By Hayley Wildes
The Dandenong Rangers will be looking to bounce back in season 2018/19 of the WNBL and that path has been set out with the release of the fixture last week.
After finishing the 2017/18 season with a disappointing record of 7-14, the Rangers have built a team that appears well-placed to make plenty of noise this season.
The Rangers will tip-off their season on the road; facing the Fire in Townsville on Sunday October 14, before returning to Dandenong for their home-opener against Sydney Uni on Friday October 19 from 6:30pm.
Dandenong has a roster boasting plenty of stars, including the likes of Tessa Lavey, Rachel Jarry, Bec Cole, Sara Blicavs, Carley Mijovic and Tayla Roberts.
Also joining them will be guard Amelia Todhunter. Todhunter re-signed with the Rangers last week for what will be her 12th season in the WNBL and seventh with Dandenong.
Last season, Todhunter averaged 5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 assists per game.
The Rangers new-found depth will be tested greatly over a gruelling 10-day period to end 2018. Dandenong has three road games – in Canberra (December 21), Melbourne (December 23) and Perth (December 28) – before returning home to take on the Canberra Capitals on December 30.
With just one rest day, which will include the flight back from Perth, before taking facing Canberra it will be vital that every single player stands up and plays their role over that tough period.
Highlights of the schedule include two homes games against the cross-town rival Melbourne Boomers. The Rangers will welcome the Boomers to Dandenong Stadium on Saturday November 3 from 3pm and in their final regular season game on Saturday January 19 from 6:30pm.
On Sunday January 13, the Rangers will face the reigning Champions, Townsville Fire at Dandenong Stadium in what is sure to be a cracking contest.
With 21 regular season games and a new and improved roster, there is plenty to look forward to for Rangers fans in season 2018/19.
