THE Queensland Firebirds are returning to Brisbane with their Suncorp Super Netball hopes still alive after an upset 72-68 win over the West Coast Fever in Perth on Saturday night.
Victory for the Firebirds meant the end of a four-game losing streak, and more importantly propelled them towards the top of the SSN ladder ahead of Saturday’s final regular season home clash against Giants Netball at Nissan Arena.
It was an extra special celebration for Indigenous players Jemma Mi Mi and Donnell Wallam, who both started on court in this year’s First Nations Round clash which celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Firebirds coach Megan Anderson rated the game as one of her team’s greatest, particularly after tough recent weeks.
“I just think it was really a complete team performance and the girls bounced back well,” Anderson said.
“I was proud to be able to do Jem and especially Nelle, do them proud on First Nations Round and on Nelle’s home court. To meet all her family and see all her supporters in the crowd was just fantastic and I’m just so glad we were able to get the win for them.”
Anderson was quick to remind her players to enjoy the breakthrough performance, understanding that’s now the expectation of playing standard over the next two weeks of the regular season.
“We need to kick on from here and expect that from ourselves over the next couple of weeks,” she said.
“Enjoying the moment but (we’re) looking forward to the next two weeks.”
Tickets are still available for the Queensland Firebirds V Giants Netball First Nations Round 13 clash at Nissan Arena on Saturday, June 4.
“We know that when we execute our game plan and everybody does their job on court that we usually come up with a good result,” Anderson said.
“(It’s about) Going back to the drawing board and really checking out the Giants and seeing what they’re doing, and trying to counteract it with our strengths next week and hopefully coming up with the win.”
For post-match audio of Queensland Firebirds coach Megan Anderson, CLICK HERE.
