The Swifts lead 56-55 with less than a minute to go but failed to hold their nerve with a crucial turnover seeing the Firebirds sweep forward for the winning goal after tying the match shortly before.
In the frantic dying stages, Swifts captain Kimberlee Green delivered a magnificent hit to Firebirds skipper Laura Geitz.
7,000 people attended the final in Brisbane with Swifts star Sharni Layton taking out the match MVP despite the loss.
