The tale of the tape was telling.
The Firebirds battled gamely but ultimately finished on the edge of the Suncorp Super Netball top four to miss out on the finals – a rarity for the perennial finals contenders and 2011 and 2015 national league champions.
There was something missing – an intangible that could not be replaced: the leadership of Geitz.
The Samsung Diamonds defender has returned this season following her year off for maternity leave and it is no coincidence that the Firebirds are riding high in the top four and capped their good start to the year with a 10-goal smashing of the previously unbeaten West Coast Fever.
Former coach and current commentator Sue Gaudion says that even though Geitz is no longer captain, she is effectively operating as an extra coach, which is helping to bind the Firebirds together.
“Someone like Laura Geitz brings a level of confidence, I think she is almost coaching during the game,” Gaudion says.
Gietz has not stepped on the toes of current captain Gabi Simpson, nor with coach Roselee Jencke. Indeed, against the Fever there was a team huddle where all three combined to inspire the knockout punch the Firebirds needed to put West Coast away in the final quarter.
“To have strength and leadership in all areas of the court is a rarity, and I don’t think every team in the league has that,” Gaudion said.
“Laura and Gabi have significantly improved in the last few rounds.”
Reaping the rewards of Geitz’s return has been Tara Hinchliffe. The young defender, who previously been selected in the Australian under-21 side for the Netball World Youth Cup and earned her place in the Firebirds roster this season.
She has been fearless, with Gaudion saying that confidence comes from having Gietz behind her to provide support.
“Keep an eye on her,” Gaudion says of Hinchliffe.
“She is certainly very attacking in her defensive game.”
