Queensland Firebirds captain Laura Geitz will put her body on the line against Central Pulse Firebird Laura Geitz (right) and Steels debutante Jhaniele Fowler contest for the ball. IT WILL go against every competitive instinct in Laura Geitz to allow breathing space for her Central Pulse opponents in tonight's ANZ Championship clash in Wellington. With the threat of conceding a heavy penalty count hanging over her head, the Queensland Firebirds captain has vowed to put her body on the line in pursuit of a valuable away win at Te Rauparaha Arena. The interpretation of contact calls on opposite sides of the Tasman is the most vivid example of the divide between Australian and New Zealand playing styles. Kiwi umpires are quick to punish close-checking defenders who try to chop at the ball from behind. One option would be to play off the body but Geitz and her teammates have considered that strategy and thrown it out. "We want to contest and we want to win," the Firebirds goalkeeper said. We target about 35 gains to get enough possession (for a win) and last week we were a little short of that. To be doing that you have to ride and annoy your opponent for the entire 60 minutes. Geitz conceded only 13 penalties in last week's win against the Steel, a small figure given the checking under the post she had to endure against 1.98m giant Jhaniele Fowler. Tonight her opponent will be Pulse's Australian goaler Caitlin Thwaites. "You've got to be careful about changing your playing style away from what's been your strength," said Geitz, who has reunited in the defensive circle with Demelza McCloud, with whom she formed a partnership with the Firebirds in 2009. The Pulse suffered a loss last weekend in Adelaide but will be tougher at home.