When: Sunday 29 July, 1pmWhere: Brisbane Entertainment CentreTickets: Purchase here Broadcast: Live on Channel 9
Last time they met in Round 7:
Queensland Firebirds (66) defeated Adelaide Thunderbirds (42)
Match-Up - The Numbers
Thunderbirds
Firebirds
Mins. in Possession
25
33
Gains
6
11
Intercepts
1
5
Deflections
11
10
Goal Shooting %
85
80
It was Firebirds’ game from the beginning, winning by a comfortable 24 goals in a game that they never looked like losing.
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Game talking points:
The Thunderbirds team may not be playing for anything, but the players on court certainly will be. With Tania Obst coming in to to take over the role of Head Coach next season and new signings already being set up – the current crop of players will need to deliver some good performance in the final two matches to prove they are worthy of a starting position next season.
The Firebirds wouldn’t have been expecting to beat the Fever last weekend, but by doing so they have put themselves in an incredibly good position with two games remaining. They can’t afford to let any of last weekend’s hard work go to waste though – and will be desperate for a comfortable eight premiership point win – which if they get should shoot them up the ladder.
If Firebirds want to win…
Laura Geitz is hitting the sweet spot right now, with her form being arguably one of the best of any player in the division in the past few weeks. The Firebirds need her in the big moments that are sure to come, especially if they reach the final’s series. Romelda Aiken and Gretel Tippett have been on song all season, causing problems for every defence in the competition. The Thunderbirds’ main attacking threat comes in the shape of a Cat Tuiviati, who has been impressive since returning from injury. If Geitz can keep her quiet, then it’s hard to see anything but a comfortable Firebirds’ win.
If Thunderbirds want to win…
The Thunderbirds haven’t won a game this season and their chances look slim in this battle against the Firebirds. They need to find a way of keeping focused throughout the game, and not allowing lapses in concentration to beat them. The Firebirds have been ruthless at home this season, particularly in Brisbane – so the travelling Adelaide team will have to play their best game of the season if they want to come close to picking up some points here.
Key match ups:
The Laura Geitz (Firebirds) and Cat Tuiviati (Thunderbirds) battle is shaping up to be intriguing. Both are arguably the best players for their respective teams, whether the Thunderbirds are leaking goals down the other end of the court or not – seeing these two going up against each other will be a great spectacle.
