The Queensland Firebirds have begun to sure up their 2021 roster after Kim Jenner, Tara Hinchliffe and Rudi Ellis re-committed to the club for another year and former Collingwood Magpies midcourter Kim Ravaillion confirmed she is moving to the club as well.
The news caps an exciting year for the three young defenders, with Jenner and Hinchliffe’s form rewarded with a place in the Origin Australian Diamonds and Australian Development Squad respectively, and Ellis making her debut at Suncorp Super Netball level.
Queensland Firebirds’ High Performance Director, Jeremy Hickmans, said the Club was determined to keep the defensive group together.
“There is genuine competition in our defensive third which undoubtedly brings out the best in all three players,” Hickmans said.
“Kim and Tara have been playing together in our Queensland pathway for almost a decade and their combination is built on the unwavering trust they have in each other, while Rudi’s height and intensity have provided an exciting new dynamic to the mix this season.”
“Defensive versatility is critical in this league when you’re facing the best shooters in the world and we are excited by both what this group can offer us now, as well as their potential for continued growth into the future.”
Ravaillion, who won two Grand Finals during her first stint with the Firebirds from 2013-16, joins a midcourt which is shaping up to be one of the best in the competition in 2021.
After sitting out the 2020 season as she became a mother earlier this year, said she is excited to get back on the court for her old club.
“It’s exciting to continue to chase my dreams as a professional netballer and I can’t wait to give back to the Club that gave me so much,” Ravaillion said.
“There’s some familiar faces in the team I’m looking forward to reuniting with, but also some of the most exciting new talent in the competition that I’ll get the chance to play with for the first time.”
“Most of all I’m looking forward to once again playing in front of the Purple Family who I share so many fond memories with, and who are without doubt the most passionate group of supporters in the League.”
Following the league’s announcement that the player signing period will start on Monday 19, the club confirmed that they will make further player announcements in the coming days.
We should also expect to hear news about who will replace Roselee Jencke as the Head Coach of the team in 2021 in the coming months, after the two parties parted ways following the 2020 season.
