Super Netball: Kim Ravaillion anoints midcourt successor at the Firebirds and their next captain

Outgoing Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion has revealed who she thinks should take charge of the midcourt and the likely next captain.

Retiring Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion has revealed the two players she believes will be key to getting the Queensland outfit back in Super Netball finals.

Ravaillion announced earlier this week this weekend’s clash against Vixens at Nissan Arena would be her last Super Netball game.

The 30-year-old revealed she hasn’t been able to return to her elite level since her horror back injury last year – which required spinal surgery in December.

Ravaillion has named defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran as a likely future captain of the club and said Macy Gardner had all the skills to take charge of the midcourt going forward.

Ravaillion’s career started on an impressive high – four back to back grand final appearances including two grand final wins in 2015 and 16.

Kim Ravaillion has anointed her midcourt successor at the Firebirds. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Her last stint with the club since having her daughter Georgie in 2020 hasn’t been as impressive.

Firebirds finished fifth in 2021, sixth the following year, seventh last season and currently sit sixth with just four wins from 13 games.

As captain Ravaillion has done everything she can to help steer the team through the dark times. Especially the last month where the club parted ways with two coaches in two weeks.

But the centre is confident the Firebirds can re-create the glory days – especially with Gardner in centre.

Macy Gardner was once babysat by Kim Ravaillion, now she could succeed her at the Firebords. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Gardner, the daughter of former Firebirds coach and now interim coach Roselee Jencke, was just 12-years-old the first time Ravaillion met her.

Ravaillion used to live in a granny flat at the back of the Gardner home when she first started playing for the Queensland club.

It has been an interesting journey to go from babysitter, to idol, teammate, captain and now hand the baton over to her.

Gardner has had a solid season, making 13 appearances, with five intercepts and 15 deflections.

“I’m ready for Gardner to come in and take the reins in that centre position and build on it for the next 10 years,” Ravaillion said.

“And I’ll always be in her corner if she needs a call or advice.”

Ravaillion had faith the club would resolve the coaching issue and find the perfect fit for the team.

She didn’t see the group making too many changes over the next couple of years.

“They’re going to be able to get better and better and experience what I did in the first four years,” Ravaillion said.

Kim Ravaillion believes Ruby Bakewell-Doran could be a future captain. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

While no one has officially been named as captain Ravaillion hinted that defender Bakewell-Doran might be the next to wear the captain’s armband.

“I will never ever shy away from saying what I believe is true and what is right,” Ravaillion said.

“As a younger player coming in that is something (Laura) Geitz and Claire (McMeniman) encouraged us younger players to do – speak up even if we felt really shy or stuck in our little cages.

“Use your voice because it is powerful. I’ve used that to really talk to these girls and look them in the eyes.

“Something that really hit me was Ruby (Bakewell-Doran) looked me in the eyes and said ‘I just love how you love all of us, I love how you fight for us, I love how you listen to us’.

“I said, I see that in you Ruby. You are the potential next leader of this club and I expect you to do those things now.

“I’m excited to bring that back in to her.”

Firebirds will play Vixens at Nissan Arena at 5pm on Saturday.

Originally published as Super Netball: Kim Ravaillion anoints midcourt successor at the Firebirds and their next captain