2024 SUPER NETBALL Birdies flying in under radar

Queensland ready to stun

The Queensland Firebirds may need to win the Super Netball premiership to achieve their lofty goals in season 2024.

Not only is the club determined to push back into the finals for the first time since 2018 - a big ask in itself given the standard of the competition this season.

But the Birdies believe state pride is on the line and want to finish the season as Queensland’s top team.

Given Sunshine Coast Lightning head into the season a raging favourite to take the title after recruiting Diamonds Liz Watson and Courtney Bruce, it’s a massive ask.

But it’s not putting the Firebirds off. Back surgery just before Christmas means Kim Ravaillion is no certainty to be on court for round 1 but the captain remains energised by the feeling around the club.

“Girls are really buying into the culture that we’re creating,” she said.

“And there’s a lot of young ones that are stepping up and wanting to be in those leadership roles.

“It’s just really exciting. We’ve got some really young Queenslanders in there home bred - and they’re just ready to go and so excited.”

“Our goal is to absolutely make finals. It’s been such a stale period for us.

“So that hunger and determination is definitely there.”

The former Diamond was a member of the Firebirds’ ANZ Championship-winning teams in 2015 and 2016 before leaving for a stint with Collingwood, and said it would mean “everything” to lead the Queenslanders back to the finals. “I want nothing more than for those girls to experience what it feels like to win a championship with the Firebirds and why I love the Firebirds so much and what it’s about,” Ravaillion said.

Donnell Wallam is another player bullish about the Firebirds’ finals chances and their rivalry with the Lightning. “Definitely this year … they’ll probably set the benchmark for this season,” Wallam said of the Lightning.

“So if we can stay competitive with Sunny Coast I think that will just be really exciting for netball in Queensland in general.”

In a poll of captains, the Firebirds were not ranked in the top four by any leader other than their own.

“I think a lot of teams could potentially write us off,” Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said. “But the only thing better than winning, is winning when no one thought you could and I think that can be our drive.”

HELEN HOUSBY SWIFTS

Followed an outstanding 2023 Super Netball season by being named player of the tournament at the World Cup in South Africa last year and is the most potent attacking player in the world. Will spearhead the Swifts’ push for a third Super Netball title. Loves the ball in her hands in the big moments and whether it’s a simple conversion, speccy intercept or signature long-range goal, will more often than not make the play that’s needed at crunch time.

COURTNEY BRUCE LIGHTNING

Named defensive player of the tournament at last year’s World Cup in Cape Town, Bruce helped spearhead the Diamonds charge in an outstanding campaign that backed up a stellar Super Netball season and domestic Test series.

JHANIELE FOWLERNEMBHARD FEVER

So dominant over such a long period of time, her stunning performances have become almost routine. FowlerNembhard’s dominance in the circle is legendary and few defenders ever get the better of the 198cm shooter.

SHAMERA STERLINGHUMPHREY THUNDERBIRDS

Named Super Netball player of the year for 2023 after leading the T’birds to their first premiership. The outstanding ‘keeper has an uncanny knack of knowing exactly where to be at the right time.

LIZ WATSON LIGHTNING

The Diamonds captain’s move to the Sunshine Coast was the talk of the league in the off-season with many in disbelief that the Victorian product would leave the Melbourne Vixens. The move, though, shows just how driven Watson is to find the best version of herself and the prospect of her game getting even better should be scary for rivals.

ELEANOR CARDWELL MAVERICKS

A revelation in her first season of Super Netball last year, leading the Adelaide to the title for the first time. As competitive as any player in the game, Cardwell is great for the game, creating rivalries with opposing defenders while winning the loyal support of her own fans.

PAIGE HADLEY SWIFTS

Instrumental in spearheading the Swifts’ bid for a third title last season. In concert with Maddy Proud, keeps the midcourt humming while at the international level, she’s not just a reliable player but an inspirational leader.

JO WESTON VIXENS

After battling a calf injury for the early part of last season, Weston was back to her best by the finals and had an outstanding international season, her efforts in the World Cup finals, in particular, showing her importance to the Australian side.

JAMIE-LEE PRICE GIANTS

Arguably the most improved player in the competition, Price is now an entrenched member of the Diamonds and has rebuilt herself into a player no team can do without.

CARA KOENEN LIGHTNING

Arguably Australia’s number one shooter, Koenen has the best baseline drive in the game and enviable accuracy around the post, while she continues to develop her long-range shot.

LATANYA WILSON THUNDERBIRDS

Wilson is quickly becoming a world-class defender, with premiership success, Commonwealth Games final and a World Cup medal. Outstanding hops give her an ability to play inside the circle, but her reach, speed, agility and ability to read the game means she can push into the midcourt as a wing defence.