The Queensland Firebirds' bid to play finals this season was strengthened today with an empathic 16-goal victory over the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Netball SA Stadium.
Sunday’s 63-47 win was the second in as many weeks for the Firebirds, who sit only percentage outside of the top four behind the West Coast Fever.
Queensland Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said the performance was further result of a team promise to each other to commit to being better.
“That shift has come from all, on and off the court, and it has shown our past two games,” she said.
“The trust, belief and intensity the girls are showing together is amazing to watch.
“I was most impressed with how we withstood some pressure from the Thunderbirds in the first half and were able to capitalise and push ahead in the second.
“It’s a shift from our first half of the season where we were up and down all game long.”
The Firebirds have now won consecutive games ultimately ‘on the road’, given they have been living out of a hotel in Melbourne for the past fortnight.
Anderson said she was proud of the ‘resilience and fight’ to deal with the quick departure from family and work – though believed the hub life had seen the Firebirds bond grow stronger.
“I think being here (Melbourne) makes your full focus be on netball, and that can be a good and a bad thing,” Anderson explained.
“But it’s meant the girls have been able to really shut out all distractions and focus on day by day because we literally don’t know where we’ll be next.
“They have coped really well and kept and open mind and embraced what could be something uncertain.
“We are blessed to be given the opportunity to play netball when COVID is flaring up across the country and we always remember that.”
Sunday’s win was an important one for the entire Queensland Firebirds squad, though it was extra special for co vice-captain Tara Hinchliffe.
The ever-reliable defender celebrated her 50th match in purple with another solid performance.
“It’s super exciting and an honour,” Hinchliffe said of reaching the milestone.
“I guess when you play for the Firebirds in your first game, then you just want to get to 50 as quick as you can.
“But it is just so exciting to play for so many years and still be playing a role this season too.
“I guess people have seen me grow over the 50 games, the first one I was scared and so excited, now I feel like I have learnt a lot too.”
The Queensland Firebird coach also praised Hinchliffe for reaching the milestone and for her recent form.
“Tara is so unassuming, but just an absolutely classy person and player. I’m so glad she’s playing well this season and relishing her role in the leadership group,” Anderson said.
“She is really benefitting from our full-court defensive intensity, but she’s also making those opportunities for herself by being in the right positions on court.
“She’s upped her fitness levels and strength this year and I’m so impressed with her continued growth.”
