THE 2022 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season is almost upon us, so it is time to take a look at each of the contenders for the upcoming season and what 2022 might have in store for them.

Today, we look at the Queensland Firebirds, who finished fifth in 2021.

Season 2021

Ladder: 5th
Win-loss: 6-8
Percentage: 100.8%

The Firebirds came into 2021 as a side that was considered a premiership favourite. They had good moments and put some teams away easily, but unfortunately they were inconsistent throughout the season and it cost them.

They ultimately finished in fifth place, two wins behind the fourth placed Sunshine Coast, but with a higher percentage than the Lightning.

Looking ahead to 2022, there have been a few departures from the Firebirds’ line-up of 2021.

Tippah Dwan and Rudi Ellis have gone elsewhere, no doubt in search of more opportunities. Dwan has gone to the Thunderbirds, while Ellis has gone west to the Fever.

Tara Hinchliffe has also departed, having gone across to state rivals, the Lightning.

Romelda Aiken will also miss this season due to pregnancy, but her replacement is yet to be confirmed.

In their places, the Firebirds have recruited from both local and international sources.

The Firebirds’ first two recruits are both former training partners, keen to make the most of their opportunity on the senior list.

Ruby Bakewell-Doran is a defender who has great footwork and anticipation. She has had limited chances in her career, but has taken every opportunity that has come her way.  

Mia Stower is a goaler who, despite the lack of court time at SSN level she has had thus far, has the work rate and determination to get there and consistently impact inside the circle.

The third recruit is and English Goal Keeper who is the only international recruit in the SSN for season 2022. Eboni Usoro-Brown brings plenty of explosiveness, strength and excellent evasiveness, and will be a calming influence in the Firebirds’ defensive end.

The Firebirds also have a new skipper heading in 2022.

Previous captain Gabi Simpson announced she would be stepping down from the role of captain, and in her place comes Kim Ravaillion as captain and Lara Dunkley as vice-captain.

Speaking to the Firebirds’ website, head coach Megan Anderson spoke glowingly of her side’s new captain.

“Rav is an amazing athlete, both physically and in the approach she has to the game. She never stops in the pursuit of being better and improving herself,” Anderson said.

“She knows she has achieved the highs of netball, but now life is not so much about her and what she can achieve but about helping others achieve their best.

“I have seen her grow into a mature and selfless player who is genuinely caring and so enthusiastic about making her teammates be the best they can be.

“When she speaks everyone listens so it’ll more of the concise, to the point and timely chats with the players that will help inspire them to achieve big things in 2022.”

To say their Team Girls Cup tournament was a mixed bag would be an understatement.

On night one of the tournament, they lost to the Vixens by eight goals.

In match one of day two, they lost to the Lightning by five goals, but they turned things around in the second match of the day and drew with the Swifts 41 goals all.

This saw them finish third in their group, and they played the Magpies on the final day.

It was a tight match for much of the game, but the Firebirds ultimately got the chocolates and came away with a narrow win.

So the Firebirds will be looking to have a more consistent season and make their way back up the ladder. The question is, can they do it? Stay tuned to find out.

First up the Firebirds host the Vixens at home on the 27th March. The match starts at 1pm local time.

2022 SQUAD

Attack:

Gretel Bueta
Mia Stower

Midcourt:

Gabi Simpson
Lara Dunkley
Kim Ravaillion
Jemma Mi Mi

Defence:

Kim Jenner
Eboni Usoro-Brown
Ruby Bakewell-Doran