ROUND 1 of the Australian Netball League (ANL) kicked off this week with the Victorian Fury claiming their second win of the round against the GIANTS.

Victorian Fury (61) defeated Canberra GIANTS (48)

It was an impressive start to the game with the Victorian Fury flexing their muscles early on pushing to a six goal to one lead in the opening minutes against the GIANTS. Their efforts across the court were second to none, contesting for every ball and going out hunting to disrupt the GIANTS rhythm. The GIANTS had some moments of clever play with good ball movement down the court and holding strong shooting position.

From the first quarter, the Fury were led by Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney who impressed in the goal circle applying strong pressure over the shot and going out hard at the contest. Despite coming on in the final minutes of the Suncorp Super Netball game, Dehaney had plenty to offer with her hands over pressure, impressive footwork to get around her opponent and good lean over the shot. Ine Mari Venter was dominant in goals for the Fury nailing 12 goals and finding space with ease. Her strong drives, clever holds and good hands under pressure gave her prime position under the post. GIANTS shooters, Georgia Marshall and Angelina Frketic combined nicely in the goal circle, with Marshall standing tall under immense Dehaney pressure.

The second term saw a lift in intensity from the GIANTS contesting everything and using a more tactical approach to move the ball down the court. Matilda McDonnell built her way into the game reading the play well and using her leap to go up with the one hand and intercept the ball in defence. Their transition down the court was better using speed and precision while also using the angles really well to string a couple of goals together and alleviate the pressure a bit. But it was to no avail with the Fury midcourt continuing to move the ball quickly, provide strong leads and treasure the ball while in possession. Venter maintained her consistency under the post moving into goal attack allowing Emma Ryde to roll into goal shooter midway through the term. She provided a good target under the post given her height and strong hold but was a bit shaky to start with slowly building into the game. But the GIANTS goal keeper, Keely Rodrigo made Ryde work for it contesting every ball aerially attacking the hands and trying to push her away from the post. Despite their best efforts the Fury had pushed their lead out to eight goals at half time.

It was a much more even quarter with the GIANTS virtually going goal for goal with both sides finishing with 14 goals apiece. Lara Dunkley was impressive through the midcourt using her speed, general netball knowledge and precision to make her presence felt on the court for the Fury with her clever feeds. Their defensive pressure across the court helped to block the centre channel of the court for the GIANTS, but they worked hard to flick the ball around and find the goals. Marshall and Frketic started to find their rhythm while the inclusion of Amber Brophy into goals also provided an extra spark. The Fury moved Dehaney into goal defence and brought on Rudi Ellis in goal keeper who immediately made an impact. She applied strong hands over pressure, is a really good mover, covered her player well and has a good leap with an excellent hold over the shot.

Up by eight the Victorian Fury put their foot down in the final term, upping their defensive pressure with both Dehaney and Jacqui Newton dominating. Dehaney got a good intercept, reading the play well and cleanly getting around the body of her opponent and used her strong hands to bring down the rebounds. Newton impressed with her good three feet, clever tip on the ball and ability to transition down the court. Georgia Clayden and Madeline Hay were good in attack for the GIANTS moving into space and looking into the circle to find a shooter. But in the end it was the Fury who proved to be too strong down the court with their solid connections and cleanliness with ball in hand.