Ash Unie was a Queensland Firebirds fan growing up so when it comes to the Queensland Cup clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning it adds an extra bit of intrigue to the contest.
Unie – who played four seasons with the Lightning, now dons the dress of the Firebirds the club she dreamed of playing for as a kid.
And with the hope of finals now dashed for both teams heading into their Round 14 clash, it’s all about bragging rights until the next Suncorp Super Netball season.
“We haven’t seen Lightning since Round 2 and they took the win on our home court,” said Unie.
“So, we are looking to take the win on their home court this weekend and keep the bragging rights until next season.”
When asked about how confident the Firebirds were in defeating their state rivals, ‘very’ replied Unie. “We are a very different team than we were in Round 2”.
The Firebirds have gone 3-3 through the back half of the SSN season, improving and finding a brand of netball that they are ready to show the Lightning.
“We have had plenty of opportunities to learn, and something I think we have done well this season is we have reflected, we have grabbed those learnings, and we have put them into practice.
“So, we are looking forward to showing the Lightning, the new and improved Firebirds.”
In a season that has been up and down for the Firebirds, not being able to find that consistent game play, finishing off the season with a rival win is important.
Not only grabbing a win in a big derby game, but to keep building that system and style of play that the Firebirds feel they are getting right as the season comes to an end.
“Definitely, it’s the last game, and really it’s our Grand Final,” continued Unie.
“It’s our last game of the season, and it’s a long time before any netball is played again.
“So, we want to finish on a high.”
It is the first time Unie will return to USC Stadium not part of a Lightning squad, now a Firebird in the opposite end of the corridor, the feeling is unusual.
Suffering an ACL injury during the 2021 pre-season, Unie made the switch to the Firebirds and has played five games this season.
“It’s different to come back,” said Unie.
“Still feels comfortable, I am looking forward to taking the court here this weekend.
“Got plenty of found memories here, so I am happy to be back.”
With a win in the ‘Battle of the Bruce’ the Firebirds could move as high as sixth on the ladder, and finish the season with three wins from their past five games.
After a slow start to their 2023 campaign, it will be great reward for a Firebirds team that has worked hard to continually get better.
“I think we took a while to get going,” continued Unie.
“We have certainly finished off well, but that first half of the season will haunt us when comes to not being able to make finals.
“We are hoping to finish the season strong with a brand of netball we want to play.”
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