Firebirds duo Lara Dunkley and Kim Jenner have signed on for season 2022. (Photos: Queensland Firebirds; Queensland Firebirds/Twitter)
The Queensland Firebirds have announced that Lara Dunkley and Kim Jenner have re-committed to the club for the upcoming season. For all the Suncorp Super Netball signing news, stay up to date with our Off-Season Hub and follow The Inner Sanctum’s netball podcast, Over a Third, on Twitter and Instagram to get the news when it breaks.
Jenner has been a mainstay in the Firebirds defence since joining the team in 2018. 2021 was a big year for her, having earning selection for the Diamonds squad that travelled to New Zealand for the Constellation Cup, and was once again selected in the squad ahead of the upcoming Diamonds camp.
The defender was a key part in the Firebirds defensive line in 2021, having 20 intercepts for the season along with 63 deflections and seven rebounds.
“This club has a proud history and legacy,” Jenner said.
“And we have unfinished business, and I am determined to take it to the next level with these girls in 2022.”
Firebirds coach Megan Anderson said that Jenner is a key piece to the Firebirds 2022 puzzle.
“KJ is one of the most exciting defenders I have ever seen play the game,” Anderson said.
“She has a quiet determination and is a perfectionist in all she does, she’s such an integral part of our defence end and I am so pleased to be working with her again.
“Kimmy J really added another dimension to her game in 2021 and I am excited to watch that continue to develop in 2022.”
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Dunkley joined the Firebirds in 2020 after a year as a replacement player with the Vixens. She quickly found her groove in the Firebirds front line, rotating across the wing attack position with Jemma Mi Mi.
Across the season Dunkley had 125 goal assists and 18 deflections, playing in every game for the Firebirds in 2021.
“I am super excited to be back in purple next season,” Dunkley said.
“It felt like yesterday since moving to Queensland, and to know I’ll continue living in the sunny state is incredible. I absolutely love it here and the purple family feels like one of my own.
“I am really proud and honoured to represent the Firebirds and cannot wait to get stuck into pre-season with the girls and work hard to achieve great things at this club.”
Having Dunkley back in the purple for another year is an exciting thought for Anderson.
“Lara is the most competitive player I think I’ve ever come across, she never wants to lose, be that in a warm-up drill or out on court,” she said.
“Her sheer determination and will to win and improve her game make her a special player to have in the group.
“On top of this, she’s one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet and is always putting others first off the court. She is a joy to have in the team and I am so happy to welcome her back in 2022.”
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