The Queensland Firebirds started to build momentum in 2022.
They were in the mix for a spot in the finals series but a heartbreaking loss in the last round to the NSW Swifts ended their hopes of a finals berth.
While they might haver finished toward the bottom of the ladder it wasn't a true reflection of how they performed because they were able to match it with the best during the year.
They had some incredible inclusions with the likes of shooter Donnell Wallam and defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran.
They've since made a few changes to their squad for season 2023 which brings an element of the unknown.
SEASON REFLECTION
The Firebirds lost their first match of 2022 before hitting the ground running in round 2 with a 28-goal win against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
They lost in round 3 to the West Coast Fever before stringing together consistent performances and wins against GIANTS Netball and the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The Firebirds won five matches throughout the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season including a win over the West Coast Fever in round 12 keeping them in the running for finals.
Standouts for the Firebirds in 2022 were debutants Donnell Wallam and Ruby Bakewell-Doran. Their incredible performances were rewarded with both athletes being named in the 2022-23 Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
Firebirds Gretel Bueta and Kim Ravaillion also had great seasons. Bueta finished the year with 1046 Nissan Net Points and 365 Centre Pass Receives - the most of any goal attack. While Ravaillion had 387 feeds alongside teammate Lara Dunkley who had 360.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran shone in her first year in purple.GAMECHANGER
Ruby Bakewell-Doran was a game changer for the Firebirds this season. Bakewell-Doran put the pressure on in defence with 56 deflections and 19 intercepts. Most impressive was the clean way she went about defending only drawing 119 penalties.
BEST WIN
Round 2's Battle of the Bruce against the Sunshine Coast Lightning ended in the Queensland Firebirds shocking the Lightning with a 28-goal win.
After a fairly even first quarter, the Firebirds put their foot down in the second scoring 22 goals to nine. The quarter set the Firebirds up for a strong second half in which they continued to be relentless against the Lightning.
LOOKING FORWARD
A new-look Firebirds will take the court next year. They've recruited well from the Queensland pathway bringing in exciting defenders Ashlee Unie, Remi Kamo and centre Macy Gardner.
But whether they can fill the void left by international goaler Gretel Bueta, who has announced she is pregnant with her second child, is unknown.
TEAM STATS
Ladder position: 6th
Wins: 6
Losses: 8
Best margin: 28
PLAYER STATS
Nissan Net Points: Gretel Bueta – 1046
Total Goals scored: Donnell Wallam 519
Suncorp Super Shots scored: Donnell Wallam - 26
Goal Assists: Lara Dunkley - 231
Interceptions: Ruby Bakewell-Doran - 19
