The home side needs a win to lock in a home semi-final, but the Firebirds will arrive full of confidence after last weekend’s seven-goal Queensland derby victory over the Sunshine Coast Lightning at Nissan Arena - the club’s first SSN win over their state rivals since 2022.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, celebrated securing the first finals berth in the club’s short history by defeating the Melbourne Vixens for the first time by nine goals, stretching their winning run to three matches.
Saturday’s clash will also be the Mavericks’ annual Pride Match, recognising and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, with the Firebirds to wear their Pride dress for the second time this season after debuting it in the Round 10 win over the Giants at Nissan Arena last month.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides was a nail-biting ANZAC Round contest at Nissan Arena, where the Firebirds fell just short in a 58-57 loss.
Queensland started strongly and led by three goals at quarter time, but the Mavericks fought their way back into the contest and edged in front by halftime.
From there, the two teams traded blows right through the second half, with Mary Cholhok scoring 43 points and Te Paea Selby-Rickit impressing in attack, but the Firebirds were left to rue a one-goal defeat in a game that could easily have gone either way.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds head south with an unchanged 10 for the third straight week, with Kiri Wills sticking with the same squad that defeated the Lightning last weekend.
The Mavericks are also unchanged, with Charlotte Sexton having earlier this year been confirmed as the permanent injury replacement for injured former Firebird Tara Hinchliffe.
KEY MATCHUP - TE PAEA SELBY-RICKIT v KIM BROWN
Experienced New Zealander Selby-Rickit has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, providing a scoring threat from range and at the post as well as creating opportunities for goal shooter Mary Cholhok.
The 34-year-old was sensational against the Lightning last weekend, scoring 20 points including two Suncorp Super Shots while also recording a game-high 21 goal assists.
Ex-Firebird Kim Brown brings a physical presence in defence for the Mavericks and will look to disrupt Selby-Rickit’s space and time on the ball, giving the former Silver Fern a big challenge to overcome in the final match of her maiden SSN campaign.
KEY STAT
The Firebirds have never defeated the Mavericks since their entry into the league, facing them five times without a win so far.
LAST WORD
“They're on a hot streak at the moment heading into finals. They're a team that thrives on confidence so we really need to get on top early.” - Firebirds defender KELLY JACKSON wants her teammates to burst the Mavericks’ bubble early and prevent any kind of celebratory atmosphere building at John Cain Arena on Saturday.
FIREBIRDS SQUAD
Imogen Allison
Ruby Bakewell-Doran (capt)
Mary Cholhok
Lara Dunkley
Macy Gardner
Maddy Gordon
Kelly Jackson
Emily Moore
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Isabelle Shearer
HOW TO WATCH
For fans residing in Australia, you can watch live on Foxtel, Kayo and BINGE.
