THE Albury-Wodonga Lady Bandits have received a huge boost ahead of their SEABL season opener against Bendigo tonight with former US import Rachel Maenpaa to suit up as a naturalised player.
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It is understood a recent proposed rule change to see permanent residents considered as non-import players was knocked back by the SEABL.
But in an unprecedented move, the Border club applied for special consideration to be given, considering the dire results of the team in the past five years.
As a result, the Lady Bandits have been granted permission for Maenpaa to play — with the special exemption to be reviewed on a year-by-year basis.
In two seasons derailed by back and hand injuries, the athletic Wisconsin native averaged 12.7 points, six rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for Albury-Wodonga.
Lady Bandits coach Michael Brookens was understandably pleased to have a player of Maenpaa’s calibre on board, but cautioned against expecting instant results.
“It definitely makes us deeper,” Brookens said.
“Just with her experience, she’ll help keep us in games, give the starters some rest.
“Given her injury history, we’ll manage her carefully, she’ll play roughly 15 minutes per game.
“If she stays healthy and works her way into the starting line-up, great; but my expectations are for her to come off the bench and see how she goes.”
The Border club plays host to the Lady Braves tonight at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and as first-up tests go, they don’t get much bigger.
Bendigo features what is probably the best backcourt rotation in the league, with WNBL guards Kelly Wilson, Tessa Lavey and Kerryn Harrington all capable of wreaking havoc.
“It will be a good style game for us to open with,” Brookens said.
“It’s no secret they’ve got the best guard combo in the league with Tessa Lavey and Kelly Wilson.
“Add Kerryn Harrington into the mix and it’s a really potent backcourt.
“For me, an acceptable result will be giving ourselves a chance to win the game.
“I expect us to establish a home court advantage with some high energy.”
Albury-Wodonga then has the tough task of backing up tomorrow for a road clash against the high-powered Nunawading Spectres.
“Nuna will definitely be a tough ask,” Brookens said.
“They did a great job of adding WNBL talent and it will be a real test to match that.”
