WITH the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season done and dusted Draft Central takes a look back at the year that was for each team, where they went wrong, improvements and hopes for the 2021 season. It has been an unconventional season to say the least with a condensed season, rolling subs, introduction of the super shot, extended benches and of course the Queensland hub making for an action packed year of netball. Coming in at fifth spot on the ladder is Queensland Firebirds who jumped up the ladder in 2020 with some renewed confidence.

Ladder: 5th
Win-loss: 6-1-7
Percentage: 95.3%

Overview:

It was a much improved season from Queensland Firebirds who found some real continuity in their game play and thus rocketed up the ladder. Missing out on finals, the Firebirds will take plenty of positives out of their season with their youth the focal point, able to withstand the pressure of SSN level and take it in their stride. Boasting a wealth of options through the midcourt the Firebirds rotated accordingly as Macy Gardner, Jemma Mi Mi and Lara Dunkley all starred through the centre third. Dunkley offered a wealth of composure and calmness in attack for the Firebirds while Mi Mi injected excitement and speed to keep the defenders guessing. Returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) Mahalia Cassidy made no mistake, impressing in both attack and defence to act as that link between the two thirds.

Captain Gabi Simpson was in scintillating form, contesting every pass and taking full advantage of her closing speed. She shocked many with her one-off move into goal defence highlighting her increased versatility and sheer netball smarts but did her most damage out the front with her hands over pressure transitional play. Tara Hinchliffe elevated her game with the goal keeper reducing the whistle and instead working on her footwork to ensure she can have a profound impact. Up the other end Romelda Aiken seemed to have a new lease on life as the goal shooter dominated under the post and proving too much to handle for opposition defenders. Her strong holds, aerial ability and ball control all came to the fore throughout the season, recapturing her earlier form to take the Firebirds to six wins.

Shining light:

Touted as an exciting prospect for many years, Kim Jenner exploded out of the blocks this season for the Firebirds proving to be a real ball magnet. She showcased her ability to change the course of a game with her read of the play, sticky hands and deceptively long arms to create tips and deflections. She tidied up her approach on the contest from last season which enabled her to build pressure and force more opportunities to regain possession for the Firebirds. Her ever growing partnership with Hinchliffe was critical to Queensland’s rise up the ladder while her work through the centre was also key, presenting hard at the centre pass and along the transverse line. Jenner proved that she is not a one trick pony able to play both an attacking and negating role when needed while also highlighting her versatility to swing between goal defence and goal keeper.

Best off-season pickup:

With Gretel Bueta announcing her pregnancy there were plenty of question marks surrounding who would replace the star goal attack but come Round 2 there was no denying that Tippah Dwan was the answer. Elevated to the main playing list Dwan took the opportunity with both hands and did not look back leaving many fans in awe of her brilliance. The young goal attack rose to the occasion each time she stepped out on court dominating with her timing, precise ball movement and read of the play. Although she tired at stages throughout the season her work rate was impressive and she never stopped trying. Her confidence developed at a rate of knots backing herself from range especially when it came to the super shot while her partnership with Aiken was virtually impossible to stop.

Prediction:

The Firebirds have the basis of a star team and are set to welcome back the services of Bueta in 2021 placing them nicely. They have also acquired the services of Australian Diamonds gut running centre and new mother Kim Ravaillion which will really bolster their midcourt stocks. Although they are still on the lookout for a new coach with Roselee Jencke parting ways with the club, the Firebirds have no shortage of experienced and should continue on their upwards trajectory.