The Queensland Firebirds are determined to finish the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball league season on a positive note by securing a win against the Melbourne Vixens tonight.
On their home court at Nissan Arena, despite it being in front of no crowd, the Firebirds will also be hoping to dedicate the win to their unwavering and loyal fans.
Coach Megan Anderson said her team still had plenty to play for against the Vixens, even though finals are no longer possible.
“We’re feeling a little sad it’s the last game of the season and disappointed we couldn’t finish by making the finals,” Anderson admitted.
“We had some great momentum in the second half of the season but couldn’t make the most of it and play finals netball.
“The final game is definitely important, it’s important to be able to show respect to ourselves as players and coaches, respect for the Firebirds program in 2021 and what it’s achieved and to finish on a good note going into 2022.
“We will want to stand tall and show how far we’ve come this year and give the fans who can’t be at the game, something to cheer about during lockdown at home.”
Anderson acknowledged the toll of the season might have caught up with her team in last week’s loss to the Magpies but is confident they are well rested after a six-day break.
The Firebirds team tonight will feature three training partners with Ruby Bakewell-Doran in for Tara Hinchliffe and Macy Gardner in for Jemma Mi Mi.
While Hulita Veve, who Anderson described as a ‘super athlete’, takes the place of captain Gabi Simpson who sits out due to an ongoing achilles complaint.
“I never make plans about who is going to come on when during a game, I play it as I see it,” the Firebirds coach said about her plans for the match.
“I have full confidence in them (training partners) it’s their opportunity to step up and take their chance.
“It’s exciting to watch these players, we’ve seen them training the house down with us and as a coach is great to be able to give them the opportunity to play in an SSN match.”
