THEY played in two championships together a Bendigo Spirit teammates, but come Saturday Kelly Wilson and Maddie Garrick they will be on opposing sides in the 2017-18 WNBL grand final series.
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The pair is well accustomed to going head-to-head, with Garrick joining Melbourne Boomers for the 2015-16 season and Wilson departing for Townsville Fire a season later.
A WNBL season full of intrigue has tossed up a tantalising and, in some circles, surprising grand final match-up.
Townsville, which finished the regular season in third-place, disposed of reigning champions and second-placed Sydney Uni Flames in two-straight game, while the fourth-placed Boomers upset top side Perth Lynx with a 2-0 clean-sweep.
For Wilson, who notched her 100th game (in two stints) for the Fire in Saturday night’s win in Sydney, it will be her fourth grand final appearance.
It will be Garrick’s fourth also after she and Wilson won championships with the Spirit in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and played in the club’s losing grand final against Townsville in 2014-15.
Their match-up won’t be the only one of fascination, with two of the best basketballers has ever produced Liz Cambage (Boomers) and Suzy Batkovic set to go head-to-head.
Head of the WNBL believed it would be one of the most hotly contested grand finals series in years.
“It will be the perfect opportunity for basketball fans to witness some of the world’s best female athletes in action,” she said.
“I’m extremely proud of what our players and clubs have all achieved throughout this season.”
Townsville will host Saturday night’s game one, with game two in Melbourne on Thursday week.
Garrick was one of the stars of the Boomers’ game two win over Perth and finished with 18 points and six rebounds.
If required, game three will be in Townsville on Sunday, January 21.