The Firebirds came out strong, opening up an early lead but couldn't hold on against a Thunderbirds team looking to bounce back following last weekend's shock loss to GIANTS Netball.
Setting an early pace the Firebirds came out hot with Macy Gardner positioning herself well to feed the ball through the centre to create some amazing goal assists for Mary Cholhok.
A strategic timeout by Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst shifted the momentum as Adelaide tightened their defensive structures and began to find rhythm in transition, with former Firebird Romelda Aiken-George proving a force in the goal circle as the visitors surged ahead.
Goal attack Emily Moore finished the first quarter with two Suncorp Super Shots shots to ensure the Firebirds held a two-point lead heading into the second quarter.
The visitors came out strong in the second term however, scoring the first five goals of the quarter to snatch the lead.
A timeout by Kiri Wills at least halted the bleeding and the Firebirds recovered to trail 33-30 at the main break.
The third quarter proved to be a tight contest, with a Cholhok goal on the siren ending a term won 12-11 by the visitors to take a four-point lead into the final quarter.
In the last quarter, Firebirds co-captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran stood tall in defence during her milestone 50th match, dominating with key intercepts to keep the Firebirds in the race.
Energy from Gardner in the midcourt and strong plays from Abigail Latu-Meafou, making her first Firebirds appearance since 2019 - off the bench gave hope for a late comeback as the hosts closed the gap to one goal midway through the quarter.
The Firebirds threw everything at the final Power Five as they attempted to haul in the margin but the Thunderbirds held firm to celebrate captain Hannah Petty's 100th national league game with a win.
The Firebirds travel to Hobart next weekend to face the Melbourne Mavericks in Tasmania on Saturday, May 17.
Tickets for all Queensland Firebirds home games in 2025 are available now through Ticketek.
By Henry Alt
