24 May All About the Grind
Of all the work Ella Sabljak has put in to prepare the Gold Coast Rollers for their debut WNWBL season, it’s a coffee break that might have the biggest impact on the team’s chances this year.
It was over a brew that Sabljak managed to convince Annabelle Lindsay to join the team in their inaugural season.
“She approached me in January after shouting me a coffee, she knows my weakness!” said Lindsay.
“I love the work Ella is doing in the Gold Coast to provide more opportunities for women in Queensland to play wheelchair basketball for years to come. I wanted to help get this new team into the league, so it was an easy yes when Ella asked me to join.”
“I was unsure what I wanted to do this season but loved the idea of getting to be coached by one of my closest friends and supporting the team and the program that she was building.”
It’s a significant acquisition both on and off the court. Lindsay is coming off of an enormous 2024 which saw her named Defensive Player of the Year and put in a dominant performance in the Gold Medal game where she scored 41 points and 13 rebounds to help Sydney Uni win their 11th championship.
While she’ll give the Rollers a significant target to go to throughout the season, Lindsay says it’s her new teammates who will be the drawcard.
“I’m always excited anytime I get to play with the legendary Bridie Kean. I’m also keen to play with retired Glider, Melanie Thompson for the first time.”
Lindsay is yet to link up with her new teammates and won’t join them until Round 2 but is excited to work with Queensland’s emerging crop of female players.
“I think this was a big reason for Ella wanting me to join the new team. There’s a lot of young up and comers in the league who I will look to mentor and support both on and off the court.”
“As a new team in the league, we are only going to get better with every game we play with each other. I definitely think we are medal contenders this year and shouldn’t be underestimated.”
The Rollers tip off their campaign with three weekends at home beginning with Round 1 against 2024 grand finalists Perth Wheelcats.
ROUND 1 (30 May – 1 June)
Gold Coast Rollers vs Perth Wheelcats
Saturday 10am
Saturday 7pm (6pm 3X3)
Sunday 10am (9am 3X3)
(CIS) Carrara Indoor Sports, QLD