THE 2021 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season has come to a close with the focus now on the off-season and next year. Draft Central takes a look at each teams respective season with the next team under the microscope the Queensland Firebirds.

Ladder: 5th
Win-loss: 6-8
Percentage: 100.8%

Touted as potential grand final favourites at the start of the 2021 season, Queensland Firebirds unfortunately did not live up to the hype taking a while to settle into their changes and find that level of consistency. With a new coach at the helm and the welcomed return of some Firebirds favourites in Gretel Bueta and Kim Ravaillion the Queensland based side showed glimpses of what they could do putting some of the top teams to the sword, but their momentary lapses against their lower ranked opponents really cost them, falling just short of finals once again.

What worked well?

It is fair to say that the Firebirds engine room was through the midcourt with both Gabi Simpson and Ravaillion proving they can run all day every day. Ravaillion provided that much needed link between attack and defence while Simpson offered the added bit of a leadership to a young defensive structure. Lara Dunkley and Jemma Mi Mi both rotated strike in that wing attack role to provide a point of difference in the frontend with Dunkley boasting a more conservative and cautious approach as opposed to Mi Mi’s run and gun style. Their Firebirds played with great flair and dare right across the court with the defensive end willing to go out hunting and the attacking unit tapping into their athleticism making them a very unpredictable team to come up against.

What went wrong?

Inconsistency was a key issue for the Firebirds as they struggled throughout the season to implement a strong four quarter performance. Although they were able to display strong patches in the game they fell away at costly moments often forfeiting the lead. The other main area of concern for the Firebirds was their high penalty count especially down in defence with the likes of Rudi Ellis, Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner often giving away high totals and subsequently gifting opposition teams with free shots on goal, an area they will want to address heading into next season.

Most valuable player?

Jamaican shooting sensation Romelda Aiken was a key pillar in attack for the Firebirds throughout their 2021 campaign. The goal shooter was nothing short of consistent to post with her ability to twist herself inside out on constant display. Aiken impressed with her capacity to go up and contest for the high ball while she also added a couple more tricks to her game to get on the move and open up the space. Standing tall under the post made her an easy target for the Firebirds while her accuracy and volume to post made her difficult to stop when things got going in attack. Her connection with Bueta, Tippah Dwan and Ravaillion in attack was second to none as they carved up the court with their explosive and creative style of play.

Most improved player? 

It was a breakout year for Hinchliffe with the goal keeper shining down back with her improved level of movement and overall defensive nous coming to the fore. Although her year was soured with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and she is likely to miss most of next season the young defender impressed each time she stepped out on court. Often living behind the shadows of Jenner, Hinchliffe found her own voice and dominance out on court this season with her attack on the ball and clever movement around the body often catching the eye.

Photo credit: Queensland Firebirds