The Queensland Firebirds will go head-to-head against Collingwood in the playoffs of the Suncorp Team Girls Cup on Sunday after both teams finished third in their respective pools.
After their Saturday double-header the Firebirds walked away with a thrilling one-goal win against NSW Swifts, which came after a tough 50-45 loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Queensland Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said she was pleased with the way her team improved with each pool match over the opening two days of the pre-season tournament.
“I think we've built as the weekend has gone on which has been impressive, we’ve learnt from each game and carried those learnings into the next,” she said.
“We came here wanting to try things we've been working on and learn from that. And I think we've definitely done that so far.
“We've had great contributions from all 14 players as well which is really pleasing.”
One of the big talking points of the weekend has been Donnell Wallam taking the court for the Firebirds and doing so in exciting fashion.
The talented goaler looked at home in purple and in the goal circle as she shot impressively, sinking a number of super shots at key moments.
“Donnell was great, she was strong and just did her job,” Anderson said.
“The girls really showed trust in her and that showed in her confidence on court. She's really coachable and is like a sponge trying to learn and take things in which is great.”
Anderson made it known in the lead up that Team Girls Cup would be used to build connections and for trialling what might work and then be used in the SSN season.
After Saturday night’s win over the Swifts the Firebirds coach said she was more than happy with what she saw, particularly from some of the club’s emerging talent.
“Time together for new combinations is gold and we've been able to give the defensive and shooting ends some good minutes together,” Anderson said.
“The TP's (training partners) have been fantastic, really showing they've stepped up again since last year.
“They're really keeping our 10 honest and I love their contributions to the program, not just this weekend but all pre-season they have been amazing.”
The Firebirds take on Collingwood at 2pm with the match played at Melbourne’s Parkville Stadium.
