Simpson finds fire in Comm Games defeat

Gabi Simpson insists she's at peace with her Diamonds' Commonwealth Games near-miss but admits has a list of English opponents in her sights to help deal with the pain.

Simpson will lead the Queensland Firebirds into their Super Netball opener against the Sydney Swifts on Sunday, a fortnight after losing the Games' gold medal decider to England.

The defender admits she only watched a replay of the Gold Coast decider on Thursday and is now able to hold her head high.

But last year's Liz Ellis Diamond winner won't be forgetting the shock loss, or the woman who scored the go-ahead goal, in a hurry.

"It took some time to sink in but we've got a lot to be proud of, played a great game, played a great tournament and have got to wear that (silver medal) with pride," she said.

"But with that hurt I've lined up a few of the English players, starting with (Swifts shooter) Helen Housby this weekend.

"It adds a bit of extra fire in the belly."

After finishing second, first and second in the three previous seasons, the Firebirds missed last year's inaugural Super Netball top four.

"We were playing netball out of the fear of losing," Simpson said.

"It wasn't until the last three games, once we were out of contention, where we hit our straps.

"This year we want to implement fearless netball."

Helping that will be the return of former premiership captain Laura Geitz, who missed last season to have a child before earning selection in the Diamonds' Commonwealth Games squad.

"She brings such experience and knowledge of netball to our young goal defenders coming through, who are so athletic," Simpson said.

"Geitzy knows about winning, knows what it takes to win and about the Firebirds' culture and what we need to do to get back into finals."