In front of a raucous 3226 crowd at Nissan Arena, the six-goal win is Queensland’s second of the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball campaign and lifts them above the Magpies on the competition ladder.
Victory capped a big day for both clubs as the celebrated Pride in Sport and the message of allyship in the opening match of the SSN’s inaugural Inclusion Round.
Having trailed by two goals after a tight tussle with the Magpies in the first half, the victory for Bec Bulley’s team was set up with a dominant third term.
The hosts outscored the Magpies 19-12 to take a five-point lead into the final turn and kept the Magpies at arm’s length in the final quarter to secure the win.
Donnell Wallam continued her sensational recent goal-scoring form, recording 65 goals from 68 attempts, including a Suncorp Super Shot to play a crucial role in the Firebirds' victory.
Alongside Wallam, goal attack Emily Moore completed her first four-quarter game for the Firebirds, scoring six goals from nine attempts and notching 19 goal assists.
In an all-action midcourt display, Lara Dunkley notched 101.5 Nissan Net Points, recording 39 feeds, 25 goal assists, two gains and two deflections.
Tonga captain Hulita Veve also shone after being introduced to the game at halftime.
A temporary replacement player for the injured Macy Gardner, Veve provided her trademark cool head and leadership on the court in what was the 2016 Grand Final winner’s first Firebirds’ appearance since 2021.
Veve's performance was impressive, recording 10 goal assists, one gain and one intercept.
The win was a significant boost for the Firebirds as they head on a three-game road-trip starting with a visit to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Round Nine on May 13.
