Last weekend’s narrow three-point loss against the NSW Swifts means Bec Bulley’s team are still searching for their first win of 2023. Collingwood meanwhile have had three very different outcomes to their matches this season – defeating the Swifts in their season opener, going down to cross-town rivals the Vixens in a controversial derby and then suffering a heavy loss to the West Coast Fever in Perth.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Magpies spoiled the party in Tasmania as they claimed a 71-67 win at MyState Bank Arena in Firebirds goaler Gretel Bueta’s 100th National League match. Bueta shot 22 goals including two Suncorp Super Shots but Shimona Nelson’s 65 goals from 66 attempts and a dynamic mid-court display by Kelsey Browne ensured Collingwood got the points.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds travel to John Cain Arena with an unchanged 10 from last weekend’s trip to Sydney. Bec Bulley didn’t make a single change to her starting seven against the Swifts but Macy Gardner, Ash Unie and Emily Moore will be eager for any opportunity off the bench. With Nyah Allen still sidelined after off-season surgery on a chest condition, Kelly Singleton continues her stint as a temporary replacement player for the Magpies.
KEY MATCHUP – LARA DUNKLEY v KELSEY BROWNE
The two wing attacks won’t be in direct competition on the court, whichever can have the biggest impact should go a long way to determine the winner of Sunday’s contest. Dunkley notched 101 Nissan NetPoints against the Swifts with 22 goal assists and an amazing 1200 changes of direction across the game. Former Diamond Browne is pushing her case for an Australian recall ahead of this year’s World Cup with a strong start to the season. The 31-year-old leads the league for centre pass receives, is third on the stat sheet for goal assists and the Firebirds will have to shut down her supply to goalers Nelson and Sophie Garbin.
KEY STAT
Firebirds goal keeper Remi Kamo is leading the league for defensive rebounds (9) and has also recorded 14 deflections in an eye-catching start to her Suncorp Super Netball career.
LAST WORD
“We had a really good two quarters in our first game. Really good two quarters in our second game. Now it’s just about getting a full four-quarter performance and putting it all together. We’re building on it, we’re getting there so hopefully against the Magpies this weekend we get it done.” – Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion.
HOW TO WATCH
Tune in to watch Sunday’s match live and on demand on Kayo Sports.
