The Queensland Firebirds are ready for anything that Melbourne First National Phoenix can throw at them in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy semi final this Friday at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne at 8.05pm.

“A finals berth is something at the beginning of the season that we could only dream of,” says Firebirds’ coach Vicki Wilson. “Now it is a reality and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“But we continue to play one game at a time. So we are very determined to show that we have earned our position in the finals and that we are definitely worthy of being in the top four in the competition,” adds Wilson.

Captain Peta Stephens goes further saying “We are confident we can beat Phoenix this week. We are not just making up the numbers. In both games during the rounds this year we have worried Phoenix for the first half, but then not been able to continue the momentum. However, our dramatic improvement over the past few weeks has given us confidence that we can finish strongly.”

“All I can say is Beware of a fired up Firebirds team.”

Phoenix has struggled in the last few rounds against the top teams, looking vulnerable against fast paced offensive teams. Firebirds’ attacking speed between Lauren Nourse, Karen Clarke and Belinda Dever has already unsettled Phoenix in previous games and will certainly menace them again in Melbourne this week.

Whilst Shooter Sharelle McMahon has maintained a steady 80% plus accuracy under the post, Goal Attack Cynna Kidd has been fazed by torrid defence recently, leaving Phoenix threatened by the consistent and mobile Firebirds defence of Mel McKenzie and Peta Stephens.

“This what we have trained for all season and we are going to give it everything we have,” concludes Wilson.

The Queensland Firebirds play Melbourne First National Phoenix in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy semi final this Friday at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne at 8.05pm.

Go the Queensland Firebirds!