WNBL Semi-Final Game 3: Maddy Rocci Braces for ‘War’ Against Townsville

Maddy Rocci has described Southside Melbourne’s semi-final series against Townsville as one of the most intense of her career as she prepares for Sunday’s deciding clash in the WNBL.

Townsville appeared on track to seal the series and reach a second straight grand final after an 88-60 win last Sunday. The Fire opened that match with a 17-0 run and maintained control throughout.

Southside responded on Wednesday night with a 109-89 victory to force a deciding third game. The result came against the odds after Townsville finished as minor premiers.

Emotions ran high after the match. Flyers captain Cayla George responded to criticism from pundits who had written off her side.

Rocci said the series had stood out among her finals experiences.

"I've been fortunate enough to play in a lot of final series, but this one, definitely, is a very fiery one," she told AAP.

"It's because we have such a talented team, and we know that we're capable of doing absolutely anything this season and taking it to the top.

"We know it's going to be a war stepping onto that court for 40 minutes of basketball."

For Townsville, Alicia Froling has emerged as a key contributor following a season ending ACL injury to defender Lauren Cox in December.

Froling is averaging 11.6 points and 8.4 rebounds this season.

She said a change in mindset has helped her form and reflected on the loss of her former teammate Tiana Mangakahia.

"I grew up playing basketball with Tiana Mangakahia, and to lose her (to breast cancer) at the beginning of the season is something I do really think about," Froling told AAP.

"It reminds me that I'm really lucky, so I don't want to take this for granted.

"I'm going to invest my energy and my skills where people appreciate them, and I've found a really good home for that in Townsville."

The deciding semi-final will determine which team advances to the grand final.