largest margin of victory. James Thornhill was named Most Valuable Player after scoring four touchdowns. He ran for 161 yards and three touchdowns on only six carries, while also returning an interception 94 yards for the game’s first touchdown. Quarterback Luke Job passed for 158 yards and three touchdowns (completing 7 of 9 passes), ran six yards for another touchdown and kicked eight extra points. The Firebirds defence forced four turnovers, with a fifth occurring on a special teams play, and recorded seven tackles for a loss and one quarterback sack. The win capped a dominant season in which the team scored 376 points in nine games while conceding only 20. Opponents were shut out in seven of those nine games. Firebirds captain Sam Babic retired after 21 seasons and nine Capital Bowl wins as a player. A third consecutive championship following an undefeated season came with a 29–6 win over the Centurions in Capital Bowl XXVI in November 2018. Receiver Shaquille Garner was named Capital Bowl MVP after catching two touchdown passes from Quarterback Luke Job, who also ran for a touchdown, a two-point conversion and kicked three extra points. Running back James Thornhill also ran for a TD as the Firebirds built a 22–6 half-time lead. The Capital Bowl success marked the club's 27th consecutive victory. Season records Team MVPs Representative honours A number of Firebirds have gone on to represent Australia at both a Junior and Senior level. Current Firebirds captain Sam Babic represented Australia in 2001 and 2003. He was selected as a center for the national team after his performances at the Gridiron Australia national championships in both years. Travis Ford and Garry Coates were members of the Australian under 18s squad that played games against US all-star squads at the Down Under Bowl on the Gold Coast in 2004. David Hicks, John Tolsher, Ben Collett, Garry Coates, David Wilkins and Jason Ray were all named in the Australian under 18s side following the 2006 National Junior Championships on the Gold Coast. Sunny Dhindsa, John Tolsher, Sam Zielke, David Wilkins, Matt Lang, and Beau Kennett were all selected for the Australian Outback Junior Representative Squad that toured in Arizona and California in August 2008. Linebacker James Tolsher was part of the Australian team for the World Cup qualifying match against New Zealand played in Canberra in January 2009. New Zealand won the match 12–7 to