Firebirds welcome back Caitlyn Nevins from ankle injury
QUEENSLAND Firebirds vice-captain Caitlyn Nevins feels like it is Christmas ahead of her comeback from an ankle injury in Bendigo this weekend.
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QUEENSLAND Firebirds vice-captain Caitlyn Nevins feels like it is Christmas ahead of her comeback from an ankle injury in Bendigo this weekend.
The three-time grand final winner missed the Suncorp Super Netball pre-season tournament at the Queensland State Netball centre three weeks ago after hurting herself at training in the build-up to the #TeamGirls Cup event.
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With the 2019 season-opener against the Melbourne Vixens on April 27, Firebirds medical staff took a conservative approach with the midcourter who admits she was “frustrated” by her time on the sidelines.
But Nevins has been cleared to resume playing duties at the “Bendigo Blockbuster” in Victoria this weekend with four Super Netball teams – the Firebirds, Collingwood Magpies, Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever – playing two games each.
“It was a frustrating injury because it was relatively minor and it was really hard watching the girls play so I’m really excited to be able to get back out there … it’s like Christmas Eve,’’ Nevins said.
“There was a little bit of damage in there and I probably could have played if it was a final but it was in the best interests of myself and the team that we did the appropriate rehab to make sure the ankle is nice and strong and nice and stable.
“I don’t have anything in the back of my mind that will be holding me back so I’ve got full confidence that I can play as I normally would.’’
The Firebirds had an indifferent pre-season tournament on their new home court with one win and three losses and Nevins said Queensland had learned some valuable lessons.
“We started our pre-season campaign really well with a win over the Magpies (the week before the #TeamGirls Cup) and we had a great energy in the group but we didn’t perform to the level that we set for ourselves,’’ she said.
“We were a little bit disappointed we didn’t live up to our own expectations however it was a great wake-up call because the competition is obviously very strong and if you are not at your best, any team can beat you.
“We also got some great growth and development in those tough matches which is what you need.’’
The return of Nevins is tempered by the loss of Jemma Mi Mi and Kim Jenner for the two-game roadtrip. Mi Mi had a nasty collision at training during the week and will stay in Brisbane while Jenner is carrying an ankle injury.
Macy Gardner and Maddie Hinchliffe travelled with the team to Bendigo to bolster the Firebirds squad.
Bendigo Blockbuster draw:
Saturday:
2pm: Magpies v Fever
4pm: Vixens v Firebirds
Sunday:
10am: Fever v Firebirds
12pm: Vixens v Magpies
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