Bendigo Spirit coach Tracy York couldn't be more ready for tip-off on Saturday night at the Bendigo Stadium.
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After York was announced as the team's coach - replacing Simon Pritchard - earlier in the year in February, she has been hard at work selecting the best team possible.
The team went undefeated in a series of pre-season games which included clashes with a representative team from China, Southside Flyers and the Melbourne Boomers, who they will take on tonight for their season-opener.
York said regardless of the pre-season, the team expected a challenge come game time.
"Melbourne will be a super tough team," York said.
"They will bring a lot of their playing group back with some changes and new additions.
"They have Australian Opals, great imports that all know how to play and win, in addition to being very well coached."
Boomers co-captain Cayla George said her team was ready for a "highly anticipated re-match.
"Here in Melbourne we're creating a really great culture. I'm looking forward to getting out and showcasing what we've been working really hard to bring to the court." George said to the WNBL.
Regardless of the winner on Saturday night, there will be another re-match in the not too distant future of round two with the Spirit on the road to Melbourne to play the Boomers.
York said for the team to continue developing the key was for the players to stay on the same path they were currently on.
"We need to play our own style and we will develop as the season goes along," York said.
"There might be a bit more pressure because it's the opening game.
"But we shouldn't change from the way we played during pre-season."
York said it was the same scenario in regards to how she would approach her role as coach.
"It's just the same for me, I won't change the way I substitute players or how I approach the game.
"The key is to keep it consistent for the girls and continue playing how we've been training."
- Spirit v Boomers, tip-off Saturday night at the Bendigo Stadium, 7pm.
READ MORE: Meet the 2019-20 WNBL Bendigo Spirit team
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