Championship Core Locked In: Fowler, Froling& Ellis Re-Sign with the Fire
The TownsvilleFire have secured a major piece of their championship foundation, today announcing the re-signing of Alex Fowler, Alicia Froling and Abbey Ellis for the upcoming WNBL season.
The trio were instrumental in the Fire’s championship campaign and their return ensures the club retains a powerful core of talent, leadership and chemistry heading into the new season.
With these signings confirmed, six players from the championship-winning roster are now locked in to return, providing strong continuity as the Fire look to defend their title.
Fowler, Froling and Ellis will join Captain Courtney Woods, along with Miela Sowah and ChloeForster, who were already contracted for the upcoming season.
Together, the group forms the backbone of a squad that delivered one of the most memorable seasons in club history and continues to build toward the next chapter of Fire success.
Alex Fowler
“Being able to represent my hometown is something that means so much to me, so I’m incredibly proud to be re-signing with the Townsville Fire for another season,” Alex Fowler said.
“To win a championship here, for our community was such a special moment, and it makes me even more excited about what we can continue to build together.There’s something really special about playing for the place you grew up in, surrounded by people who have supported you throughout your journey.
“I’m also really excited to be playing for Shannon again. He’s a coach who brings the best out of his players and creates a culture where everyone buys in and works for each other.
A dominant presence in the paint, Alex Fowler delivered a standout championship season, showcasing her ability to impact games on both ends of the floor. Her versatility, rebounding strength and scoring ability made her one of the Fire’s most influential players throughout the campaign.
“Alex had a tremendous season and continues to show just how important she is to ourprogram. Her defensive versatility, offensive skill set and competitiveness allow her to influence the game in a number of different ways, and we’re excited to see her continued development next season.” Said Shannon Seebohm when asked about Alex returning to the Fire.
Alicia Froling
I’m really honoured and excited to be resigning with the Fire for next season. Can’t wait to have the opportunity to play under Shannon again and in front of the best fans in the league. Looking forward to seeing if we can go back to back!
A leader both on and off the court, Alicia Froling was a cornerstone of the Fire’s front court during the championship run. Her toughness, experience and ability to deliver in key moments proved vital across the season and through out the finals series.
Head Coach Shannon Seebohm was full of praise for Alicia and being able to lock her in with the Fire is a huge asset to our club and our program
“Alicia was outstanding for us throughout the season and especially during the finals series. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, score in the paint and compete with real toughness makes her a huge part of what we do.”
Abbey Ellis
I’am very excited to continue playing for the fire family again! I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing and passionate basketball club and community.”
The dynamic guard brought relentless energy, speed and scoring power to the Fire backcourt. Her ability to control tempo, create opportunities and deliver in clutch moments made her an essential part of the Fire’s championship success.
Head coach Shannon Seebohm incredibly excited to have Abbey remain with the Fire
“Abbey has had another excellent season of growth and continues to establish herself as one of the premier point guards in the league. Her shooting, playmaking and ability to perform in big moments make her incredibly important to what we do as a team.”
Building the Next Chapter
The return of Fowler, Froling and Ellis signals strong momentum for the club as preparations will soon begin for a new season.
Head Coach Shannon Seebohm said retaining key pieces of the championship roster was a major priority.
“To already have six players returning from our championship team is incredibly exciting for our program. Continuity is a major advantage in this league, and having that core group back gives us a strong platform as we look to build on what we achieved last season.”
TownsvilleFire CEO Sam Pascoe said the announcement was an exciting moment for the club and its supporters.
“This is huge news for our club and our community. Alicia, Alex and Abbey were instrumental in our championship success and to have them all recommit to the Fire speaks volumes about the culture we are building here in Townsville.
Championship teams are built on strong foundations, and locking in three players of this calibre ensures we retain the chemistry, competitiveness and connection that made this group so special.
To now have six players so far returning from our championship roster — with Courtney, Miela and Chloe already signed — gives us tremendous momentum as we begin building toward next season.
Our fans should be incredibly excited about what lies ahead. This group is hungry to achieve more, and we can’t wait to see the Fire Pit packed again as we chase another championship together.”
With six championship players already secured and more announcements to come, the Fire have moved quickly to build strongly toward another exciting WNBL season — and another shot at championship glory.
The Fire are back — and the championship core is staying in Townsville.
