Official Results: Queensland Firebirds VS. NSW Swifts

Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: Mission Queensland Firebirds (55) defeated NSW Swifts (44)

The Mission Queensland Firebirds won the right to host a home semi-final after dismantling the NSW Swifts 55-44 in the Australian Conference Final in Brisbane on Sunday.

Both teams came into the match with strong winning momentum, the Firebirds on the back on ten successive wins and the Swifts six, but the home delivered a comprehensive outing to firm up their title credentials.

The classy Queensland side, who have not lost since Round One in early March, showed their outstanding qualities across the court in absorbing early Swifts pressure before unleashing their finishing prowess.

With standouts in shooting machine and Australian Conference MVP, Romelda Aiken, and defender Laura Geitz shoring up either end of the court and a rich array of talent in between, the Firebirds were just too strong and clinical in winning the physical battle against a gallant but tiring Swifts.

All is not lost for the Swifts, who contested superbly through the first half, but were ultimately underdone by their bruising Australian Elimination Final win less than 48 hours earlier.

The Swifts will travel across the Tasman to play the winner of the New Zealand Conference in next weekend’s second semi-final.

The Firebirds presented with their well-performed starting seven of recent weeks, rising young guns Gretel Tippett (goal attack) and Caitlyn Nevins (wing attack) lining up for a first taste of Finals netball.

With the semi-finals in mind, Kim Green was ruled out of this match, the Swifts captain troubled by calf problems in recent weeks. That meant Paige Hadley (wing attack), Jade Clarke (centre) and Abbey McCulloch (wing defence) filling the midcourt.

Showcasing their different styles, the match started in a willing, abrasive and high energy contest which showed few signs of abating throughout.

It was the visitors who held a slight edge through the opening stanza, their ball speed and movement prevailing over the Firebirds reliance on the aerial route to the towering Aiken.

Turnovers and penalties counted against the Firebirds in a high quality and action-packed opening, the Swifts defensive combination of Julie Corletto and Sharni Layton providing vital turnover ball to give the visitors a 13-10 lead at the first break.

The big defensive efforts continued on the resumption, the Swifts flying out of the blocks and powering to a six-goal lead.

The response from the Firebirds was quick and decisive, a lift in their full court defensive pressure putting the squeeze on the visitors and with it a big momentum swing. Both circles were fiercely contested, Aiken and Tippett finding their groove as the home team pounced.

Finding their route to goal ever more challenging, the Swifts were increasingly under the pump, the constant pressure having a telling effect. None was more prominent than Firebirds captain Geitz, a couple of late steals proving pivotal in helping the home team turn the tables and take a 27-26 lead into the main break.

The Firebirds introduced goal defence Rebecca Bulley, for Clare McMeniman, in the second half while aware of tiring bodies, the Swifts made a raft of changes, the most significant being goal shoot Caitlin Thwaites going to the bench. Susan Pettitt took her place at the back while Stephanie Wood filled the goal attack role.

However, it was the home team who marched on, building a handy buffer through the stanza against an increasingly frustrated Swifts. Relentless Firebirds pressure took its toll as the home team systematically knocked the wind out of their opponents’ sails.

Prolific shooter Aiken continued to rattle in the goals, ably assisted by Tippett while Bulley and Geitz constantly denied the Swifts opportunities under the hoop, the home team heading into the last break with a 41-35 lead.

Firebirds shooting statistics:
Romelda Aiken 36/39 (92%)
Gretel Tippett 12/24 (74%)
Amy Wild 2/2 (100%)

Swifts shooting statistics:
Caitlin Thwaites 17/22 (81%)
Susan Pettitt 20/22 (91%)
Stephanie Wood 7/12 (58%)

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