Sunday’s clash also carries special significance off the court, with the Firebirds set to wear their newly revealed First Nations Dress as part of the league’s annual First Nations Round leading into National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 3. It shapes as an important occasion for the club and an equally important contest on the ladder, with the Firebirds chasing back-to-back wins after a second-half comeback powered them to a seven-point victory over the Giants. Fever, meanwhile, head east after a six-goal loss to the NSW Swifts in Perth, with the third-placed visitors eager to respond.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides was a fierce contest at RAC Arena, with the Firebirds pushing Fever all the way before falling 58-54 in Perth. Queensland trailed by 12 at three-quarter time before charging home in the final term, with Elsa Sif Sandholt and Te Paea Selby-Rickit combining for three Suncorp Super Shots late to put the hosts under real pressure. Kelly Jackson was outstanding in defence against Romelda Aiken-George, finishing with six gains, four intercepts and six deflections in one of the Firebirds’ strongest defensive performances of the season.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds have stuck with a winning formula by naming the same 10 that defeated the Giants, including young shooter Elsa Sif Sandholt.
Fever are also sticking with an unchanged line-up, with Firebirds great Romelda Aiken-George continuing as maternity leave cover for Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and set to return to Nissan Arena for the first time as a Fever player.
KEY MATCHUP – KELLY JACKSON v ROMELDA AIKEN-GEORGE
Jackson’s stellar SSN campaign continued with another eye-catching performance against the Giants last week and she will be eager to shut down former Firebirds favourite Aiken-George once again.
When the teams met in Perth, Jackson restricted Aiken-George to just 34 goals at 74 per cent while collecting six gains, four intercepts, six deflections and two rebounds herself. Jackson’s height and reach will again be crucial in trying to combat Aiken-George’s dominance under the post, with two experienced competitors set to go head-to-head in what looms as a defining duel.
KEY STAT
Having failed to win a first-half quarter in their past three matches, the Firebirds will be desperate to reverse that trend and get off to a fast start against Fever.
LAST WORD
“We're really looking forward to this weekend. We've got our 11 players to choose from and everybody - touch wood - is fully fit and available so we're looking forward to going in much more settled and close out the game.” - Firebirds Head Coach KIRI WILLS believes a settled week has her team primed to perform in Sunday’s must-win fixture.
FIREBIRDS SQUAD
Imogen Allison
Ruby Bakewell-Doran (capt)
Mary Cholhok
Lara Dunkley
Macy Gardner
Maddy Gordon
Kelly Jackson
Elsa Sif Sandholt
Te Paea Selby Rickit
Isabelle Shearer
HOW TO GET THERE
All the information regarding game day is available here.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, with seats still available - secure yours here.
