Helen Housby is no stranger to big games with the Firebirds. The double Swifts Premiership champion became a Club Centurion against the Queenslanders in Brisbane last year and was the difference in an extra-time win for NSW.
On Sunday, the old foes renew their rivalry with the Swifts sitting on top of the Suncorp Super Netball ladder after three rounds and the Firebirds well placed just one win in arrears.
For many netball fans, who remember the massive Swifts-Firebirds rivalry in the final years of the old National League (the ANZ Championship), this will be the biggest clash between the sides in an age.
“Yeah, obviously Firebirds and Swifts have got a long history of some pretty big games,” Housby says.
“I think similar to us, they've recruited very well in their goal circle. They’ve got Mary (Cholhock) back there who offers a really, really strong target for them.
“I think to be honest, it could become a bit of a shootout, which would be quite exciting.
“But I think for us what we did against Adelaide defensively was really cool and I'd love to see some more of that.”
Housby notes the challenges the Firebirds will present, but also how she feels the Swifts can counter them on Sunday at Ken Rosewall Arena (4pm AEST).
“They are a team that can be quite hard to win ball off, especially when they've got someone of Mary's height in the circle,” she adds.
“So, trying to win some good ball and then taking that through to our goal will be important.
“And then I think for us that Firebirds defence and can cause chaos. For us it's trying to stay level-headed and have real good efficiency on our centre pass.
“But yeah, whatever happens, I think it's going to be a blockbuster and I can't wait.”
Pride Round will also take centre stage this weekend with the entire stadium turned into a Rainbow Bowl. It’s always a highlight of the year for the England international.
“I absolutely love Pride Round,” Housby adds.
“I love when we turn the stadium multi-coloured. It's awesome. You know, netball has always been an inclusive space and I love the fact that Swifts embrace that, and do it really well and actually put a lot of thought and effort into it.
“It's something I look forward to every single year and looking out and seeing all of the different colours in the stadium does make me feel really proud.
“And you know, netball is a place for everybody and we want everyone to look and watch the game and feel like they could be included as well.”
