Geitz welcomes early home games
QUEENSLAND Firebirds will launch their ANZ Championship title defence from their home nest next year.
While Laura Geitz is happy the champions will play four of their first six games in Brisbane, the Firebirds captain says her side is prepared to take on any comers on any court in their bid for successive titles.
“I love the early home games because it gives us the opportunity to continue the momentum from this year,’’ Geitz said.
“We always stress that we need to get on with what we are dealt.
“We don’t talk too much about the draw as a team. The draw is the draw and we just want to get going already.’’
Geitz also welcomed the inclusion of Friday night games and the shifting of marquee games to bigger venues.
Queensland will help start the season as part of an April Fools’ Day double-header when they host Christchurch side Mainland Tactix at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
The Firebirds will be at home to Wellington’s Central Pulse the following week before hosting the NSW Swifts and Northern Mystics in Rounds 5 and 6.
The grand final rematch with the Swifts will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on April 30.
The return clash with the Swifts in Round 9 will be held at Sydney’s 21,000-capacity Allphones Arena.
The Firebirds will continue to play one home game on the Gold Coast with the Round 10 clash with the Melbourne Vixens scheduled for June 4.
The ANZ Championship finals series will be conducted over four weekends instead of the crammed three-week finals draw this season.