On paper cashed up newcomers Collingwood are frontrunners for the inaugural Super Netball season, Queensland Firebirds star Caitlyn Nevins says.
But the aspiring Firebirds captain has reminded the high profile Magpies that they will be "starting from scratch" in 2017.
Since being formed by their AFL namesakes, Collingwood have quickly emerged as the team to beat in the maiden eight-strong competition starting in February.
The Magpies boast one of the best rosters after signing five Diamonds players and this week trumpeted a lucrative five-year sponsorship deal.
Nevins hails from Melbourne but knocked back a Collingwood offer in the off-season.
She is confident she made the right choice after being nominated as one of four candidates to replace long serving skipper Laura Geitz in 2017.
Gabi Simpson, Romelda Aiken and Laura Clemesha are the others.
"They are definitely a really strong team on paper," Nevins said of Collingwood.
"They will definitely be frontrunners of the competition.
"But they are starting from scratch in terms of culture, gameplan and that type of thing."
Nevins said Queensland were happy for the Magpies to take centre stage in the pre-season.
But the Diamonds wing attack believed two-time defending champions Queensland would again be a force despite the loss of Geitz (pregnant) and deputy Clare McMeniman (retired).
"We are happy for them to take the limelight," she said of Collingwood.
"I am also happy for the Firebirds to fly under the radar.
"But I have full confidence in our team that we can get the job done."
The 10-strong Firebirds player group will vote on their captain and deputy in mid-January.
"Laura and Clare were phenomenal leaders of our club for a number of years, developing an amazing culture," Nevins said.
"The next leaders will hope to continue to grow it.
"But we are ready to step up and take the reins."
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