The Firebirds were fired-up early, jumping to a 5-1 lead as the Swifts made some uncharacteristic errors.
But from there it was all the way of the Swifts, as they poured in 14 of the next 19 goals to take a 15-10 lead at quarter-time.
The new-look Firebirds, who welcomed South African duo Erin Burger and Lenize Potgieter into their line-up only 48 hours ago struggled to connect all over the court under the Swifts’ relentless pressure, with the visitors helping themselves to another 19 goals to 11 in the second quarter and establishing a 34-21 lead at half-time.
Potgieter (24 from 24) arrived in Brisbane only yesterday and while the lack of established combinations showed when she entered the game for Abigail Latu-Meafou (five from seven) at quarter-time, there were enough signs late in the game to show she could be a force in the coming weeks.
NSW Swifts captain, Maddy Proud went down with a knee injury in the third, but this did not stop them from getting the job done, with a 20-10 quarter, proving to be their most dominant.
In true fighting spirit, the Birdies did not give up, establishing a turnover inside the final minute to take the final bonus point of the match.
The Firebirds will be hungry for their first win of the season in next week’s indigenous round against Melbourne Vixens at the Queensland State Netball.
Score breakdown
Q1: Firebirds 10 v Swifts 15
Q2: Firebirds 11 v Swifts 19
Q3: Firebirds 10 v Swifts 20
Q4: Firebirds 15 v Swifts 14
Suncorp Super Netball Premiership Points
Firebirds – 1
Swifts – 7
Nissan Player of The Match – Sarah Klau (Swifts)
Firebirds shooting statistics – 46/49 (93.9%)
Abigail Latu-Meafou – 5/7 (71.5%)
Gretel Tippett – 17/18 (94.4%)
Lenize Potgieter – 24/24 (100%)
Swifts shooting statistics – 68/75 (90.7%)
Sam Wallace – 41/44 (93.2%)
Helen Housby – 27/31 (87.1%)
Firebirds : GS – Abigail Latu-Meafou, GA – Gretel Tippett, WA – Caitlin Nevins, C – Jemma Mi Mi, WD – Gabi Simpson, GD – Tara Hinchliffe, GK – Kim Jenner
Swifts: GS – Sam Wallace, GA – Helen Housby, WA – Maddy Proud, C – Paige Hadley, WD – Kate Eddy, GD – Sarah Klau, GK – Maddy Turner
Next match
Queensland Firebirds v Melbourne Vixens
Queensland State Netball Centre
Sunday 16 June, 1PM
Tickets here.
