Melbourne on high alert as Firebirds gather momentum
THE “Birdies” have only just begun. Having surged to second on the Suncorp Super Netball ladder following two straight wins, the Queensland Firebirds are ready to take it up a gear against the Melbourne Vixens in the opening match tonight of the double-header at Boondall.
Four of the competition’s top five sides will be in action in a double-barrelled Queensland v Victoria showdown with the Sunshine Coast meeting Collingwood in the later game.
Defender Kate Shimmin said the Firebirds did not want to lose precious momentum.
“The vibe is really good in the Firebirds camp at the moment but we are constantly reminding ourselves not to get complacent. It can go away very quickly if we take the foot off the pedal,’’ Shimmin said.
“We are growing as a team, we are getting better and better each week, especially with Erin Burger coming into the side, who has been amazing.”
Vixens captain Kate Moloney said an 11-goal win over West Coast last week had put Melbourne back on track but the visitors would have to lift again just to beat the Firebirds.
“They are always a quality side, especially when you’ve got someone like Romelda Aiken in your forward line.’’
The Vixens, with two wins, a draw and a loss, like the Firebirds, are more than capable of knocking off the big guns after upsetting cross-town rival Collingwood in Round 1.
Sisterly love will be on hold for four quarters when the Lightning take on the Magpies.
Collingwood star Madi Robinson will go toe-to-toe with younger sibling and Sunshine Coast wing attack Kelsey Browne for the first time after being at the Vixens together last season.
“It’s probably going to be more intense and worrying for Mum and Dad,’’ Robinson said.