Basketball On The Internet.

RECORD-setting five-time WNBL and reigning MVP Suzy Batkovic today ensured the balance of power would not shift greatly next season by signing to stay with Townsville.

Melbourne Boomers locking away Jenna O’Hea, Louella Tomlinson and Liz Cambage – and with Maddie Garrick, Brittany Smart and Bec Cole back - assuredly brings them into the playoff picture in a 2017-18 season I’m hearing will be shortened to finish in January.

That again will give players the opportunity to snaffle European contracts post-playoffs, although abbreviating the season is more likely being done to accommodate a new television deal.

A possible WNBL return for Tess Madgen has been cruelled in Europe by an ACL tear, and Canberra’s 2015 league MVP Abby Bishop, along with Fire championship-winner and fellow Olympian Cayla George, also won’t be returning for the 2017-18 merry-go-round.

Probably count out Rio Olympics debutante Steph Talbot as well (staying in Europe), while Bendigo has to find a point guard with Kerryn Harrington bound for the AFLW with Carlton.

Champion Sydney Uni Flames is working at retaining as many of its roster as possible, you know Perth Lynx won’t be thrilled about slipping last season and Dandenong Rangers will be another year older, wiser, tighter.

The Batgirl (pictured above) rejoining fellow championship-winners Micaela Cocks, Darcee Garbin and Mia Murray at the Fire is not huge surprise, especially given her views on packing up house!

Plus after four Grand Finals Series in succession, being out in the semi final round will not sit well with Claudia Brassard’s veteran crew.