Slammers women opener: Round one win the key

Printsync South West Slammers women’s coach Nathan Grover believes a round one SBL victory over the East Perth Eagles on Saturday night at the Eaton Recreation Centre may bode well for a winning season and subsequent finals appearance.

“This is very much a confidence-based group of girls,” he said. “I know the past couple of years we have gone 0-4 before getting our first win on the board.

“So getting a win first up would be massive for the team.

“We have a bye the week after, which will give us a little bit more time to work on things even further.”

Grover was impressed with how Ebony Bilcich and Cian Parsons applied themselves during the Bunbury Basketball Association A-Women grand final for Tornadoes Black, with Bilcich recognised following the match as the association’s women’s MVP for 2018-19.

“They are probably the two players I can rely on more than anyone to go out, work hard and fight it out every game,” he said.

“If it is for five minutes or 15 to 20 minutes – I know those two will give their absolute all.

“It’s pretty heartening to know that you have girls in the squad and coming off the bench, giving 110 per cent straight away.”

Four of Grover’s squad – Bilcich, Parsons, Kate Fielding and Adele East – received BBA A-Women’s All Star selections and the Slammers boss feels this good form could carry over into the opening few games.

“To have four as All-Stars is pretty amazing,” he said. “I gotta say, I’m pretty proud of Ebony as well because it will do the world of good for her confidence.”

The Eagles endured a tough season in 2018, finishing 0-22 on the bottom of the ladder – however they performed well at the 2019 SBL Pre-Season Blitz, winning two games from three outings.