The Futures had fought back from a four goal first-quarter deficit at Nissan Arena on Sunday to be five-goals clear heading into the fourth quarter on the back of an 18-12 third term.
But the visitors came home with a wet sail, outscoring the Futures 17-9 to take the victory 59-56.
Firebirds 11th player Elsa Sif Sandholt scored a game-high 37 points as she took to the court alongside Jessie Laga'aia and Emily Moore - who both backed up after appearing in the Firebirds Suncorp Super Netball clash with the Mavericks earlier on Sunday.
Fellow Firebird Isabelle Shearer, who didn't get on the court in the SSN game against the Mavs, played a full match in defence for the Futures against last year's Grand Finalists.
The Futures will now travel to Adelaide this Saturday to face the Thunderbirds Futures, who also suffered a round one loss in a nailbiting one-point defeat at home against the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts.
Every SN Reserves match will be livestreamed on KommunityTV and CODE Sports (subscription required). To watch, click here.
