Mandurah Magic hit pre-season training track, set for big start to 2018

The SBL released their 2018 fixture last month, and the Magic women won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption with a grand final rematch against Perry Lakes scheduled as their season opener.

A pre-game banner raising ceremony on the Hawks’ home court is sure to bring back some forlorn memories for the Magic, but coach Randy Miegel said his side was excited by the prospect of an early clash with Perry Lakes.

“I think it’s really good fixturing by the league, and I can see why a grand final rematch to open the season is appealing,” he said.

“For us, we haven’t really thought about it yet, but it’s a challenge we’ll certainly look forward to and it’s a good way to find your feet early in the year.”

The Magic’s state of the art show courts will see plenty of action in the opening rounds, with a Thursday night pre-Easter game against Rockingham rostered for March 29, followed by an Anzac Day blockbuster against the Perth Redbacks.

Mandurah will also host games in both of the SBL’s new specialty fixtures, rivalry round in week 12 (vs South West Slammers) and heritage round in week 16 (vs Goldfields Giants).

The Magic women will play a number of intriguing games against fellow finalists from 2017, with five of their first seven games set against opponents from last year’s top eight.

The Magic men on the other hand will be looking to shape their own destiny after a last-placed finish in 2017.

Both sides will kick off their season in games against the Hawks at Bendat Basketball Centre on Saturday, March 17.

The first home games for the Magic will be played in round three, against Rockingham.

The SBL’s annual Pre-Season Blitz tournament will be held on March 3 and 4, two weeks prior to the regular season openers.