IT has been an unconventional year of netball and as 2020 comes to a close the Draft Central team casts an eye to the future and which teams we are excited to see take the court for the 2021 season. There has been a number of player changes throughout the offseason across the ANZ Premiership, Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) and Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) with retirements, pregnancies and injuries impacting some teams. But that does not mean that next year will not be action packed with some fresh faces elevated to full time rosters and internationals joining new leagues. Making their way to second on the countdown is the Queensland Firebirds.

In an unprecedented season to say the least the Firebirds pulled together some impressive performances and rose up the ladder in style. Although they did not make finals it was clear that their intent and execution over the off-season had developed tenfold. Without the services of Australian Diamonds goal attack and lynchpin Gretel Bueta there were plenty of question marks around how the side would hold up, but there seemed to be no issue with incoming youngster Tippah Dwan leading the way. Set to welcome back Bueta for next season with the goaler set to give birth in early February the Firebirds are expected to go from strength to strength. With another pre-season under her belt, Dwan could become a real impact player and even push for a starting spot given her smooth movement across the court, strong drives and impressive range to nail them from perimeter edge. Romelda Aiken was also in career best form throughout the 2020 SSN campaign with the Jamaican goaler proving to be a real menace under the post with her athleticism, height and sheer volume to post, placing them in good stead for 2021.

Through the midcourt, the Firebirds have acquired the services of premiership player and Australian Diamond Kim Ravaillion. Much like Bueta, Ravaillion is returning from giving birth and will provide that run and gun through the centre now that Mahalia Cassidy has joined forces with Sunshine Coast Lightning. A tried and tested star, with strong connections across the court due to her previous tenure at the club Ravaillion will be one to watch and will definitely have something to prove in the upcoming season. Lara Dunkley has signed on as a permanent player next season with the wing attack able to swing into centre when need be and is a reliable figure in attack with her strong drives and quick hands while livewire Jemma Mi Mi is only getting better as time goes by.

Defensively the combination of Kim Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe has developed at a rate of knots with the two likely to further elevate their game play next season and become even more of a commanding presence down back. Jenner starred throughout the season with her intercepting ability, tenacity and read of the play while Hinchliffe showcased her maturity to both read the play and go out for a fly or double-down on her goal shooter. Both are still only 22 and have plenty of development still left in them while captain Gabi Simpson is often a barometer for the side and if she can continue her strong form it will go a long way for the Firebirds.

Having risen up the ladder throughout the 2020 season and without a key cog in Bueta, the Firebirds are primed for a finals tilt if all things go to plan given the star power they have across the court and the impressive level of depth. Each player brings a unique set of skills and having retained a strong core group of players the side will be hoping to wow their opponents with their connections and gut running. Boasting a new head coach in Megan Anderson after Roselee Jencke decided to part ways it will be interesting to see whether or not the Firebirds continue their defence first approach or swing to a more attacking manner making for an exciting 2021 season for the purple army.