Flames ready for season opener, but don't expect early fireworks says Knowles

There is a justifiable air of excitement around the Sinclair McDonald's Rockingham Flames heading into the NBL1 West season, which starts this Friday night against the Cockburn Cougars.

The Flames have put together strong squads for 2021, with NBL champions Greg Hire and Tom Jervis to spearhead the men's quest for a maiden championship alongside experienced interstate recruits Cirkook Riak and Atem Bior, while the women's team comprises the bulk of its 2019 SBL championship-winning squad.

New women's coach Tom Knowles, who left Kalamunda to take over from Keegan Crawford, said he was excited to start his tenure but was reserved about how strong his team might be in the opening weeks of the season due to player absences, late arrivals and pre-season injuries.

"I can't wait to start playing and to see the girls get out on the court," he said.

"It's a bit of a late start, not just in terms of the date but also for us as a team because some of the girls have come in late and have had injuries. We're probably a few weeks away from where we want to be but hopefully by June we're well in the mix."

Alex Ciabattoni and New Zealand international recruit Zoe Richards have taken part in just one training session so far and played limited minutes in a practice match loss to Mandurah last weekend, while Chris Boag and Darcee Garbin played no part through injury and involvement with an Australian national team camp respectively.

Captain Chelsea Petrik recently gave birth to her first child and won't play any oncourt role until later in the season, although Knowles definitely expects the "tremendous leader" to have some offcourt input until her return.

Garbin will take oncourt leadership duties on in Petrik's absence, and Ari Hetherington has been promoted to vice captain.

"We all think Ari will do a good job in the role and have an impact," Knowles said.

"She has good leadership qualities, is level-headed and no one works harder than her. She literally throws herself around the court."

Despite suffering an "adversity in numbers" throughout pre-season, Knowles said he was impressed with the way the squad had prepared for the season and felt he had already built a strong bond with his playing group.

While reluctant to say it aloud, Knowles admitted hoisting aloft silverware at the end of the season was the goal everyone on the team was working for.

"First we want to make sure we make the playoffs because if you're not in the playoffs you can't make the big game," he said.

"We have an outstanding team on paper but we have to get everyone on the floor before getting too excited. Our goal is the championship. I see us as a winning team, definitely, but getting the team together and playing well is a precursor to playoffs. Then you start looking ahead."

Flames president Warren Boucaut said he couldn't wait for the season to start and had high hopes for the season, both on and off the court.

"Seeing the stadium full again with the cheerleaders, band, half-court shot, food trucks, big screen, dry ice pyrotechnics, mascot, new seating and new lighting will be amazing," he said.

The Flames tipoff their season on Friday night at Wally Hagan Stadium against Cockburn. The women play at 6.30pm and the men at 8.30pm.