The Round 10 clash continues a proud tradition for the Firebirds, who first took part in the inaugural SSN Pride Match against Collingwood back in 2021 and have been part of a Pride Match every season since.
Saturday’s game will carry extra significance, with the brand-new Pride Dress unveiled alongside a permanent Pride Colours artwork on steps leading into Nissan Arena. Netball Queensland holds Gold Tier status on the Pride In Sport Index, and the match will be themed around netball as a sport and space for all.
On the court, the stakes are just as high.
The Firebirds are pushing hard to get back in the winner’s circle to stay in the hunt for a finals spot, with just five matches remaining and time running out to close the gap on the teams above them.
The Giants are still winless in 2026 after a disappointing home loss to the Melbourne Mavericks last weekend, but performances against both Adelaide and the Melbourne Vixens this season prove they are a team not to be taken lightly.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last meeting between the sides was a memorable Easter Saturday outing for the Firebirds, with Queensland securing a 78-55 win over the Giants at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Captain Ruby Bakewell-Doran was immense at the back with nine gains and three intercepts in a player-of-the-match display, while Mary Cholhok was dominant up front with 62 goals.
The result also marked the SSN debut of young Queenslander Lily Gribble, who came on late to become Firebird No.122.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds welcome back Macy Gardner after an absence with a calf injury, while 11th player Elsa Sif Sandholt also returns to the matchday 10 on the bench in the place of Emily Moore as Head Coach Kiri Wills looks at different attacking options in her squad.
Gardner has missed the past four matches after suffering her calf injury in the Round 5 loss to West Coast Fever but returns to give the Firebirds all four of their contracted midcourt options for the first time since Round One.
The Giants head to Queensland with two of their off-season recruits currently sidelined. Lucy Austin (foot) is out for the season, while New Zealand defender Jane Watson has been out of action after picking up an MCL and calf injury when these teams last met in Round 4.
Rookie duo Skye Thompson and Dakota Thomas are the replacement players for that injured pair.
KEY MATCHUP – LARA DUNKLEY v AMY SLIGAR
Wing defence Sligar has been a rare bright spark for the Giants in their disappointing campaign so far and is backing up an eye-catching 2025 campaign by combining on-court leadership with her now-proven ability.
A strong physical presence, Sligar is a ball-winner who is not afraid to put herself in harm’s way to win possession. She also has the knack of turning defence into attack, often firing a won ball down the court towards the circle to catch opponents unset.
Firebirds vice-captain Dunkley will match fire with fire when it comes to the physical battle against Sligar but is also having a tremendous campaign in her own right, overcoming injury setbacks to her midcourt teammates to deliver for her team and make their absence less keenly felt.
KEY STAT
Giants goaler Matisse Leatherbarrow is leading the league in Suncorp Super Shots with 34 two-pointers so far this season. Stopping her impact from range will be crucial for the Firebirds defence.
LAST WORD
“It's a huge game for us and what better that it is a Pride Match with all the celebrations running around it. We're really looking forward to the fight. We put out an incredible performance against the Giants last time but they're going to come out all guns blazing and we're ready for that.” - Firebirds midcourter IMOGEN ALLISON is hoping Pride Match celebrations can boost her team for what is a pivotal game in the club’s SSN finals aspirations.
FIREBIRDS SQUAD
Imogen Allison
Ruby Bakewell-Doran (capt)
Mary Cholhok
Lara Dunkley
Macy Gardner
Maddy Gordon
Kelly Jackson
Elsa Sif Sandholt
Te Paea Selby Rickit
Isabelle Shearer
HOW TO GET THERE
All the information regarding game day is available here.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, with seats still available - secure yours here.
