THE 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season has come to an end, so let us now take a look back at each team’s season in retrospect. Today’s team in review is the Queensland Firebirds, who finished sixth in 2022.

2022 can be described as so close, but no cigars for the Firebirds.

They were in finals contention right up until the final few minutes of their Round 14 clash against the Swifts, but unfortunately they just fell short.

What is even more frustrating for the Firebirds is that they ultimately finished with a better percentage then the fourth placed Magpies, so if they had managed to hold on against the Swifts they would have made it into the finals.

But, it was not all bad for the Firebirds this season, with some exciting glimpses of their capabilities throughout the season and a solid base from which to build on for next season.

BEST WIN

It is hard to go past a big win against a cross state rival, which is what the Firebirds did back in Round 2 against the Lightning.

After a tight start, the Firebirds really put the foot on the pedal and went on to win by 28 goals. The Firebirds fixed up some of their issues from Round 1 and it really paid off for them.

STANDOUTS

The Firebirds arguably unearthed the recruit of the season in Donnell Wallam.

Although not her first season at the elite level, it was her first SSN season but you could not tell while watching.

Originally recruited as the replacement for the pregnant Romelda Aiken, she slotted seamlessly into the Firebirds’ side and earned herself a place in the Diamonds’ squad and a contract for next season.

Ruby Bakewell-Doran is another who has had a stellar first season in purple. Elevated from being a training partner, she too slotted seamlessly and earned a place in the Diamonds’ squad.

Some of Queensland’s more seasoned veterans also had stellar seasons, including the likes of Gretel Bueta, Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson.

NEXT SEASON

Now there are a lot of questions around the Firebirds at the moment and their strategy heading into next season.

It has already been revealed that Megan Anderson will not be coach next season, but the club are continuing to make re-signing announcements without having named Anderson’s replacement.

Among the re-signings are Bakewell-Doran and Simpson, but it is the shooters that are leaving fans scratching their heads. All three of 2022’s shooters have been re-signed, so that does not leave much room for Aitken to come back. What that means for Aitken’s future remains to be seen, as does what will happen with the appointment of a new coach.  

One face that will not be returning to Queensland next season is Eboni Usoro-Brown, who is returning to the United Kingdom. Jemma Mi Mi and Kim Jenner will also not be returning to the team in 2023.