Firebirds Sack Coach Halfway Through Super Netball Deal

The Queensland Firebirds have made the shock decision to sack coach Megan Anderson midway through her three-year deal with the Super Netball club. Anderson, who previously coached the Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds, joined the Firebirds in 2019 and led the team to the grand final in her first season. However, the team struggled in 2020 and 2021, finishing in ninth and eighth place respectively. This season, the Firebirds have won only three of their first nine games and currently sit in seventh place. Firebirds CEO Catherine Clarke said the decision to sack Anderson was not made lightly. “We would like to thank Megan for her contribution to the Firebirds. She is a highly respected coach and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” Clarke said. “We are committed to building a successful and sustainable Firebirds program and we believe this change is necessary to achieve our goals.” Anderson’s departure leaves the Firebirds searching for their fourth coach in as many years. The Firebirds’ next game is against the NSW Swifts in Sydney on June 26. Assistant coach Dan Ryan will take over as caretaker coach for the remainder of the season.Firebirds Sack Coach Bec Bulley After Dismal Season

Firebirds Sack Coach Bec Bulley After Dismal Season

The Queensland Firebirds have dismissed head coach Bec Bulley following a string of poor results that have left the team languishing at the bottom of the Super Netball ladder. Bulley’s departure, announced officially on Thursday night, comes less than two years into her four-year contract. Assistant coach Lauren Brown will serve as caretaker coach for Sunday’s match against the Melbourne Mavericks. The Firebirds (2-7) started the season with a one-goal loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, followed by a three-goal victory over the Giants. However, they managed only one win in the subsequent seven games, including a 71-67 defeat to the struggling Giants last week, which sealed Bulley’s fate. In her only other season in charge, the Firebirds finished with a 4-10 record, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon. “She has worked tirelessly to foster a positive culture at the club and has helped forge strong links to our club’s past champions,” Netball Queensland chief executive Kate Davies said in a statement. “It is a legacy she should be extremely proud of. With Bec’s passion, experience, and work ethic, I am certain she has a bright future in the sport.” Davies emphasized that the club’s priority is supporting Bulley, her family, staff, and players during this transition. The Firebirds have canceled a scheduled media conference on Friday following the news announcement.The Adelaide Firebirds have sensationally sacked coach Dan Ryan with four rounds remaining in the Super Netball season. The club announced the decision on Thursday, effective immediately, with assistant coach Bec Goddard to take the reins on an interim basis. Ryan was appointed in 2020 and had two years remaining on his contract, but the Firebirds have endured a difficult season, winning just four of their 12 matches so far. The club is currently eighth on the ladder, outside of the finals race. Firebirds CEO Bob Foord said the decision to part ways with Ryan was not made lightly. “This was a very difficult decision, but we believe it is in the best interests of the club,” Foord said. “We would like to thank Dan for his hard work and dedication over the past three years. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” Ryan said he was disappointed to be leaving the Firebirds, but understood the club’s decision. “I have loved my time at the Firebirds and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Ryan said. “I want to thank the players, staff, and fans for their support over the past three years. “I wish the club all the best in the future.” Goddard has been with the Firebirds since 2021 and has previously coached the Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever. She said she was looking forward to the opportunity to lead the team in the remaining rounds of the season. “I am grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of interim coach,” Goddard said. “I am confident that we can finish the season strongly and give our fans something to cheer about.” The Firebirds will face the New South Wales Swifts in their next match on Saturday.