The Queensland Firebirds’ bookends have been making headlines in recent weeks.
Whether it’s the rise of Tippah Dwan, the resurgence of Romelda Aiken or the growing combination between defensive pair Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe, the Firebirds’ have been turning heads at either end of the court.
One midcourter though has been quietly going about her business, building an impressive resume of form to the midway point of the season.
Mahalia Cassidy has been a foundation of consistency for the Queensland side through the first 8 rounds, made even more impressive by the fact it has come in her comeback season from a second ACL injury.
A delayed start to the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball campaign afforded Cassidy the extra time she needed to return to full fitness and the 24-year-old hasn’t looked back, starting in all 8 games so far this season.
Despite a stunning return to form, sitting 4th in total goal assists across all players in the competition, Cassidy says the most important thing is just being back on court with her teammates.
“I’m just really happy to be back out on court and competing and being able to put in good performances week in week out,” Cassidy said.
“I’m still working on my consistency from game to game and also across the game, but I’m just so happy to be back and it’s great that we are building each game.”
Now inter her fifth season with the Firebirds, Cassidy is a relative veteran in the group despite the interruption of two major knee injuries hampering her court time in recent years.
Having experienced both success and defeat with the club, the midcourter knows the current crop of players is on the verge of something special.
“We know that we are competitive when we play our best netball,” Cassidy said.
“It’s such a great team environment and that comes from everybody contributing and playing their role in our game plan.”
“I think the most fantastic thing is we can bring on fresh legs and other combinations when things aren’t working so it’s really exciting to rely on everyone in the team.”
“It just means our opponents don’t have the luxury of having one plan against us because we have so many options.”
Cassidy switched to Wing Attack in the frenetic closing stages of Sunday’s thrilling one goal win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds, as her combination with Centre Macy Gardner played a key role in steering the home side to victory.
The message from Head Coach Roselee Jencke OAM was clear.
“It was about taking the drives, just playing my role and getting to the circle edge to deliver that calm feed to Didi.”
“It was great when I went back on that Mace and I worked really well around the circle to swing it and work it on and off with time in possession so we could capture that win.”
“I don’t mind where I play – I was happy to go on at Wing Attack and spice things up it was a nice change.”
Cassidy now prepares to face off against one of the most athletic midcourters in the competition, with the match up against West Coast Fever’s Verity Charles sure to be a highlight of the Round 9 clash at Nissan Arena tomorrow night.
