THE Queensland Firebirds ventured down to Bendigo on the weekend to take on the Collingwood Magpies in a practice match, with the Firebirds taking home the win. It was a close game with the Pies with only two goals separating the two sides in the end, 55-53. Collingwood are yet to win a practice match following losses to the Lightning earlier in the month, but have showed steady improvement.

“It’s obviously really good to have pre-season games the Firebirds are a quality side especially with the firepower they have up front with Romelda and Gretel. We had our work cut out there, but really promising signs because we are still embedding those combinations,” Collingwood recruit and England Roses defender Geva Mentor told Magpies Netball after the defeat.

Collingwood were without star wing defence Ash Brazill due to her AFLW commitments, allowing head coach Rob Wright to play around with the team’s starting positions. At 31, Madi Robinson was rejuvenated playing centre, while the Pies usual starting centre, Kim Ravaillion featured in at wing defence for the match. Many fans and supporters were impressed with the veteran Robinson’s efforts on the weekend but none more than former Lightning premiership player and now Collingwood defender Mentor.

“Even having Madi run in at centre for a full game I was mighty impressed with her. I was bloody knackered in at goal keeper for the first quarter so I don’t know how she ran out a full game,” Mentor said.

It was a physical contest between the two sides, with neither club willing to take a backwards step credit to their commitment and never say die attitude. With the likes of hard-nut Gabi Simpson leading the way for the Firebirds and youngster Kim Jenner rotating through the defensive end physicality proved to be a key.

“It’s good to get a hit out, it was probably a bit brutal out there but I think the crowd loved it, almost bringing a bit of the footy style into our netball,” Mentor said.

Shimona Nelson played her role down at shooter for the Magpies proving she is not afraid to put her body on the line showcasing her impressive athleticism getting up high to reel in any wayward passes. For the Firebirds, the dynamic duo of Gretel Tippett and Romelda Aiken once again posed a threat, with the combination between the two becoming increasingly stronger as time goes on.

With plenty of time until the Suncorp Super Netball season commences, both teams will be working hard to iron out any inconsistencies in their game to ensure they can hit the ground running come Round 1.