Not a visitor to Tasmanian shores would be down more than Keely Froling is over the outbreak of coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state's tight controls on arrivals of isolation of 14 days would not be such a problem had the leading Launceston Tornadoes signing had some sort of an inkling about the opening NBL1 season tipoff.
"I am super excited to get down there," Froling said.
"I have been in Canberra for four years am excited for a bit of a change of scenery because I love Tassie.
"The club also seems like a really great place and all the people there seem awesome.
"So I'm just excited to get there to start playing again."
Froling is hardly a stranger to Tasmania after dad Shane had a brief stint at the Hobart Tassie Devils before brother Harry had one shorter at the ill-fated Southern Huskies.
That and time against the Tornadoes was enough to tempt the two-time Capitals WNBL championship talent to play in Launceston on the back of the club involvement with the community.
The idea of playing a role model is also not unfamiliar.
COVID AFFAIRS: Targa Tasmania called off
But the idea of playing in empty stadiums during the current COVID-19 pandemic for Froling would not sit well.
"Such a big part of our game are fans and the people that support us," she said.
"We're so lucky that I know here in Canberra that we have fans that support us so well and I know that is the same there in Launceston.
"I've played a few games in Launceston before against Launceston and I've always been so impressed with how many fans they get to games.
"I have already had people message me over Facebook, Twitter and that, saying they are excited to have me there.
"It's really nice to have that community feel to play for."
The uncertainty past May 15 - the proposed start to the season - has Froling chomping at the bit to join the team.
The 24-year-old remains convinced the Torns will have a competitive side ready.
"You look at how successful they have been over the years and even the players they have had and what they have gone on to do," she said.
"I know it will be a really good environment there for me to get better personally.
"We've already got a team group chat where everyone is working out already and I am really excited to get there and see everyone's work ethic."
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
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.
