THE Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) free agency period has closed today with a bang, not a whimper, with Queensland Firebirds keeping fans waiting as to who their final 2022 signing would be. With questions flying around about their final selection, the Firebirds did not hold back, announcing England international Eboni Usoro-Brown will hold down the goal keeper position next season.

The former Team Bath defender is a goal keeper by trade, with great anticipation and the ability to have a big impact on play. She will partner with Kim Jenner and Ruby Bakewell-Doran to create a new-look Firebirds defensive unit – perhaps what the club needs in 2022.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Firebirds this season and being part of a training and competitive environment that will test me as a player and an athlete and ensure I reach my career goals in what is arguably the most competitive league in the world,” Usoro-Brown said.

“They combine elite performance with a family friendly atmosphere and anyone who knows me will understand what a big decision it has been to leave my Team Bath family.”

Queensland Firebirds High Performance Director, Demelza Fellowes said that Usoro-Brown’s addition to the squad will help lead the team into the future with plenty of confidence, adding another bit of international experience to the Firebirds next season.

“There’s always plenty of excitement around a new signing and when that signing is a highly capped international player, there is even more excitement,” Fellowes said. “For an international player to want to move across the world to join the Firebirds I believe that says a lot about our club and what we are building towards.”

Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson was similarly excited about the signing, with particularly Usoro-Brown’s international experience and prior success making her a key selection for the 2022 squad. A former member of the West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds during the ANZ Championship period, Usoro-Brown most importantly brings the knowledge and awareness of what is required of her at SSN level.

“Eboni brings invaluable experience playing in successful teams, has a commanding presence on court and will offer great knowledge and leadership to our team,” Anderson said.

“Fortunately for us she was excited by the opportunity to join the Firebirds in 2022 and came on board.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have a player of Eboni’s calibre join the Firebirds and can’t wait to see her back as a key defender in SSN.”

Usoro-Brown completes not only the Firebirds’ 2022 squad, but also marks the official end of the free agency period. From October 9, clubs can begin signing training partners.

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2021 SSN signing update: 4/10 2021 SSN signing update: 7/10

SSN signings week one: The story so far | SSN signings week two: Clubs announce fresh faces | SSN signings week three: Young guns earn senior contracts

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Picture credit: Ben Lumley Photography