THE Queensland Firebirds have had a very disappointing start to the 2019 season, losing all but two games and coming agonisingly close to wins before sitting even at full time on both occasions. With injuries aplenty to start the season, the Firebirds have done their best to fight through their missing connections to put up some solid efforts, but the consistency has not been there for the side who were tipped to be finals contenders this year.

Ladder: 8th
Win-loss: 0-2-7
Percentage: 85.71%
Bonus points: 11

Overview:

The Firebirds’ season started on an average note and seems to have gone downhill from there, despite coming close to victory. Early in the season it seemed to be the defensive end that was not holding up, but since being hit with injuries through the midcourt and attack the side has seen players rotating through positions quicker than they can find their feet for the season. The loss of Mahalia Cassidy to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and Romelda Aiken to bone stress in her tibia were by far the most difficult issues to overcome, though South African imports, Lenize Potgieter and Erin Burger have certainly held their own since jumping on court, proving great additions to the line-up.

Surprises:

The Firebirds have racked up a few surprises this season, none more so than the rotation of Aiken out of attack and into defence for some extra height. Though it has been seen before on the international stage, Aiken has not seen much time on court in defence since then given the defensive prowess of 2018 retiree, Laura Geitz. However, the mix-up proved fruitful on a few occasions in the first half of the season, with Aiken’s height and connection with young defenders, Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner displaying a different side to the Jamaican and proving that the Firebirds are willing to make big changes if need be.

Improvements:

The defensive unit of the Firebirds was rocked with the announcement of Geitz’s retirement in 2018, leaving a relatively young defensive circle behind. But despite some missing connections early in the season, the teamwork of young guns, Jenner and Hinchliffe and stalwart keeper, Laura Clemesha has provided excitement about the future of not only the Firebirds but also potential future Diamonds aspirations. While heavily penalised in the first half of the season, Jenner and Hinchliffe have proved they can be a force to be reckoned with if they tidy up their act. Meanwhile, Gretel Tippett has dominated at the post this season, shooting 100 goals on the trot early on and proving a big threat credit to her agility and strength across the court but will have to keep it up if the Firebirds are any chance to snatch a win this season.

Expectations:

The Firebirds still have time to improve in the second half of the season, so if they can tidy up in defence and find good space in attack they could knock some sides out of finals contention.