Saturday's game looms as pivotal to the Firebirds' hopes of staying in the race for an SSN finals' berth, currently sitting sixth on the ladder with two games to play and needing to make up a four-point gap to both the fourth-placed Lightning and fifth-placed Melbourne Mavericks after last weekend's thrilling one-point win over the NSW Swifts in Sydney.
The Lightning could have all but sewn up their finals berth last weekend in Hobart against the Mavericks but fell to an agonising one-point loss that has kept the race for fourth spot wide open.
Saturday's game will also determine the winner of this year's Queensland Cup, with the Firebirds aiming to regain the trophy won by the Lightning last year.
Both teams will be wearing their First Nations dresses for the occasion on a day when netball will come together to celebrate Indigenous culture ahead of NAIDOC Week.
LAST TIME WE MET
The Firebirds made a bright start but faded to a 76-65 loss against their local rivals at UniSC Arena when these teams met in Round Seven.
An early lead was quickly overtaken by the Lightning and despite winning the second quarter by two goals, the Firebirds were unable to prevent slipping to a sixth defeat of the season.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds have been boosted with the return of proud Noongar woman Donnell Wallam after the goal shooter missed last weekend's win in NSW due to illness.
Wallam has a history of delivering in First Nations games and will be a welcome inclusion while captain Kim Ravaillion has also been named after being an unused substitute on her return from injury last weekend.
The Lightning have named an unchanged line-up from last weekend's heartbreaking loss to the Mavericks with former Firebird and Wakka Wakka woman Leesa Mi Mi among a strong line-up that includes Australian Diamonds squad members Liz Watson, Courtney Bruce, Cara Koenen and Ash Ervin.
KEY MATCHUP - Hulita Veve vs Liz Watson
The Queen of Tonga takes on Australia's best wing attack in a midcourt battle that looks pivotal for either team.
After her off-season move from the Melbourne Vixens, Watson has quickly settled into her new surroundings and provides great service to the Lightning shooters.
Fresh off signing a new contract with the Firebirds, Veve's ability to shut down the opposition wing attack will be tested by the Australian Diamonds captain and ensures an enthralling contest between the two international players.
KEY STAT
The Firebirds are seeking a third consecutive win for the first time since Round 11, 2021. The last time the Firebirds won three matches on the trot came against the Lightning in a 59-49 victory at Nissan Arena.
LAST WORD
"Winning netball games is a given, they want to do that all the time, but this added layer of what it means to get the wins - they're up and about. They're inviting the challenge. We know tomorrow night is going to be a tough game - bring it on." - Firebirds co-coach Katie Walker on the high stakes for Saturday's match.
HOW TO GET THERE
All the information regarding game day is available here. For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Sunday’s game via Foxtel or Kayo Sports. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
