Sport
5 October, 2023
Blazers out for retribution
Both Maryborough Blazers teams will have the Bendigo Braves firmly in their sights when their season tips off tomorrow. For the men’s team, there’s a sense of retribution that they’ll be seeking, given that the team virtually missed the finals...
Both Maryborough Blazers teams will have the Bendigo Braves firmly in their sights when their season tips off tomorrow.
For the men’s team, there’s a sense of retribution that they’ll be seeking, given that the team virtually missed the finals by losing 74-71 in round eight of last season against the Braves, which meant that they missed out on head-to-head records.
For the women’s team, in the meantime, it was a first-round finals exit which saw the Blazers bow out to the Braves by 14 points as the latter completed an undefeated season — a precursor of what was to come in the NBL1 competition when the Braves also won 25 consecutive games to take the women’s national crown.
In any case, much has changed for both the men’s and the women’s teams in between last season’s heartbreaking finish and this season.
For the men’s team, much of the core group has remained, notably coach Brady Neill, Darcy Bond, Lachlan Drummond, Bailey Jacobs and Kynan Carter.
Zac Dunmore will take over the point guard role that is vacated by Rhys Brown, and the young Ballarat NBL1 talent will have a point to prove, and looks set to be the main ball-handler this season.
Alongside him, Carly Baptiste and Lochlan Ollering are also vital inclusions, while there are also a number of younger players who will be developed throughout the season.
A fast start will be required from the men’s team, given they play two double-headers in rounds two and three.
Similarly, the women’s team will also need a fast start, given their impending double-header in round two.
Pleasingly for Faith McKenzie and her charges, it appears the biggest issue which plagued the team in a season where they did not defend their 2021/22 championship looks set to be cleared, with many more players set to be available.
Again, much of the nucleus has been kept, with notable players such as Maddy Egan, Elisa Pica, Charlotte Cain, Emma Pedretti and Keisha Tonzing listed again this season.
However, they are looking to gain a lot more depth, with the likes of Maggie Tranter set to play again, as well as Keely Hare, who played just two games last season, while McKenzie will slot straight in to the lineup.
The season will start at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre from 5 pm tomorrow night, with the women’s team tipping off, followed by the men’s team at 7 pm.