Queensland on fire ahead of netball grand final

Queensland netball fans are being encouraged to get behind the Queensland Firebirds when they take on the Melbourne Vixens in Sunday's trans-Tasman netball decider.

It follows a tense 54-50 preliminary final win last night against the Waikato Bay Of Plenty Magic at a sold-out Brisbane Convention Centre.

Premier Campbell Newman said the hard-fought match showed the firebirds would be tough to beat this weekend.

“The ladies have had an incredible season, and while their six game winning streak was cut short last week by the Melbourne Vixens, their next match-up will have a different result,” Mr Newman said.

“The entire state is behind captain Laura Geitz and her Firebirds as they battle it out for top spot.

“We know the Queensland spirit and the support of thousands of fans here will carry them.”

Sport Minister, Steve Dickson, said he hoped fans watching the final would use it as motivation to get active at their local sporting club – a key goal of the Newman Government’s Get in the Game program.

“It was incredible to watch the team’s energy and enthusiasm on court last night- I just know this is their year to take out the title,” Mr Dickson said.

“The Firebirds are incredible role models for all Queenslanders, and I have no doubt that their on-court performances will inspire the next Laura Geitz or Romelda Aiken.

“Netball has been strongly supported through the State Government’s Get in the Game initiative, receiving nearly $2.5 million in funding over the last two years.

“It’s fantastic that this program has seen more than 5,000 Get Started vouchers redeemed by kids playing netball, who otherwise couldn’t afford it, and 75 clubs receive funding assistance under Get Going and Get Playing to help improve facilities and increase membership.

“We’re supporting grassroots participation in sport and recreation and we’ve witnessed a growing surge in membership numbers for netball across the state through this key election promise.”

[ENDS] 18 June 2014

Media Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0418 433 647