Geitz return gives Firebirds lift
The Firebirds will begin their 2018 quest for Super Netball success against traditional rival NSW Swifts at Homebush on Sunday as part of a double-header that includes the grand final rematch between the Lightning and GWS Giants.
Queensland welcomed back former captain Laura Geitz (pictured) to the squad during the extra-long off-season to accommodate the Commonwealth Games and will also have the services of highlyrated centre Mahalia Cassidy who missed 2017 with a knee reconstruction.
Firebirds coach Roselee Jencke spoke for every coach, player and fan when she said the season cannot get underway soon enough.
“It just needs to start. We are sick of training and we just want to play some games,” Jencke said.
“It’s been a long pre-season. “All in all, I’m happy with where we are at and we are ready to go.’’
Jencke was an assistant coach with the Diamonds at the Commonwealth Games and said the tournament ran some players into good form.
“I thought Romelda (Aiken) had a really good tournament,’’ she said.
“Gretel (Tippett) had a few good matches as part of the Diamonds training squad too.
“Geitzy is moving better than she was in 2016 and her experience will be so important for this group.’’
The Firebirds beat the Swifts in back-to-back grand final thrillers in 2015 and 2016 and after both missed the finals last season, Jencke said the traditional title contenders want to send a message to the rest of the competition by starting the 2018 season with a bang.