Playing in front of a raucous sell-out crowd at John Cain Arena, the Firebirds began solidly in a tight first quarter but couldn't keep up with the high-flying Vixens who continued their unbeaten start to the 2024 season with a 68-55 win.
Despite the disappointing result, the match will live long in the memory of young Firebirds defender Isabelle Shearer, who came off the bench with a couple of minutes to play to make her SSN debut and become Firebird No.110.
The Firebirds also demonstrated their ongoing commitment to pride allyship during the match, wearing rainbow Pride bibs and scrunchies as part of SSN's Inclusion Round.
There was also a first appearance of the season for goaler Emily Moore, who came on in the second quarter and played a solid hand at goal attack scoring 10 goals from 11 attempts including three from three from the Suncorp Super Shot arc.
A physical first quarter was cut-and-thrust throughout with only a late Kiera Austin two-pointer proving the difference at the first break.
It was a disappointing second quarter though for the Firebirds, going down 20-12 to be trailing by 10 goals at halftime.
Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley shuffled her line-up with captain Kim Ravaillion getting her longest run of the season in the midcourt in place of Hulita Veve while Macy Gardner and Lara Dunkley were rotated between centre and wing attack in an attempt to wrestle back the advantage.
The changes appeared to pay dividends with the Firebirds winning the third quarter 17-14 before a fast start to the fourth quarter had the margin back to just four points.
The Vixens rallied however, with Austin nailing some late two-pointers to extend the margin back past double-figures in a disappointing finish for the Firebirds.
Up next for the Firebirds is a trip to Western Australia to face another high-flying team in the West Coast Fever at Perth's RAC Arena on Friday evening.
Every Firebirds match is live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
