With matches against the NSW Swifts, Sunshine Coast Lightning and Melbourne Mavericks still to come, Head Coach Kiri Wills is chasing three wins from three games to help the Firebirds climb as high as possible on the ladder and push towards fifth spot by season’s end. The sixth-placed Swifts, meanwhile, are also fighting to keep their campaign alive after a 10-goal loss to the Melbourne Vixens last weekend.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides produced one of the Firebirds’ best performances of the season, with an injury-hit Queensland outfit storming home to beat the Swifts 77-66 at Nissan Arena in Round 6. Trailing by five goals at halftime despite a strong first-half attacking display, the Firebirds turned the game on its head with a sparkling second-half showcase. Jessie Laga'aia and Sasha Flegler both made their SSN debuts, Lara Dunkley was outstanding through the midcourt with 29 goal assists and 43 feeds, while Mary Cholhok was imperious under the post with 63 goals from 66 attempts.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds have made one change to their matchday 10, with Emily Moore returning to the squad in place of young shooter Elsa Sif Sandholt.
The Swifts, meanwhile, have found greater stability in their line-up in recent weeks following the return of Australian international Paige Hadley from maternity leave in Round 9. Helen Housby remains the only unavailable player for Briony Akle due to a back injury, with young goaler Grace Whyte continuing as Housby’s replacement.
KEY MATCHUP - TE PAEA SELBY-RICKIT v SARAH KLAU
After a difficult start to her Firebirds career, Te Paea Selby-Rickit has found her feet and her form in Suncorp Super Netball in recent weeks. After an MVP display in the Round 10 win over the Giants, Selby-Rickit was again one of the Firebirds’ best in last weekend’s loss to Fever. The experienced former Silver Ferns international is finding her range from the Super Shot arc and is also building a stronger connection with her shooter.
Australian international defender Sarah Klau missed the Round 6 clash between these two teams earlier this season due to injury but is back after making her return in Round 8.
Both players bring a wealth of experience and their battle on the circle edge shapes as one of the key contests of the afternoon.
KEY STAT
The Firebirds need to reverse a recent trend and get off to a fast start on Sunday. In their past four matches, the Firebirds have lost each of their opening quarters, including an 18-8 deficit in the first term of last weekend’s match against Fever. Bucking that trend and applying scoreboard pressure early will be a major focus for Kiri Wills and her team.
LAST WORD
“I just need everybody who's out there - whoever gets that starting bib - to step up and do the job and do it for 60 minutes. It sounds simple but that's the game at the end of the day.” - Firebirds Head Coach KIRI WILLS is challenging her team to stand up and deliver in the final rounds of the season, starting with this weekend’s trip to Sydney.
HOW TO WATCH
For fans residing in Australia, you can watch live on Foxtel, Kayo and BINGE.
