Launceston Tornadoes captain Lauren Mansfield is set to return just in time to face former teammate Tayla Roberts in Saturday night’s home blockbuster with Dandenong Rangers.
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The club announced that Mansfield is finally over an ankle injury that has kept the 28-year-old out for six games.
“Everybody is very excited Mansfield should be back this weekend and she’s excited herself,” coach Derrick Washington said.
“It’s going to bring a good attribute to our team to bring another dynamic player, a more experienced player, especially against Dandenong, which is going to be tough.”
Mansfield has been sidelined after finding that bone bruising on a sprained ankle has prolonged her time out.
For the first time in his 15 Tornadoes games in charge, the first-year coach will have a full roster available.
The point guard has only played four times this year.
But Washington admitted Mansfield may play limited minutes after Ally Wilson has filled the void by directing play in her captain’s absence.
“The beauty of our team is there is no specific role that people play – any player can play any position,” he said.
“We’re going to take it during the game and see how she feels going into the game and also how she is playing.
“We’re going to make sure we don’t push it hard, so she doesn’t hurt the ankle again.”
Washington is confident Mansfield’s Australian place in a four-nation tournament next month is not at risk.
The Opals have continued to monitor the injury.
“It’s always a whole club and Opals effort – we have all spoken with each other and we just want the best for Mansfield,” Washington said.
The return coincides with the first game in Launceston for Roberts since the ex-Torn crossed over to Dandenong.
Roberts drove the Rangers to a 72-61 win at Dandenong in April in the clubs’ last meeting, scoring 21 points and pulling in 21 rebounds.
“She’s a good player down low, she’s a big who can score, play defence, which is what she did last time to us,” Washington said of Roberts.