The Firebirds' wrapped up a whirlwind two-day trip to Adelaide, facing the Thunderbirds in back-to-back matches to complete their preparations for the upcoming SSN season which begins on Sunday, March 15 with a visit by the reigning premiers to Nissan Arena.
In a hectic schedule that involved flying into South Australia on Wednesday before facing the Thunderbirds in a full-blooded contest that same evening, the Firebirds emerged from their trip to South Australia with one win and one loss from the two games.
Wednesday's match ended in a 15-point win for the Thunderbirds before the Firebirds claimed a 61-56 victory in Thursday's contest.
Head Coach Kiri Wills emphasised the performance of the team's defensive unit as well as consistency from rising talent Elsa Sif Sandholt as big positives from the two games.
"The highlights for the trip are our ability turn over ball is much improved and well ahead of what we wanted," Wills said.
"Elsa was also strong and dominant in both games and she's only going to get better."
The defensive battle now looks crucial when the Thunderbirds head to Nissan Arena in Round 3 of the SSN season, with Jamaican stars Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Latanya Wilson at the back for Adelaide while New Zealand international Kelly Jackson pairs up with Firebirds captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran.
Don't miss a minute of the 2026 SSN action. Purchase your tickets now from Ticketek and be there for all the exciting moments as the Firebirds take on their rivals in the world's best netball league.
