Queensland Firebirds duo Gabi Simpson and Kim Ravaillion have been rewarded for impressive 2021 seasons, after being named in the Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year.
Both players were selected in the starting line-up with Simpson at wing defence and Ravaillion at centre.
The pair’s inclusion in the star-studded team’s midcourt highlights their strong performances this year, despite being left out of the Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson agreed the pair was ‘unlucky’ to miss out on national selection, though believed they deserved this honour.
“I felt they both had strong seasons for the Firebirds, and the midcourt is a highly competitive area in Australian netball at the moment,” Anderson acknowledged.
“Neither player is driven by these awards, but it is a lovely recognition for them and allows them a moment to reflect on their year and what they were able to achieve.
“Given the standard of the SSN, arguably the best league in the world, to be chosen as the best in your position is such an honour. I know they will be most honoured that their coaching and playing peers voted for the awards.”
Ravaillion blitzed the court in her first season back from pregnancy, highlighted by her winning a stack of awards including being voted the Firebirds Most Valuable Player.
The 28-year-old produced some of the career-best form in 2021 to again be seen as one of the competition’s most elite players.
“Rav is just such a competitor, I’m amazed at how she is just always striving to be better. She always shows up wanting to re-write her blueprint and take her game to a new level,” Anderson said.
“She came into pre-season in great shape, but really improved her netball fitness throughout the year and steadily built her ‘on court’ game.
“Her consistency this year was inspiring for her teammates, but I really think we haven’t seen the best of her yet.”
Simpson again led from the front as captain this year with a strong run of form to start the season with other standout performances throughout.
Making the tough and tenacious leader’s selection even more impressive is that she had to manage an Achilles injury in the second half of the season.
“Gabs is another player who just loves the battle, the smile on court when she’s in full flight and competing hard lifts those around her,” the Firebirds coach said.
“Her preparation was a bit disjointed this year, but she still managed to put in some solid performances and ignited our defence with her determination. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do in 2022 with a solid pre-season behind her.”
