It's been 644 days between home games for the Launceston Tornadoes and the NBL1 South outfit are champing at the bit to return to Elphin Sports Centre.
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The Tornadoes take on the Ballarat Rush to break their home-court drought on Saturday, fresh off their dominant 91-61 victory over fellow Tasmanians, the Hobart Chargers.
"Obviously it was a really good hit out for us first game [and] to get a win was even better," coach Sarah Veale said.
"It certainly helped us focus on the areas we need to focus on for this week as well so it was a great first game.
"The team were pretty inspirational really ... we've had a good pre-season but you just never know what happens on gameday in the pressure cooker of a game but they were led so well by Keely [Froling] and they all played for each other."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Canberra Capitals WNBL star Froling was superb in the side's win over the Chargers, dropping 42 points and collecting 22 rebounds - making the association's highlight reel in the process.
But this weekend the 25-year-old will be matched by a player who knows her more than most, with twin sister Alicia playing for the Rush - something that Veale predicted will be "great to watch".
The Rush match-up also traditionally honours the memory of Madeleine Howard, a former Torn who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2004.
Unveiled as Tornadoes coach in September 2019, following in the footsteps of Derrick Washington, Veale is yet to coach an NBL1 game at Elphin, making this one even more special.
Their opponents play in Hobart the night before, making for an interesting double-header against the Tasmanian teams, which Veale believes could go either way.
"I think sometimes teams, particularly when they travel, it can take them a while to get going so sometimes that first game can be an advantage to them.
"Obviously we are hoping they drive up the highway a bit battered and bruised and obviously we will be watching that game so that helps us."
Tickets for the 6.30pm game are almost sold out.
Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
