Firebirds star Macy Gardner to replace idol Kim Ravaillion

Firebirds Macy Gardner always takes an opportunity with both hands - she never expected her next one to come at the expense of her idol.

Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion has played a major role in Macy Gardner’s life but the up and comer never expected she would be called on to take her idol’s spot in the centre circle.

Gardner, 24, the daughter of former Firebirds coach and 43-Capped Diamonds goalkeeper Roselee Jencke, first met Ravaillion when she was 12-years-old.

The midcourter is the most likely to take the starting centre position, at least for Round 1, with Ravaillion yet to confirm when she will be match fit following her back surgery last December.

Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson moved to Queensland in 2012 after signing with the Firebirds team coached by Jencke. They lived at the back of Gardner’s family home.

“I’ve known (Rav) since I was 12-years-old running up and down the driveway, playing in the street together,” Gardner said.

“I’ve always looked up to her and the work ethic she has is just amazing.

“She has taught me to just continue to push yourself to be better and you can never know how far you can go unless you push yourself.

Queensland Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion is in doubt for round one of the Super Netball following back surgery. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images for Fox Sports)

“She just has so much wisdom and provides so many learnings and is so giving in the time that she has for everyone and wanting to teach us all the things that she’s learned throughout her career.”

While an injury to Ravaillion is not how Gardner hoped to earn more court time the midcourter is going to make the most of the opportunity after missing the back end of last season with a broken wrist.

“It’s one of those things that every opportunity you get you have to take with both hands and just have that belief in yourself that you’re able to match it with the people that you’re competing with and the people on your team,” Gardner said.

“I’m really lucky that we’re in such a competitive and supportive environment that we’re all pushing each other to be our best and that’s the type of environment that we all want to be a part of.”

Last season’s Super Netball competition was so close it came down to the last game of the round to determine who would play finals.

Gardner said preseason games and the Team Girls Cup showed this season was unlikely to be any different.

Macy Gardner looks most likely to replace Kim Ravaillion in round 1. Picture: Getty Images

“The amount of games that were decided by just one point shows how close the competition is and I feel like everyone is a force to be reckoned with no matter where you are on the ladder and that every game is super important to win,” Gardner said.

The midcourter said coach Bec Bulley had put a lot of emphasis on closing out close games during the preseason.

“We got through a lot of scenarios that are involving the finishing off games and closing out those close matches and how to win and how to hold on to leads when the game is in the balance and there’s only a couple of minutes to go,” Gardner said.

Firebirds will host Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday night for a final pre-season hitout before the Super Netball season starts on April 13.

Gardner said the pre-season matches had been a huge confidence booster and chance to test the team against tough opposition.

Originally published as Firebirds star Macy Gardner to replace idol Kim Ravaillion