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BENDIGO-based dual WNBL championship player Kelly Wilson will spend another season with the Townsville Fire.
Wilson, who is spending the winter playing BFNL netball with Golden Square, put pen to paper with the star-studded Fire last week.
The one-time Australian Opals point guard is coming off an injury-plagued 2016-17 season, her first back in Townsville after eight seasons with the Bendigo Spirit, where she won back-to-back titles in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
All things being equal, Wilson will become just the ninth player in WNBL history to pass the 350 game mark next season.
Fire coach Claudia Brassard had no hesitation in labelling Wilson as one of the "most experienced and proven point guards" in the WNBL.
“It was a tough year for her last season, but having enjoyed a freshen up, she’s feeling great and we can’t wait to see her leading our team again," she said.
“She’s such a great leader on the floor and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Fire.”
Wilson played 16 of a possible 26 games for the Fire last season after breaking her foot early in the team'scampaign.
The Fire is again putting together a formidable squad, headed by five time league most valuable player Suzy Batkovic and championship winners Cayla George, Mia Murray, Micaela Cocks and Darcee Garbin.
Wilson said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Townsville, for what will be a shorter than normal WNBL season, with the competition winding up in January.
“After missing a large chunk of last season due to injury I am extremely motivated to return for the 2017/18 season," she said.
"The Fire organisation, the fans and my teammates couldn’t have been more supportive and I am very grateful that I will be re-joining the Fire family.
“I look forward to working with my teammates and coaching staff in the up-coming season, with the obvious aim of improving our efforts from last season.”
Wilson has bypassed the 2017 SEABL season to play netball, but has continued to train on occasions with the Bendigo Lady Braves.