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Giants coach has fingers crossed in bid to sign US import

Neale HarveyKalgoorlie Miner
Goldfields Giants women’s team coach Rob Thompson says team management is in negotiations with a highly credentialed US import who’s playing in Europe..
Camera IconGoldfields Giants women’s team coach Rob Thompson says team management is in negotiations with a highly credentialed US import who’s playing in Europe.. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner

Goldfields Giants women’s team coach Rob Thomson says one key piece of the puzzle remains as he patiently builds a final squad for the club’s historic 2022 move into the NBL1 competition.

Thomson, who officially launched preseason training last weekend, said team management remained in negotiations with a highly credentialed US import who was currently playing in Europe.

If the club could sign her, Thomson said, it would perfectly complement major signings Amanda Wayment and Emma Klasztorny.

Highly touted American Amanda Wayment this week became the Goldfields Giants' prized inaugural recruit for next year's promotion to the NBL1 women's division after officially signing with the club.
Camera IconAmerican Amanda Wayment. Credit: supplied

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Under official rules, the Giants are entitled to a “marquee” player, alongside two imports.

Goldfields’ NBL1 promotion will likely occur with 15 contracted players, under a salary cap of about $60,000.

“We can’t name names yet,” Thomson said.

“What I can say though is that she is a pretty good player, who is carving it up in Germany at the moment.

“If we can get her, we’ll be really competitive.”

Fifteen players attended the opening preseason session, but with numbers to increase as others returned from the Christmas break.

“Probably the main point from that first session is that after all the discussions and planning about joining this competition, it has now all become very real,” Thomson said.

“We had a good session — one or two niggling injuries prevented a few more from joining in.

“But we certainly expect numbers to pick up over the next couple of weeks.

“It was a fairly low-key start, but there’s plenty of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

“We (the coaching staff) are going to make sure the girls appreciate the opportunity they’ve been given.

“That means training hard, getting their bodies in the right condition and each of us putting our best foot forward in our inaugural season.”

The Giants’ opening game is still months away — most likely the second week of March as team officials await official fixtures.

Thomson, however, was delighted to welcome Klasztorny as a contracted player this week.

“Emma is a great signing — 10-plus years in the NBL1 who knows what Kalgoorlie is all about,” Thomson said.

“She brings great experience and gets along very well with all the girls.

“We know what we’re getting with Emma and that’s total effort and leadership each time she goes out.”

The Giants have applied for their season-opener to be played at the Brookman Street Stadium.

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