‘Firebirds have always been my team’: Titans star a Sapphire show-stopper ahead of finals

Three Gold Coast Titans Sapphire Series stars have found their way onto the Firebirds Futures squad list for 2023. See what the side’s 21-year-old defensive talent, Milne has to say.

Defensive star Jess Milne has had a cracking HART Sapphire Series season with the Gold Coast Titans and her hard work is finally paying off

The 21-year-old was this week named in the Firebirds Futures (previously named Queensland Sapphires) squad for 2023.

The 18-women line-up will be reduced to a final 12 ahead the Australian Netball Championships, with Milne set to battle for a spot against the likes of Lily Gribble (Jets) and Isabelle Shearer (Tigers).

While she never expected to be named, Milne said she is grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s really good to be recognised for the work I put in,” she said.

Jess Milne of the Gold Coast Titans netball

“I think the coaches really believed in me this year and gave me a chance.”

Now Milne has her eyes set on selection into the reduced team of 12, which will be announced later this month.

“I’m just trying to go as far as I can.

“At the moment it’s the squad, wanting to make that final cut,” she said.

“Firebirds have always been my team.”

But her work is far from over.

Jess Milne of the Titans defends over Cougars goal shooterLarika Malagaoma. Picture: Chloe Davis

Apart from having to prove herself ANC-ready, Milne must help her Titans side get over the line during their upcoming semi-final against the TAE Aerospace Jets in order to secure a spot in the 2023 Sapphire Series grand final.

The Sunday night match is already gaining traction from fans on both sides.

Jets may have won both previous clashes, but Titans fought hard to reduce their first loss of 16 goals to just eight and are prepped to go hard this week.

“We have just been growing as the season goes on,” Milne said.

“Everyone has their strengths and it’s a super positive environment where we’re also all competitive and push each other to do our best.”

Titans netball HART Sapphire Series. Pictured: Jess Milne

“It would of course be good to win and go straight through … With that week off in between.”

Milne, along with fellow Firebirds Futures squadmates Talitah Faifai and Kourtney Baird will no doubt be the backbone of Titans when they step on court.

The sting of missing finals last year still looms over returning players’ minds.

“We were really disappointed last year in missing out on finals.

“It gave us a bigger push for this year,” Milne said.