The Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames 2012/13 WNBL season is just days away and excitement hit fever pitch on Wednesday evening at their annual Season Launch.
Flames sponsors eagerly gathered at Sydney City Toyota in Glebe (a sponsor of the Flames) to meet new and returning players and to hear their thoughts on the upcoming season.
Flames captain and 174 game veteran Alicia Poto spoke about the excitement that has built up amongst the players during a very productive pre season and offered her opinion on the teams to beat this season.
“It’s been a really good pre season, the girls have worked really hard, and there’s a lot of competition in a lot of spots which I think brings out the best in our team,” said Poto.
“I am super excited about being out there on Saturday and taking on Canberra.
I believe that Dandenong are the team to beat this year as they have kept the core of their roster together. Obviously Adelaide are very talented as well.”
Flames Head Coach Karen Dalton was equally as excited as her players, but was also aware of how competitive the WNBL would be this season, saying “The competition was so even down in Melbourne (during the WNBL pre season tournament where the Flames won one of their three games) that I don’t think that there are any easy wins in the competition.”
“It’s going to be tough and I think it’s fairer this season with each team playing each other three times throughout the season. We really need to produce each and every game, because making the top 4 is a priority for us.
I think we have had a really good preparation and we learnt a lot in Melbourne. We are certainly playing a different style of game to what we have played in the past and it’s a style I like.”
Earlier in the evening Sydney City Toyota’s Glebe Managing Director Tony Pepper and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) President Bruce Ross spoke about how proud they were to be involved with the Flames program.
“2012 marks the 10th anniversary of SUSF’s involvement with the Flames,” said Ross of SUSF’s ownership of the Flames.
“There is no better program for SUSF to be a part of than the Flames, who are original members of the WNBL. We are extremely proud of the Flames, and they reflect our commitment as an organisation to women’s sport.”
Tickets to the Flames first home game of the WNBL season can be bought on game night on Saturday October 6 from 6pm at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre.
It will be a cracking game and an exciting 2012/13 WNBL season so get up out of your seat and help ‘Light up the Flames’.
You can also support the Flames on Twitter @SydUniFlames or Facebook Sydney Uni Flames WNBL.
Earlier in the day Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) will be holding its annual free Family Open Day, also staged at the Sports & Aquatic Centre. All spectators who attend the Family Open Day and stay to watch the Flames will be able to purchase special half price Flames tickets for just $5 on the night.
For more information on the free SUSF Family Open Day, please click here.
