Queensland Firebirds midcourter Imogen Allison will miss the First Nations Round match on Turrbal and Yuggera land against the Vixens after suffering a concussion in training during the week.
Allison has been replaced in the matchday squad by Laga’aia, with the 25-year-old set to become Firebird No.117 if she takes the court.
Allison’s return date will be subject to the successful completion of Netball Australia’s Concussion management protocols.
Sunday's match is a crucial one for both clubs who sit on two wins and four losses after defeats last weekend.
The Firebirds fell to a seven-goal loss to the Melbourne Mavericks in Hobart while the Vixens were defeated by the Sunshine Coast Lightning in John Cain Arena, in a match punctuated by long-serving coach Simone McKinnis announcing post-game that the 2025 season will be her last at the helm of the Vixens.
LAST TIME WE MET
Melbourne Vixens were too strong for the Firebirds in an emotional Round 14 clash last season where a sold-out Nissan Arena farewelled club legend Kim Ravaillion in the 157th and final match of her storied national league career.
The two-time premiership winner played 20 minutes in a game where the Vixens took an early lead and always had an element of control to claim a 62-52 victory to conclude the Firebirds 2024 season.
TEAM NEWS
Laga'aia replaces Allison in the Firebirds midcourt options aiming to take the next step in a rapidly progressing career.
After moving to Queensland from Sydney after missing out on an academy team in NSW, Laga'aia was named Katie Walker Medallist in 2023 and earlier this year starred as Samoa Tifa Moana claimed the Pacific Aus Netball Series title at Nissan Arena.
The versatile midcourter also featured for the Firebirds at this year's Suncorp Team Girls Cup in Adelaide, playing in three of four matches at the pre-season tournament including the pool match against the Vixens.
Her international compatriot Abigail Latu-Meafou continues to fill in for Tippah Dwan (knee) in the attacking third.
The Vixens head north with a team packed with Australian Diamonds internationals including Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Kate Moloney, Jo Weston and former Firebird Rudi Ellis.
KEY MATCHUP – Lara Dunkley vs Kate Moloney
Taking on the Vixens is always a special match for Firebirds vice-captain Dunkley, who made the move to Queensland after making her SSN debut with the Vixens in 2019.
The 29-year-old was in solid form last weekend against the Mavericks, recording 14 goal assists, a gain and two deflections as she appeared in all four quarters in the clash in Hobart.
The Firebirds will be hoping Dunkley's body-on-body style can come to the fore against a clinical and physical Vixens midcourt, especially against experienced Diamonds international Moloney who is often the heartbeat of Melbourne's performances.
KEY STAT
The Firebirds have beaten the Vixens four times in Suncorp Super Netball clashes - all by single-digit margins (4, 6, 4 and 5 goals).
LAST WORD
"This game is super important. It's First Nations Round, we get to wear a beautiful dress designed by Leah Cummins and we're going strength-to-strength every game we just need to capitalise now and put out a four-quarter performance." - Firebirds midcourter MACY GARDNER is hoping for a 60-minute display to celebrate First Nations Round against the Vixens.
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, Kayo Sports or Binge. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass.
