Netball Queensland has denied reports that Queensland Firebirds head coach Bec Bulley was dismissed due to a player’s staged mutiny as the club’s coaching saga continues.
The decision was the latest action in a long line of coaching issues at the Firebirds, with the club set to work overtime to ensure a head coach is recruited before the start of the free agency period.
Bulley was less than halfway through her rookie four-year contract when she was axed.
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A statement by the club revealed the termination was effective immediately.
Netball Queensland chief executive Kate Davies dismissed reports of a player revolt, stating: “I can confirm reports about a player mutiny are categorically false.”
It was reported that Firebirds players lodged a report to the Australia Netball Players’ Association (ANOA) about their discontent with Bulley.
Suggestions emerged that players would boycott games if Netball Queensland did not act on the issue, however, the allegations were said by Davies to be incorrect.
“Everyone at the club is reacting as best they can,” Davies said.
“The club and Bec Bulley came to a mutual agreement to part ways and we thank Bec very much for her hard work and commitment during her tenure.”
In Bulley’s dismissal statement, Davies declared that the decision was not easy.
“Bec has worked tirelessly since her appointment in July 2022 to foster a positive culture at the club and has helped forge strong links to our club’s past champions,” the statement read.
“It is a legacy she should be extremely proud of.
“With Bec’s passion, experience and work ethic, I am certain she has a bright future in the sport.
“The timing of Bec’s departure is right for her and her family and our focus is supporting her, along with our staff and members of the playing group.”
The Firebirds have had a short run with coaches since the departure of longstanding coach Roselee Jencke in 2020.
Jencke led the team to three premiership victories in the Super Netball, before handing over the duties to Megan Anderson.
Anderson survived two seasons before departing the club after failing to instil a winning formula in the team.
The Firebirds have faced backlash over their performance this season with players failing to perform to the standards fans are used to.
The club has not played finals over the past six seasons.
With the majority of the side set to enter the market at the end of the season, the club has provided an update on the coaching situation.
The Queensland-based team confirmed that assistant coach Katie Walker will take the reins for the remainder of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season, while assistant coach Lauren Brown will be stepping down from her role with the team.
Brown lasted just one game in the top job for the Firebirds, named as the interim coach after Bulley’s exit.
Following the Firebirds 73-61 defeat to the Mavericks on Sunday, Brown revealed she had spoken with close friend Bulley about her axing, stating it was “not an ideal situation.”
The announcement comes just days after the NSW Swifts, Bulley’s former club, announced star shooter Sam Wallace had parted ways with the club.