Gone are stars Ally Wilson, Tayla Roberts and – for now, at least – Mikaela Ruef, but Launceston coach Ben Rush is far from adhering to his name for revamping a roster ready for opening night.
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The Tornadoes travel to Hobart on Saturday to open against the Chargers that is a sure way for Rush’s side to stir up intrastate passion while igniting early-season focus.
“There’s plenty of excitement for the first game – there’s plenty of new changes for both clubs,” Rush said
“New things happening at the Chargers, new players for us and everyone wants to get on court to play basketball.
“Everyone is motivated and keen, but the fact it is just a rival, just adds to that excitement for the first game.”
But a patient Rush is trying to curb ambitions to match what happens on the floor.
Last year’s south conference finalist were arguably the second best SEABL side, exiting one win off from playing for the championship.
The club has since acquired Wilson’s WNBL teammate Lauren Nicholson via the Sydney Uni Flames, but even that cover in the back court has doused stern predictions under a new coach.
“There is a lot of change in the team, so I don’t really have particular expectations of the team right now other than go out and compete,” Rush said. “The club has set a high bar the last couple of years with results.
“We want to make the playoffs. This week is the first step of that.”
The real loss in preseason has been under the boards, as the recent departure of Reuf to a WNBA training camp contract with Los Angeles set to prove damaging.
The Torns have yet to find her successor, while Rush added he is “definitely not looking at one player to come up to replace Mikaela”.
“People get opportunities and that’s what it’s about for the next player up,” he said.
“We don’t have replacement for Mikela at this stage; that’s life and that’s how it is right now.”
Ex-Charger Ellie Collins will help fill that void at both ends, while Olivia Chugg has an opportunity to cement a place in the front court.
Rush is not at all reticent in admitting it’s a new challenge for the Torns to overcome.
“We are really a brand new team and there is girls in the group that do know each other, but just haven’t played together before,” he said.
“It’s going to be a process of learning about each other and trial by fire, so to speak – you go out there, you play and you learn.
“We’re probably not going to rip out a 10-game winning streak to start the season.
“We’ll play and learn, and grow as a group, each day, each practice, each week to get better and being more competitive.”
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
