After a thrilling three-point win over GIANTS Netball last weekend, the Firebirds are back at Nissan Arena on Sunday to take on another south-of-the-border rival in the NSW Swifts.
The Swifts head to Queensland for the second time in three weeks after bouncing back from their opening round loss on the Sunshine Coast with a solid win over the Mavericks in Sydney last weekend.
LAST TIME WE MET
A haul of 40 goals from 50 attempts including six Suncorp Super Shots by Donnell Wallam wasn't enough for the Firebirds as they slipped to a 78-65 defeat in front of a sold-out crowd at Nissan Arena in the Firebirds final home match of the 2023 season last June.
The 13-point win was enough to secure the Swifts the minor premiership with Helen Housby shooting eight two-pointers for the visitors.
TEAM NEWS
The Firebirds are sticking with the same squad of 10 players as they have selected for the past two matches: Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Lara Dunkley, Tippah Dwan, Macy Gardner, Remi Kamo, Emily Moore, Kim Ravaillion, Isabelle Shearer, Hulita Veve, Donnell Wallam.
Shearer will make her SSN debut if she takes to the court.
The Swifts are also unchanged with Elle Temu continuing to replace the injured Teigan O'Shannassy.
KEY MATCH-UP - Ruby Bakewell-Doran v Helen Housby
English international Helen Housby has begun the year in sensational fashion. The goal attack was in fine form during the Team Girls Cup, including nailing five Suncorp Super Shots in the Firebirds' clash with the Swifts in the pre-season tournament. After two rounds of the SSN season, Housby leads the league in two-pointers with 15 from just 17 attempts. Firebirds goal defender Bakewell-Doran will need to be at her best to limit the Swifts superstar's influence in what will be the Roses player's 100th National League appearance.
KEY STAT
Firebirds mid-courter Lara Dunkley was in superb form against the Giants, notching up 43 feeds and 23 goal assists but giving up just one single intercept. Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley will be hoping for a similar display this weekend against the Swifts' and their dynamic duo of Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley.
LAST WORD
"The Swifts haven't dealt with us yet so wait until this round. We're super excited, we've been training hard so we're ready to bring it," - Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran.
HOW TO GET THERE
All the information regarding game day is available here. For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Saturday’s game via Foxtel or Kayo Sports. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
