QUEENSLAND Firebirds and GIANTS Netball played out the first draw of the Suncorp Super Netball season in Round 4, proving just how tight the competition is in season 2020. The Firebirds put on a fantastic display and were toe to toe with the GIANTS until the very end, fighting until the final siren after trailing by as much as five goals in the final term, however they just fell short of taking home the full win. With no extra time, both teams were lucky to take home some much-needed points from this heated encounter. Defensively both sides really stepped up to the mark and some amazing skills were on display throughout the four quarters. Turnovers were the downfall for both the Firebirds and the GIANTS, who ended the game with 27 and 28 respectively. It was a good outing from both sides, but resulted in too many errors and neither team managed to really capitalise on their impressive defensive gains, with both teams finishing on 61 goals apiece.

After a blistering performance in Round 3, Kim Jenner continued her good form from the outset and made her physicality and presence felt to Jo Harten. As both sides settled into the game, the Firebirds looked to Romelda Aiken early but defensively Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a piled on the pressure. GIANTS won back ball in the opening minutes but missed the connections needed in their midcourt and attacking end in order to make it count. Ine-Mari Venter came on for Tippah Dwan after a few minutes, but this change seemed to unsteady the Firebirds attack end and they were not able to find easy access to post without Dwan setting the play. GIANTS crept out to a five-goal advantage, it was clear neither side wanted to go down without a fight and they were both very hungry for the win. Jemma Mi Mi was impressive, hitting circle edge at speed and using her game smarts to outwit the talented Amy Parmenter. The GIANTS led 18 goals to 14 at the first break despite a strong fight from the Firebirds.

The Firebirds defenders were leading the charge in the second quarter, with Tara Hinchliffe and Jenner setting up big wins for the Queensland side. Dwan came back into goal attack and despite a held ball on her first shot, she grew into the quarter and seemed to make the difference for the Firebirds. The GIANTS were still ahead, but after a huge opening few minutes from the Firebirds the two teams were back level and the Firebirds had energy and momentum in their favour, putting everything on the line. Julie Fitzgerald felt the need for a change and mixed up the attack line, with Matisse Leatherbarrow making her debut and Harten taking a rest on the bench.

In defence, Poolman and Manu’a were putting in a huge effort, but Aiken was stepping up to the mark for her side and was difficult to stop. In the midcourt, Mahalia Cassidy was keeping Jamie-Lee Price occupied, and making it hard for her to find good feeding position, which put more of the workload onto Kiera Austin. It looked as though the Firebirds had really taken control of the quarter, and both coaches took the opportunity to shake up their lineups. These changes in all areas of the court made for a frantic final few minutes of the half from both teams. April Brandley came into goal defence, making her 100th performance at the national league level, in an attempt to nullify the impact of Dwan. A massive 17-11 quarter from the Firebirds saw them edge in front by two goals, and it looked as though they had got the better of Caitlin Bassett and the GIANTS attacking end.

At half-time the GIANTS needed to have a rethink, as the Firebirds defensive line had really sussed them out and they were not able to punish them in attack like they could have. For the Firebirds, this was a crucial time to keep control of the game and continue their strong performance in the second half, something they have struggled to do so far this season. They were putting on a great show for their home crowd and had the opportunity to use the momentum to take them all the way. Despite a relatively quiet game from Gabi Simpson in terms of disruption, she was actually doing a massive job on Austin who on occasion failed to find the usual accuracy with her feeds in the first half. This is a credit to Simpson’s hustle in defence and she contributed hugely to many of the gains and intercepts earned by Hinchliffe and Jenner.

The Firebirds came out of the half-time break with plenty of flair and excitement, and looked like they could keep control of the momentum of the game. The GIANTS needed something big, and a timely intercept from Price on the Firebirds centre pass looked to be the spark they needed. The western Sydney side stepped up a gear and a huge team effort gave them another chance to come out on top. The Firebirds were still ahead but could not seem to push the margin out, despite Jenner’s best efforts. Her anticipation, athleticism and pure willpower was fantastic to watch and made for a very exciting quarter of netball. The GIANTS were down by four goals and a big change saw the Diamonds captain go to the bench and Austin enter the goal circle in goal attack. Maddie Hay took to the court in wing attack and offered a different option for the attack line, which made a huge impact on the GIANTS ease to post. As the third quarter progressed the momentum was back with the GIANTS, and the Firebirds knew that the Super Shot period would be crucial. Austin and Harten were comfortable to shoot from this range and used this to pull ahead by three goals (47-44) going into the final quarter. 

The change in attack seemed to have a ripple effect throughout the GIANTS team. They found their connections through court easily and were able to convert more of their turnovers. Despite an outstanding effort defensively from Mi Mi, the Firebirds now trailed by five goals and looked like the wind had gone out of their sails. For the GIANTS, Hay was using her speed to evade Simpson and finding Austin who had her radar on at the post. Both teams took it up a gear in the final few minutes, knowing the game was on the line and suddenly the Firebirds scrambled back within two. Giants managed to score quickly and had possession of the ball in the final minute when scores were tied. The final minutes were hectic as both teams wrestled to take control, and in the dying seconds, Harten missed the final shot which could have won the GIANTS the game. It was a really strong outing for both sides with plenty of positives, and unlike some of the previous games the Super Shot really came into play, with the GIANTS managing nine from 17, and the Firebirds putting up three from 7. In the end, both teams ended on 61 goals apiece and they split the points.

It was another outstanding performance from Jenner who earned Player of the Match, racking up a huge six gains and four intercepts. She has been impressive in 2020 and will no doubt be knocking on the door for a Diamonds call up very soon. The Firebirds are so close to earning their first win of the season and will be hoping they can snatch one against the reigning premiers next week. GIANTS take on Sunshine Coast Lightning next in a huge clash where a win will be crucial to keep them in touch with the top four.

>>> FIREBIRDS TEAM PAGE

>>> GIANTS TEAM PAGE

>>> FULL MATCH STATS

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Queensland Firebirds 14 | 17 | 13 | 17 (61)
GIANTS Netball 18 | 11 | 18 | 14 (61)

STARTING SEVEN:

Queensland Firebirds:

GS: Romelda Aiken
GA: Tippah Dwan
WA: Jemma Mi Mi
C: Mahalia Cassidy
WD: Gabi Simpson
GD: Kim Jenner
GK: Tara Hinchliffe

GIANTS Netball:

GS: Caitlin Bassett
GA: Jo Harten
WA: Kiera Austin
C: Jamie-Lee Price
WD: Amy Parmenter
GD: Kristiana Manu’a
GK: Sam Poolman