The Firebirds claimed their first win of the 2023 season in an ANZAC Round clash at Nissan Arena last weekend, defeating Giants Netball by four goals.
The Vixens meanwhile lost by just one point in a thrilling encounter against the NSW Swifts.
LAST TIME WE MET
Despite holding a four-goal lead at halftime when the Firebirds last met the Vixens in a round eight clash in Melbourne last year, the home team rallied to claim a 66-64 win. Mwai Kumwenda scored 50 goals from 54 attempts and spearheaded a 5-0 run in the dying minutes that handed the Vixens a match-winning advantage. Playing against her former team, Lara Dunkley was a standout for the Firebirds in wing attack while Ruby Bakewell-Doran shone in defence with six gains, three intercepts and three rebounds.
TEAM NEWS
The win over the Giants was a full squad effort for the Firebirds with Emily Moore and Macy Gardner both making the first starts of the Suncorp Super Netball careers. Gabi Simpson and Mia Stower both came off the bench to make crucial impacts of their own, ensuring competition for a starting seven spot is healthy for Bec Bulley’s team. Kimberley Borger continues as a temporary replacement player for the Vixens with Rahni Samason injured.
KEY MATCHUP – MACY GARDNER v KATE MOLONEY
Young midcourter Gardner seized the chance after being handed the first start of her SSN career by Bec Bulley against the Giants last weekend. After an impressive display off the bench the week before against the West Coast Fever, Gardner was sensational in the four-point win over the Giants with 30 feeds, two intercepts and 170 accelerations across the 60 minutes. If she retains her starting spot against the Vixens she’ll have to repeat that effort against experienced Australian international Kate Moloney as well as Diamonds captain Liz Watson in Melbourne’s powerhouse midcourt.
KEY STAT
Firebirds defensive duo Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Remi Kamo are both in the top five defensive rebounders in the league. Bakewell-Doran has nabbed nine rebounds so far this season while Kamo has 10.
LAST WORD
“There’s been a sense of belief back in the bellies of this group and the positive vibes around the camp have been awesome. We’re very excited to take on the Vixens this weekend.” – Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion after last weekend’s win over the Giants.
HOW TO WATCH
Tune in to watch Saturday’s match live and on demand on Kayo Sports.
