SIMPSON POINTS OUT FIREBIRDS’ CHALLENGE
Queensland captain Gabi Simpson would not use the cliché one game at a time but says the Firebirds cannot look past the winless Thunderbirds as they seek a place in the Super Netball finals.
The Firebirds sit in fourth place on 55 points ahead of state rivals the Sunshine Coast Lightning on goal difference alone going into Sunday’s home clash with the bottom-placed Thunderbirds and next week’s game with the Magpies, also in Brisbane.
With two games of the regular season to go and a bonus point for each winning quarter, to add to four points for a win, the Firebirds look to be a favourite for finals but Simpson said it was not as simple as that.
“We need to win every quarter because the ladder is so close. Every quarter is do-or-die for us,” Simpson said.
“We can’t afford to look ahead because every moment we play in this game is going to shape what happens in the finals series if we get there.
“It is a good thing for us to have Thunderbirds this week.
“But is also means there’s a bit more pressure on this game. We need to perform. We need to make sure we come away with eight points.”
The Thunderbirds have not won at all this season but have improved.
“They are hurting. We know how much it hurts not to be where you want to be on the ladder,” Simpson said.
“They really want a big scalp, so they will be coming for us.
“The ladder at the moment is extremely tight. There are five teams within eight points and that can change in one game, so if we don’t put on a really good performance and win as many quarters as we can this game or next game, we could either be in first or fifth.”
The Super Netball competition is celebrating Retro Round this weekend and Simpson went back in time to try on a dress worn by the foundation Firebirds team of the 1990s.
She said it was important for the present team to tap into what had gone before them.
“When we step out on court we know that we are not just representing the 10 girls who are in the team now,” the wing defender said. “A lot of ladies have come before us and really shaped the culture of who the Firebirds are and put us in the position we are today.”
– Phil Dillon