The new-look Queensland Firebirds have opened their Super Netball campaign with a 62-57 win over the Giants as they attempt to move on from their off-season from hell.
Sunday's clash at Ken Rosewall Arena between last season's bottom two teams loomed as a fresh start for both clubs.
The embattled Firebirds will be happy to let their on-court performances do the talking and overcame a Giants fightback and their own inaccuracy to claim their first opening-round win.
"I'm just super stoked," centre Macy Gardner said.
"We've worked really hard this pre-season, and for us to come out round one and get a win is really good for our confidence and to set us up for our season."
Last campaign, the Firebirds narrowly avoided the wooden spoon and sacked former coach Bec Bulley with five rounds to go.
They were later subject to an investigation into the club's culture, but Netball Australia ultimately found there was no substantial evidence of Remi Kamo's claim her former team fostered a "toxic" environment.
Over the off-season, former skipper Kim Ravaillion retired, while Kamo and Donnell Wallam weren't offered new contracts.
The Firebirds appointed Kiri Wills as coach, made Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Hulita Veve co-captains and recruited Ugandan goaler Mary Cholhok and English mid-courter Imogen Allison.
On Sunday, Cholhok, 28, finished with 43 goals from 56 attempts but would have been frustrated with her shooting inaccuracy, while goal attack Emma Moore (8/12) snagged three Super Shots.
Sharp close-range shooting from Matisse Letherbarrow (29/30), who also nailed six Super Shots, and Sophie Dwyer (14/15) helped keep the Giants in the contest.
Led by a wonderful performance by Gardner (27 circle feeds, 10 goal assists), the Firebirds flew out of the blocks to snatch a seven-goal lead at quarter-time.
But the Giants emerged from the break with a fresh energy and resolve, storming back into the contest - briefly taking the lead then trailing by just one goal at halftime.
The introduction of teen sensation Hope White, the youngest player in Super Netball, helped reinvigorate the Giants.
White, 18, impressed with her speed, agility and calm head and had eight goal assists.
"She did really well, and changed the game for them," Gardner said.
Dwyer came off with a head knock early in the third quarter but was soon cleared to return to the fray.
The Firebirds put the foot down late in the third quarter and led by five at the final change, with the hosts unable to complete a comeback.
