For the second successive season, the Queensland Firebirds have made the tough call to axe a club great, with Gabi Simpson told she won’t be offered a new deal for 2024.
The veteran midcourter has played 157 games for the club, including both 2015 and 2016 premierships.
But she now departs in similar fashion to fellow Firebirds great Romelda Aiken-George, who wasn’t offered a contract for 2023 after giving birth to her daughter in 2022.
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Instead Aiken-George was snapped up as a training partner by the NSW Swifts and went on to feature in the Super Netball grand final.
Simpson finishes as the Firebirds’ third most capped player behind Aiken-George (197 games) and Laura Geitz (169).
“It’s been an absolute honour to play alongside and then coach a Firebirds legend such as Gabi,” coach Bec Bulley said.
“Her contribution to the Firebirds on and off the court has been incalculable. Whether setting the standards for her teammates with her dedication to her netball craft or creating a culture and legacy of what it means to be a Firebird, Gabi has been front and centre throughout her career.
“It’s no surprise she is an inspiration to so many and a fan favourite, who will always be remembered as one of the best players to don the purple dress.
“Gabi’s presence will be deeply missed but we wish her all the very best for the future.”
Rumours of Simpson’s exit from the club only grew throughout the 2023 season as she played limited minutes, including being benched in her milestone 150th game in disappointing scenes.
Wood retires from international netball | 00:32
Kim Ravaillion, who headed north to Brisbane alongside Simpson back in 2013, has been used in wing defence by Bulley with young gun Macy Gardner making her mark in centre.
With on CPA in place, the eight Super Netball clubs are still unable to sign any players to their 10-person roster for season 2024.
