Simpson says terrific Tara is the ‘real deal’ for the Firebirds
Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson says Tara Hinchliffe is not “the next Laura Geitz” - the defender will carve out her own special career
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Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson stops short of describing defender Tara Hinchliffe as “the next Laura Geitz”.
Because she knows that the 20-year-old is on-track to have a pretty spectacular career of her own.
“She’s not the second Laura Geitz, she’s the first Tara Hinchliffe and she’s the absolute real deal … there’s no stopping her,’’ Simpson said.
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Ahead of her second season in Suncorp Super Netball, Hinchliffe has been a standout for the Firebirds in the pre-season, with her flying intercepts shifting the momentum of games and inspiring her teammates.
She was a ball magnet in Queensland’s thumping win over GWS at the State Netball Centre on Saturday night when the Firebirds found some welcome form just weeks away from Round 1.
The eye-catching defensive efforts from goal keeper or goal defence come as no surprise to those who saw the Brisbane junior progress through the Netball Queensland pathways with flying colours.
She represented and captained Queensland at under-age levels and was voted Australia’s best player at the 2017 World Youth Cup.
The 185cm-tall Hinchliffe was also selected in the senior Australian Fast5 side.
Simpson sees similarities between Hinchliffe and Geitz, who made a name for herself with fearless aerial attacks on the ball.
“Tara is an absolute demon out on court,’’ Simpson said
“Her biggest strength is her ability to read the play and then really fly at the ball.
“Those intercepts are extremely inspiring. Seeing a teammate do those sorts of things can lift the whole team.
“It’s great to see she’s on the radar in terms of national selection too.
“She’s been building but I also think there’s a hell of a lot more in her which is pretty scary for opposition teams.’’
The Firebirds start their 2019 campaign on April 27 against the Melbourne Vixens in Melbourne.
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