Simpson’s day of Firebirds reckoning arrives
FIREBIRDS captain Gabi Simpson is confident of passing a fitness test today and being front and centre for the “tipping point” of Queensland’s Suncorp Super Netball season.
The winless Firebirds are second-last on the ladder after three rounds ahead of their clash with the GWS Giants at the Queensland State Netball Centre tomorrow.
Simpson missed the disappointing loss to the Sunshine Coast last Sunday with a groin injury and needs to get through training today to get the all-clear.
Her availability is especially important given the Firebirds will already be without defender Kim Jenner (broken finger).
The Australian Diamonds vice-captain said she would have played last week if it was a final and rates herself an “eight out of 10” chance of lining up in the must-win affair.
“I’ve already ticked off a lot of boxes and I’ve got the one last training session to tick off so I’m certainly hopeful of playing,’’ Simpson said.
“Just have to get through training and the sky is the limit.’’ Simpson said while the Firebirds squad of 2019 has shown signs of growth and improvement, it was time to deliver.
The Melbourne Vixens finished fifth last season after suffering six losses so the Firebirds can ill-afford another defeat so early in the campaign if they are serious about challenging for a top four berth.
“We’ve talked about the need to really pick up the pace. Last week was a bit of a bump in the road but this group is capable of so much more,’’ Simpson said.
“It’s time to start collecting some wins.
“It’s quite fitting that we are playing the Giants at this tipping point in our season. They were the team that we were able to take a real step up against in the pre-season.”