Gabi Simpson will replace Laura Geitz as the face of the Queensland Firebirds this year and she's not ashamed to admit she'll be reading straight from her old playbook.
Simpson has been announced as the Firebirds' skipper for the inaugural season of the new Super Netball competition, replacing a pregnant Geitz, who will take a year off after captaining them to back-to-back trans-Tasman championships.
The 24-year-old Diamonds' representative intends to make her own mark in the role - but, given the wild popularity of her predecessor and the team's success under her reign, she won't be changing too much.
"Who wouldn't want to be like Laura Geitz? She's pretty fantastic," Simpson told reporters on Tuesday in Brisbane.
"But I do bring a uniqueness to the position. I'm more energetic - she's more of a calm, controlling person. That's what could separate the two of us."
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Caitlyn Nevins, meanwhile, is Queensland's new vice-captain after the retirement of Claire McMeniman.
Simpson and Nevins received the nod after a confidential team ballot, conducted after an extensive seven-week selection process.
Romelda Aiken and Laura Clemesha were also in contention and had accepted their teammates' decision with good grace, coach Roselee Jencke said.
In addition to losing Geitz and McMeniman, the Firebirds also have had star centre Kim Ravaillion move to new franchise Collingwood in the off-season but have kept the remainder of last year's squad, including dynamic attacking duo Gretel Tippett and Aiken.
Simpson said she was delighted to be the one leading them into a new era for the sport.
"I'd be lying if I wasn't saying I was nervous," she said.
"But it's such a great opportunity for me, personally, to grow as a player on and off the court, but to also see this new group grow with me as well.
"That's a really exciting opportunity - yes, nerve-wracking, but I'll learn as I go."
