FIRST impressions can mean everything and tonight Townsville coach Chris Lucas demands the rekindled Fire burns longer, harder and faster than ever before against WNBL powerhouse Bendigo at the Townsville RSL Stadium.

"We need to get after the ball, we need to challenge lanes, get after boards and run the floor," Lucas said. "That is the style we have to play, and it's exciting."While Townsville is led by inspirational captain and Australian Opal Rachael Flanagan, the Spirit has three-time Olympian Kristi Harrower to rely on. Even though the star guard is in dispute over the terms of her contract as club chief executive, and her spot in tonight's team in doubt, the Fire are preparing for her arrival.

There is no battle that will demand more of the Fire's attention, with Lucas putting two-time league defensive player of the year Flanagan on high alert and deploying New Zealand Tall Fern Micaela Cocks and QBL most valuable player Nicole Romeo in tandem.

"Harrower is a potential four-time Olympian, she is a superstar and arguably one of the best point guards the country has ever produced and I know she is very passionate about that club," Lucas said. "We have to defend her. She is going to get her points, but we need to control her because she is the engine room.

"Flanny is a true leader of the group and I want to drive her defence pressure on the ball so it flows though the team. Nicole Romeo can back her up and we can slip Micaela Cocks in there if we want her."

There is no such luxury when it comes to the bigs, with Ellie Manou's injured knee being nursed through the final week of pre-season to ensure she is free of pain for tonight's opening game. Manou is the only back-up to import centre Shanavia Dowdell who is still working on her own match conditioning since leaving the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA.

Former West Coast starlet Rebecca Mercer made the most of being elevated to the full roster this week by being named in tonight's squad. Tonight's match tips off at 7.30 at The Pit.