The Queensland Firebirds will take some valuable momentum into the off-season ahead of their 2022 campaign, after winning their final match of the season by four goals over the Melbourne Vixens.
On the show court of a crowdless Nissan Arena on Wednesday night the Firebirds battled hard with the Vixens before closing out the match, 62-58, for their sixth win.
The victory, which sees the Firebirds finish in fifth spot on the ladder, sets a solid foundation for next season according to coach Megan Anderson.
“It just proves that what we have been working on in the second half of the season has been really working,” said the coach who has completed her debut season.
“We had some disappointing losses the last two games. But it (the win) gives us some good confidence that what we found in the second half of the season is a steppingstone to bigger and better things in 2022.”
The Firebirds went into the match missing plenty of experience with captain Gabi Simpson (Achilles), vice-captain Tara Hinchliffe (knee) and wing attack Jemma Mi Mi (calf) all out due to injury.
However, it opened the door for training partners Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Hulita Veve, who both impressed their coach and gave the Firebirds a glimpse of the future.
“I think they were impressive because they built into the game,” she said,
“And I was particularly impressed by the combo of Ruby out at goal defence and Kim Jenner back at keeper.
“And I think H (Hulita) provided some great intensity and contest onto the first ball, but also confusing the space and really setting things up for the defenders behind her.”
Talented wing attack Lara Dunkley continued her strong form this season to be named player of the match racking up an impressive 42 feeds and 19 goal assists.
