LOCKED AND LOADED FOR QUEENSLAND DERBY
FIREBIRDS captain Gabi Simpson says her side is ready to rumble in this Sunday’s “Sunshine State Shootout” with the Lightning.
The battleground for the first Queensland derby of 2019 will be the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall on Mother’s Day.
And Simpson believes the intense 57-57 draw with Collingwood at the new Queensland State Netball Centre on Saturday was an ideal preparation for the match-up with the Sunshine Coast, who beat the Firebirds in their last meeting in last year’s elimination final.
“I think it sets us up very well,’’ Simpson said.
“It was such a tight game against the Magpies.
“There was a lot of pressure and we showed a lot of growth from Round 1.
“And this week, we’ll do exactly what we did last week.
“We’ll go away and have a look to see what we can do better and make sure we take
another step up.
“It’s exciting to think about what will come this coming week.’’
Simpson paid tribute to the Firebirds faithful, who created an electric atmosphere at the Queensland State Netball Centre that attracted 4578 spectators for its first Super Netball match.
“Our first game in front of our purple fans in our new home was something very special,’’ she said.
“They really gave us a lift when it got tight at the end and put pressure on Collingwood too.
“The support they give us is second to no other team.’’