The Queensland Firebirds 2020 season has had an explosive start as Suncorp Super Netball’s new super shot dominated the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ at Nissan Arena.
A brave Firebirds outfit were overpowered in the final quarter by the Sunshine Coast Lighting’s experienced line-up in a revealing opening clash of the pandemic delayed 2020 season.
Queensland Firebirds Head Coach Roselee Jencke said despite the frustration of the result, there were periods of real promise from her team.
“There’s obviously a sense of disappointment straight after the game when you lose but I saw some great things out there today which is really pleasing given what’s ahead in this unprecedented season,” Jencke said.
“Ultimately what hurt us was the Super Shot and the impact that a run of two point goals against you can have from a momentum perspective.”
“Comparatively to last year though we showed far better signs in our structures, our intent and our energy, so we will learn from that and continue to get better each game.”
The Birdies led by as much as nine goals in the first half, led by the exciting form of young Goal Attack Tippah Dwan.
Promoted to the squad this season in the absence of pregnant Vice-Captain Gretel Bueta, Dwan became the first player to capitalise on the Super Shot new rule which rewards the shooter with two points from goals scored in the outer-half of the shooting circle in the last five minutes of each quarter.
Dwan said her personal form was bittersweet in the context of a loss for her team.
“It was an amazing experience today and something I’ve been waiting a long time for,” Dwan said.
“We were awesome in the first half, but we really need to focus on being a 60 minute team and cherishing the ball in the games ahead, if we are calm and have a presence we will really compete.”
Strategically, the Rebel Power Five period has already become a major game changer, with both coaches using the closing stretch of each quarter to inject long range specialists.
Just as Dwan ripped open the first half, Wood shot five-from-five super shots to singlehandedly drag her side back into the contest.
The highlight reel was not completely dominated by the shooters though, with Birdies inspirational captain Gabi Simpson showing the form that makes her one of the best midcourters in the competition.
Simpson’s athleticism and defensive pressure helped inhibit her opposing skipper Langman, while defensive pair Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe rediscovered the combination that made them one of the strongest units in the league last year.
The Firebirds attention now turns to their second round clash against the Melbourne Vixens next weekend.
