The Firebirds are aiming to get back to winning ways after a disappointing trip to face the West Coast Fever in Perth last weekend, with the Suncorp Super Netball premiers securing a 97-63 win at RAC Arena.
Giants put in an impressive second-half display to record their fourth win of the season with a 70-64 win over Sunshine Coast Lightning.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Firebirds claimed their first win of the 2023 season with a 70-66 win when Giants Netball visited Nissan Arena for an ANZAC Round clash.
Donnell Wallam’s 55 goals from 57 attempts, including four Suncorp Super Shots, fired the Firebirds to victory while Macy Gardner and Ruby Bakewell-Doran also played key roles.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds have been boosted with defender Gabi Simpson to return from the ankle injury that sidelined her for the clash with the Fever. Simpson’s return forces Hulita Veve out of the side with Leesa Mi Mi staying on as a temporary replacement player having made her Suncorp Super Netball debut last weekend in Perth with Macy Gardner (wrist) still sidelined. Giants captain Jo Harten has been named after missing the past two weeks with a left knee issue in a boost for the home team.
KEY MATCHUP – Lara Dunkley v Amy Parmenter
Australian Diamond Parmenter was the Giants best player in their win over the Lightning on the Sunshine Coast, claiming five gains and seven deflections in a strong defensive display. Firebirds’ vice-captain Dunkley will have to get the upper-hand over Parmenter to ensure she can deliver quality ball to Donnell Wallam and Emily Moore in the circle.
KEY STAT
Donnell Wallam is just four goals away from scoring 1000 in her Suncorp Super Netball career. Wallam has so far scored 996 goals in 24 matches including 477 this season to be second on the overall scoring list for 2023 behind West Coast Fever star Jhaniele Fowler. Former Firebird April Brandley will make her 150th national league appearance in Sunday’s game against her old club.
LAST WORD
“It’s very special to have the only two First Nations players on court with us during this special round. We hope that we can do them proud,” – Firebirds’ defender Remi Kamo.
HOW TO WATCH
Tune in to watch Sunday’s match live and on demand on Kayo Sports.
