The Firebirds are coming off a disappointing result after losing by 14 goals in the Battle of the Bruce against Sunshine Coast Lightning at UniSC Arena last weekend.
Briony Akle's Swifts however enjoyed a weekend off after defeating reigning back-to-back premiers Adelaide in South Australia in the first week of the split round to continue their 100 per cent start to the season.
Sunday's game is also the Swift's Pride fixture with both the hosts and the Firebirds set to don rainbow bibs for the occasion.
LAST TIME WE MET
A Suncorp Super Shot in the dying seconds by Emily Moore handed the Firebirds a thrilling one-point win over the Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena when these two teams last met in June 2024.
Despite the late omission of star shooter Donnell Wallam due to an illness, the Firebirds claimed what would be their only away win of the season 61-60 when Moore's clutch two-pointer sealed the win with just seconds to spare.
It capped a tremendous performance by Sydney-born Moore who finished with five two-pointers on her way to a 23-point haul in her first four-quarter game of the year.
Combining in a moving circle with Tippah Dwan, who scored 38 points including seven Suncorp Super Shots, the Firebirds outgunned the Swifts with Ruby Bakewell-Doran ensuring Swifts' English star Helen Housby had a quiet day at the office.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds are unchanged for a fourth-straight week.
The Swifts meanwhile also are fit and firing after their week's rest with former Firebird Verity Simmons set to face her former club for the first time since her return to netball following a season in the AFLW with West Coast Eagles while youngsters Grace Whyte and Teigan O'Shannassy both impressed in the win over the Thunderbirds last time out.
KEY MATCHUP - Ruby Bakewell-Doran vs Helen Housby
Attention may be on the battle of the shooters with Grace Nweke and Mary Cholhok spearheading both team's attack but Bakewell-Doran's tussle with influential Swifts' goal attack Helen Housby looms as a pivotal contest.
Housby has hit 11 Suncorp Super Shots this season from 15 attempts with her two-point ability in big moments often proving the difference between victory and defeat for the Swifts.
Bakewell-Doran was the Firebirds' best on court despite the heavy loss to the Lightning last weekend, claiming nine gains and two intercepts despite experienced duo Steph Fretwell and Cara Koenen being on top form for the Sunshine Coast and leads the league in defensive rebounds with 11 from three games so far this season.
If the Australian Diamond can stifle the English Rose, it will go a long way to the Firebirds coming out on top.
KEY STAT
Eight of the last 16 meetings between the two interstate rivals have been decided by four-goals or less including both of last year's games so another tight contest is on the cards.
HOW TO WATCH
Watch Saturday’s game live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel as well as on Binge. International viewers can catch the entire 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season live and on demand via Netball Pass.
