Firebirds coach Megan Anderson steps down after missing finals two years running
Queensland Firebirds coach Megan Anderson has resigned from the club who have just three players confirmed for the 2023 season. So what has gone wrong?
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Queensland Firebirds coach Megan Anderson has resigned after narrowly missing out on making Super Netball finals two years running.
Firebirds brought in the former Australian Diamond to the helm after the club finished fifth in 2020.
The side struggled to improve their position in 2021 and sunk to sixth this year missing finals by the slimmiest of margins.
“Failing to close out our opportunities, falling so bitterly short, in the last two seasons has weighed heavily on me,” Anderson said.
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“I’m keen to see the girls enjoy championship success. In agreement with Netball Queensland, we’ve decided that different energy is required to create this success.”
It comes as the club has just three players, Kim Ravaillion, Gretel Bueta and Lara Dunkley locked in for 2023, on two-year contracts.
Netball Queensland thanks Megan for leading the Firebirds through the last two seasons.
On behalf of Netball Queensland and the Firebirds, CEO Kate Davies expressed deep gratitude for the passion and commitment shown by Megan during her first two years in a Head Coach role.
“With an impressive playing and coaching resume, Megan knows the game like few others, and I personally wish Megan all the very best for the future,” Davies said.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to come home strongly in the second half of the season, this has had a toll on everybody, especially Megan. As we reflect on what we’ve achieved and where we want to go it is with sadness that we accept Megan’s decision. This timing does however provide us with the opportunity to recruit a new coach for 2023.”
Anderson is yet to reveal if she plans to coach at another Super Netball club next year.
“Netball has been a massive part of my life, playing within great teams and enjoying many successes. Learning and growing with this awesome playing group and coaching team at Firebirds has been an incredible opportunity, one that I will cherish,” Anderson said.
“It does feel like I’m leaving unfinished business here. I am however confident that these players will find that special spark required to stand tall on the Suncorp Super Netball winner’s podium.
“While part of me wanted to stay on and build on some of the positives from this year, where we showed we can mix it with the best, I feel that a different approach is needed to take this group to the next level.
“So, as I close out this chapter of my netball journey, I wish the purple family all the very best success in season 2023 and beyond.”
Megan will enjoy the Firebirds Gala dinner on the July 9 with the players and support staff.
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