Firebirds looking ahead after key duo recommits

NETBALL: Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson says the team can have a good crack at the Super Netball title next year after she re-signed for next season.

Simpson joined star shooter Romelda Aiken in penning new deals and said the side was building towards a good second campaign after finishing this season with three straight wins, including a success over grand finalists the Giants.

“We went through a lot of hard yards to rebuild a winning culture again this year,” Simpson said.

“We did a lot of reflection individually and as a team, and I want to be here to see that through and make it all worthwhile.

“The last games of the season showed we had rediscovered the right attitude to finish strong and maintain our intensity across 60 minutes, so there’s a lot of excitement going forward.

“You look at our group across the board and we have a lot of youth that experienced great exposure to Suncorp Super Netball this year.

“They’ll only be better for that experience in 2018 and I can’t wait to be there to see them flourish and be part of that process.”

Jamaican Aiken said there was no other choice to make other than re-signing for a club she had represented since 2008.

“It’s always a great opportunity to wear the purple dress,” she said.

“For me it’s my pride and passion and I’m just enjoying being part of the club.

“It’s the culture here. We’re very family orientated. We do everything for each other. Everyone who comes out of the Firebirds will tell you how different it is from other clubs.

“This year in the second half of the season we established what we are as a team out there on court.”

“For me, it’s going to be really exciting to put the dress on again and make netball fun and exciting for the fans as the Firebirds do.”