Opals forward Keely Froling signs with Geelong United

GEELONG United has its second signature for its inaugural WBNL season, announcing today (Tuesday, June 18) that Australian Opals forward Keely Froling had put pen to paper.

The forward will join United after her run with the Australian Women’s National Team, whom she has recently flown to Japan with in anticipation for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Froling, a two-time WNBL champion and 200 game veteran started her career in the WNBL in 2011 in her hometown of Townsville.

She most recently played for the Deakin Melbourne Boomers and was co-captain of the side.

Froling said she was incredibly excited to be part of Geelong’s new WNBL team.

“It’s special I think to be a part of that first side.

“We now get to establish those really good core values early.

“It’s about building a really great franchise that is known as one of the best in Australia, we do everything right, we play hard and showcase great basketball.”

Head coach Chris Lucas was a key factor in Froling’s decision to sign on with the team, having coached the veteran on numerous occasions throughout her career.

“I’m really pleased to have Keely on board. Signing her was a no brainer – She was the first player I contacted,” he said.

“The standards of the program need to be set in the first year and she will lead by example with the bar she sets for herself and her teammates.

“It really puts us in a great position for our first year.”

Froling said she also looks forward to spending plenty of time with the Geelong community off the court.

“I want to be a massive part of the community, and have us be role models for kids coming up through Geelong United Basketball.

“Regional teams for me have always been the most special ones that I’ve played for because you do have that connection with the community.

“I’ve been to Geelong a few times and always appreciated the NBL1 teams and their support, and the lifestyle there in summer, I’m really looking forward to that.”