SPIRIT SIGNINGS SO FAR:
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- Spirit signs Canadian international Jamie Scott
- Bendigo Spirit adds Tomlinson to WNBL roster for 2018-19 season
- New lease of life for Natalie Hurst
- Payne opts to stay with Bendigo Spirit
- Import recovers from near-death experience to sign with Spirit
- Spirit secure sweet-shooting guard
- Third Spirit season for Kara Tessari
- Emerging star Wehrung signs with Spirit
HOMEGROWN centre Maddi Wild will spend a second WNBL season with Bendigo Spirit.
In a show of faith from the Spirit hierarchy, Wild has been re-signed for a further season to back-up new import centre Becca Tobin and forward Louella Tomlinson.
The 23-year-old is coming off her best SEABL season to date, averaging nearly six points and six rebounds per game with the undefeated Bendigo Braves women.
Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said Wild’s performances against a host of national and international-calibre players had earned her another season in the top league.
“Maddi was thrown in the deep end after the injury to Kelsey Griffin last season and responded well to the challenges of the WNBL,” he said.
“On the back of that WNBL season, she had an incredible start to the SEABL season earning a starting spot with the Braves.
“Maddi will provide back up for our frontline players and I’m keen to have her pressure for game time this season.”
Pritchard noted strong improvements in Wild’s all-round game this SEABL season for the Braves women, who begin their finals campaign this Saturday night against Launceston Tornadoes at Bendigo Stadium.
“Her rebounding has improved, and her defence has become much more consistent throughout the season,” he said.
“Fans can really expect that to continue through the pre-season and into our early rounds of the WNBL season.
“We welcome her back to the Spirit and it’s great to have home-grown talent on show in Bendigo.”
Wild said she was excited to be back.
“Simon was a great coach and mentor last year,” she said.
(Maddi's) rebounding has improved, and her defence has become much more consistent throughout the season.
- Simon Pritchard
“He understands me as a player and knows how to push and develop me.
“I’m looking forward to continue growing my game especially with some new post players this year.”
Wild is the third player from last season’s roster signed by the Spirit following on from season 2017-18 MVP Nadeen Payne and young guard Kara Tessari.
Full Spirit roster: Natalie Hurst, Cassidy McLean, Nadeen Payne, Jamie Scott (import), Kara Tessari, Becca Tobin (import), Louella Tomlinson, Abbey Wehrung, Marena Whittle, Maddi Wild.
