Minogue ready to ignite Flames 

The Townsville Flames are delighted to welcome back Ainslie Minogue for the 2025 NBL1 North season, with the 21-year-old guard excited to again compete for her hometown team.

Minogue debuted for the Flames in the 2021 season following a decorated junior career and joins a roster that includes fellows locals Shaylee Browning, Chailee Ward and big-name American import Samatha Bowman.

Minogue was relishing the chance to represent Townsville at this level while again linking up with several former representative teammates.

“We're just such a tight knit group and when you play with your friends it always makes it more enjoyable,” she said.

“When I run out there with Townsville on my singlet it’s a great feeling. To have that chance to represent our city again with girls like Chailee and Shaylee that I grew up playing with is awesome.

“I think it's such a special thing when you're around those girls that you grew up with and we were such a strong group playing for Townsville from under-12s through to under-18s.

“And to have (Townsville Flames coach) Claudia Brassard coaching us as well, she was a part of our development as players so it just makes it extra special.”

Brassard spoke glowingly of Minogue’s smarts and versatility as a player and said she is excited to have her back in the fold for the Flames.

“Ainslie has been part of the successful Townsville junior program and what I love about coaching her is her smarts and versatility,” Brassard said.

“She’s capable of playing one through to the four and while she is undersized she makes up for it with her smarts and determination.”

The Flames will begin pre-season training in the coming weeks and Minogue is looking forward to going to battle with her teammates across the 14-round season and what is hopefully a deep finals run.

“The NBL1 North attracts a lot of professional and exceptional players that come through and it’s a tough league to compete in,” Minogue said.

“If the coach asks you to step up, you know, you've got to be able to play multiple positions and I'm in a position where I can help with that.

“I'm just appreciative of being able to be a part of this team and to really embrace that culture of Townsville Basketball that keeps me coming back.”

The A.Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames and Aligned Townsville Heat will tip-off their NBL1 North campaigns on Saturday, May 3, when they host fierce rivals the Cairns Marlins and Dolphins at Carmichael Ford Stadium.