The NSW Swifts will aim to shoot into the Suncorp Super Netball top four on Sunday, but standing in their way is a Queensland Firebirds side that’s in top form.
The Round 3 clash takes place at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena (2pm AEST) with both sides bouncing back from losses in the opening week to register wins in Round 2.
After going winless in Brisbane for almost a decade before 2018, the Swifts have a good recent record up north but that won’t make their task any easier.
Nothing gets the pulse racing more than a clash between NSW and Queensland, and this weekend’s game is set to be a classic.
“It’s always pretty passionate when we play up in Brisbane, especially since the Swifts and Firebirds had those back-to-back Grand Finals back in the day,” Swifts co-captain Maddy Proud said.
“Anytime NSW and Queensland go head-to-head there’s going to be some niggle but also a lot of respect for each other at the end of the game.
“The Firebirds have been pretty impressive this year and could easily be two from two so it’s going to be a hell of a contest.
“We know that they can punish you everywhere in attack, especially with Donnell (Wallam) and Tippah (Dwan) who’ve both given us some schoolings in the past.”
While the Firebirds possess one of the best attack lines in the competition, it’s the engine room where Proud feels the Swifts will need to get on top.
“I think it’s the midcourt where they are really strong,” she added.
“Lara Dunkley and Hulita Veve have been super impressive so far this season and have real dynamism to their game.
“Last weekend they got on top of the Giants in the opening quarter and set themselves up for the game.
“If they do likewise to us it could be a long day, especially with a big crowd behind them.
“But we’ve had a good record there in recent times so we know what it takes. Essentially, we believe we got the right plan to beat them and the onus is on us to execute, and help get a win for Helen (Housby) in her 100th game.”
Defender Teigan O’Shannassy continues to make good progress in her rehab of a hip injury but will not take part this weekend with Elle Temu again deputising in her absence.
Sunday’s game will be broadcast on Foxtel via Fox Netball and live and free via Kayo Sports.
Match Details
- What: SSN Round 3 - Firebirds v Swifts
- When: 2pm (AEST), Sunday 28 April
- Where: Nissan Arena, Brisbane
- Broadcast: Foxtel & Kayo Sports
Match Notes
- Swifts attacker Helen Housby will play her 100th SSN game on Sunday and become the 12th Swifts Centurion since the Club was formed in 1997.
- When the teams last met in Round 12 last season the Swifts defeated the Firebirds 78-65 in Brisbane.
- The teams have met 14 times in Suncorp Super Netball, the Swifts have won nine and the Firebirds five.
- The Swifts and Firebirds have met 58 times since 1997 across Commonwealth Bank Trophy, ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball with the Swifts winning 37 matches, the Firebirds 20 and there has been one draw.
- The Swifts have won five of the past six meetings between the teams.
- The teams have played six previous matches at Nissan Arena in Brisbane and the Swifts have won four and the Firebirds two.
- The Swifts are coming off a 67-56 win over the Mavericks in round two and sit in 5th place on the ladder.
- The Firebirds are coming off a 65-62 victory over the Giants in round two and sit in 3rd place on the ladder.
