A disappointing loss to the Melbourne Mavericks at home last weekend has dropped the Firebirds to seventh on the ladder with just one win in 2024, meaning a victory in the Queensland derby is sorely needed heading into the halfway point of the campaign.
The Lightning bounced back from their extra-time loss to the Giants in Sydney with an impressive win over the previously undefeated Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena for their second win of the season.
LAST TIME WE MET
A strong start wasn't enough for the Firebirds to hold on and claim a season-ending win over the Lightning at UniSC Arena when the two teams last met in an SSN fixture last June.
The Firebirds held a 10-goal lead during the third-quarter but were unable to prevent a fast-finishing Lightning from running out 66-60 winners in the Round 14 clash.
Donnell Wallam ended the game with eight Suncorp Super Shots on her way to 51 points while Remi Kamo was sensational, ending the match with 79 Nissan Net Points, six gains, five deflections and three rebounds.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds have kept with the same 10 which featured against the Mavericks, a match in which Kim Ravaillion made her first start of 2024. Head Coach Bec Bulley will also return after missing last weekend's game following a family bereavement.
The Lightning are also unchanged, with international defender Courtney Bruce still recovering from a calf injury while young gun Ava Black (ankle) is also sidelined.
KEY MATCHUP - Donnell Wallam v Ash Ervin
Former Queensland Firebirds training partner Ervin has made an eye-catching start to her second SSN season with the Lightning and was the player of the game in the win over the Vixens, making light of the absence of big-name recruit Bruce.
Wallam is eager to bounce back from a performance against the Mavericks that was below her usual high standards and the proud Noongar woman has already spoken of how much she is inspired by representing her community and ancestors in First Nations Round.
Expect plenty of high-flying contests for the ball between these two on Saturday.
KEY STAT
Both of these teams are shooting at 83 per cent overall this season with the Firebirds scoring 335 goals from 406 attempts while the Lightning have 366 goals from 443 attempts. With Diamonds shooters at either end of the court, expect plenty of goals and Suncorp Super Shots across the whole match.
LAST WORD
"It's my favourite round of the year. I get to represent my family and the elders who didn't get the opportunities that I have to play netball at this level. I'm really proud to be able to showcase my culture on the national stage." - Donnell Wallam on what First Nations Round means to her.
HOW TO WATCH
Watch Saturday’s game live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. International viewers can catch the entire 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season live and on demand via Netball Pass.
