The Queensland Firebirds are proud to announce the Club’s Captains for the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Gabi Simpson will lead the Club as Captain, with the experienced midcourter to be supported by Vice-Captain Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Ravaillion as the third member of the Captaincy group.
Firebirds Head Coach Megan Anderson believes all three players will bring a unique style to their respective roles.
“They each have their strengths, both on and off the court, that complement each other and make for a really versatile and balanced Captains group,” Anderson said.
“The players were unanimous in their decision and have clearly chosen leaders they believe live the standards and behaviours central to our Club’s culture.”
“Importantly though, all 15 members of our squad acknowledge that leadership at the Firebirds is not exclusive to these three players, it’s everyone’s responsibility, and I am continually impressed by the level of accountability they are holding each other to every time we take the court.”
Simpson resumes her role as Captain for a fifth consecutive season and says the time has come for the team to deliver on the confidence within the passionate Purple Family supporter base.
“I’ve had lots of people approach me in recent months talking about the potential this team has, and we as a group need to ensure we run towards that challenge” Simpson said.
“This is bigger than just the team though, as an extended Club and fan base we’ve been building towards something special and that’s what will continue to drive us as we approach Round one.”
Hinchliffe’s rise to the Vice-Captaincy comes in just her fourth season in the top squad, a clear demonstration of the Goal Keeper’s influence within the group.
The 22-year-old believes the Club is ready to deliver in their 2021 Suncorp Super Netball campaign.
“It’s clear we are taking significant strides as a group and I’m humbled to be chosen by the girls to lead in what shapes as a really exciting year,” Hinchliffe said.
“There is certainly a buzz around the team but that feeling counts for little if we aren’t putting in the work and holding each other accountable, and I firmly believe our group will continue to drive those standards throughout the year.”
For Ravaillion, elevation to the Captaincy group caps a remarkable return home to the Queensland Firebirds and the two-time Premiership winner says the honour is not lost on her.
“Despite spending time away from the Club I’ve always felt connected with a Purple heart and it’s a huge honour for me to be nominated by the girls to be a part of our Captaincy group,” Ravaillion said.
“While I may be a leader, I feel as though everyone in this team leads in their own way and that instils such belief in me to be myself and lead by example.”
The Queensland Firebirds travel to Victoria today to face the Collingwood Magpies and Adelaide Thunderbirds in a series of trial games just six weeks out from the start of the season.
For more information about the Queensland Firebirds 2021 Suncorp Super Netball fixture, including information on how you can secure your seat as part of the Purple Family, visit firebirds.net.au
