oppourtunities last year because there wasnt really anyone else..in saying this they both have big futures.. :)

when do all the stars arrive here? it would have to be soon with the season creeping up!

[rondo]

i would think potocki's minutes would also dramatically drop/be one of the rotation. both her and lewis only got their oppourtunities last year because there wasnt really anyone else..in saying this they both have big futures.. :)



If I was Potocki I would be concerned about my minutes next season

[Coachpete]

If I was Potocki I would be concerned about my minutes next season


Hopefully she'll take it as a challenge. She was always an undersized 4/5 through juniors. There would certainly appear to be more hope of minutes at the 3 or even the 2 for this season so if she improves the things she needs to improve she could find some there

[deep-trey]

With a doubt Potocki's minutes will go down and yeah i would agree that last year was a standout for her in a team that was let down by the performance of the imports somewhat and a team lacking depth.

She took her opportunity and played well but would also have to say that it may not be such a bad thing for her to slot back in to smaller minute role as she would've been as predictable as daylight on a clear day with her skill set this year on opposition scouting notes. Here's hoping that she made some adjustments in the off-season. At the very least, she'll get time to hone and polish off her game with KD and crew.

Didn't see much of her during waratah where she was playing for manly- they're just too far out!

[Dr Damage]

Hopefully she'll take it as a challenge. She was always an undersized 4/5 through juniors. There would certainly appear to be more hope of minutes at the 3 or even the 2 for this season so if she improves the things she needs to improve she could find some there


There is no way Potocki can guard a 2 /3 man.

She will be relagated to the bench for a while, but all is not lost as she can play on a big.

The price she needs tompay to play a role on a championship team imho

[rooster]

How strong do the Flames look now with "batgirl" return (if they didn't look strong befor !!)
Tho they have 14 players listed on their roster I can see a few now playing much this year !!

[holland]

But will Karen be able to keep the Team Harmony because she hasn’t in the past. So what will be different about this year? Great Players but hard work.

[armchair_coach]

If karen doesnt win this season she needs to give it away :dance:

[Rachel]

LOL! poor coach dalts!!!
i would hope she wouldn't give it away should the flames not win ;) -- as while noting the jovial nature of your post ;) i certainly won't be portioning any queries in that direction as to why the players can't get it done on the big day! (thinking back to previous years and the GF qtr lapses and game overs, and things!) go flames! looking forward to a big year! :)

[Rachel]

But will Karen be able to keep the Team Harmony because she hasn’t in the past. So what will be different about this year? Great Players but hard work.

Good points :) I am ~hoping~ the presence of Suzy Batkovic will be *quite* beneficial to the harmony!

[holland]

Last Year Karen told us ALL she was developing her young players:So where are they now???:confused: She couldn't develop them so she has to buy them, by the looks of things :cool:

[truthordare]

ummm... shiels, lewis, kennedy, barnes, watman, potocki... i'd say they are all still there.

sydney have lost pluimer, price, poto, martin, and she's replaced them with Porter, Batkovic, Smith, Butler and Manou... martin opted to return home and therefore hard to develop someone who wants out.

so what's your point?:p

truth be told... there are a few teams that would be worth there cash in recruiting the gun players.

[holland]

:confused:Porter, Batkovic, Smith, Butler and Manou, and what about Dombkin are new. Then Afeaki and Herick still there with the young ones of shiels, lewis, kennedy, barnes, watman, potocki..So when will these youngs one going get court time and will they have another season of Bench warming.:confused: Lewis and Potocki would start last year will they be happy with their NEW spots of less time? If karen was suppost to Develop the players last year how come Herick is still not getting time after how many years?:twisted:

[baller42]

i guess they will get their chance when dalton shows some confidence in them.. year after year she signs more experienced players, with only last year a minor exception bringing in 2 imports in the 4/5 spot making way for potocki and lewis..
i do recall herrick being a regular starter 2 seasons ago and was good in her minutes on court..but got caught in price and pluimers shadows last year..

im looking forward to the season..with sydney recruiting well.. looks like a promising year!

[baller42]

seattle out now...this should mean batkovic-brown will be back for start of sydneys season!

[Andy K]

seattle out now...this should mean batkovic-brown will be back for start of sydneys season!


Yeah, and she is actually bringing some form to Sydney, She played her most minutes all season during the playoffs and played pretty good. I wonder if the coach regrets not playing her more during the regular season. Anyway looking very forward to watching her play in Australia.