THE GIANTS once again found themselves at the top of the table once again after a dominant 2018 season, knocking off ladder leaders the Fever in the last round to claim top spot and go into the finals with a spring in their step. But unfortunately, it was not to be enough going out in straight sets. This year, led by Julie Fitzgerald the GIANTS will be aiming to go one better and claim that elusive premiership.
2018 bid farewell to some notable players for the GIANTS with the likes of veterans Rebecca Bulley and Susan Pettitt both retiring after a highly decorated career. Another big loss was England Roses representative, Serena Guthrie, who provided that spark and electricity through the midcourt with her athletic prowess, hunt for the ball and impressive ability to read the flight of the ball.
In their place the GIANTS have elevated training partner, Amy Parmenter who has shown she has that doggedness and willingness to put her body on the line to win that hard ball. One of the biggest coups was signing Australian Diamonds goal shooter, Caitlin Bassett. Standing at 193cm, the GIANTS could arguably have one of the tallest shooting combinations with Jo Harten tipped to be out in front of Basset in goal attack. Both goalers are prolific and if the combination and connection is right they could form a formidable duo that could trouble many defenders. Shooter, Kiera Austin also signed on with the GIANTS which will be a great help in the attack end given her speed.
The GIANTS have backed in their young players this season with the likes of Matilda McDonell getting the call up after fellow youngster, Teigan O’Shannassy injured herself and is set to miss the majority of the season. McDonell is an exciting prospect for GWS with her speed and defensive ability a real feature of her game. She will be paired with Sam Poolman and Kristiana Manu’a who will both have to stand up in defence if the GIANTS are a chance to continue their finals run.
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We also previewed some of the teams in detail in the return episode of the Centre Pass Podcast now hosted by Draft Central. Listen to the link below to hear about the Adelaide Thunderbirds, as well as Collingwood Magpies, NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens:
GIANTS steal win to send stalwart out on a high
APRIL Brandley will certainly not forget her final Suncorp Super Netball League match in a hurry, as her GIANTS Netball came from behind to defeat the Melbourne Vixens 60-57. After being behind for almost the entire match, the GIANTS took the lead for the first time with 40 seconds left in the match and held […]
Fever flourish against gigantic challenge
WEST Coast Fever returned to their premiership-winning form after a dominant 72-61 win over GIANTS Netball who challenged the Fever’s lead in the first half. The Fever now move to second on the ladder and challenge for a major semi-final position, crucial in earning a second chance if they fall short in the semi-final. The […]
Big sister beats little sister in battle for Sydney
THE NSW Swifts have gone to the top of the Suncorp Super Netball table with a 68 goal to 63 win over crosstown rivals the GIANTS. In an affair that was bruising at times, the Swifts were pushed hard by the GIANTS but held strong. After a few jitters from both sides early in the […]
Firebirds back on the winners list after hard fought GIANT win
THE Queensland Firebirds have returned to the winners list in an emphatic way, comfortably defeating the GIANTS 68 goals to 50. Although the game may have started out tight, the Firebirds really lifted in the second half to ultimately run away with the win. After making the most of a defensive turnover and then consolidating […]
GIANTS grind out gutsy win
THE GIANTS have ground out a crucial 70-64 win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning in a crucial game for their top four hopes. It was a tough and tight tussle for much of the match, but the GIANTS pulled away at the right time to earn the win. The Lightning started strongly in the opening […]
SSN After the Fact: Matisse Letherbarrow
WELCOME to After the Fact, a new series here at Rookie Me Central, chatting to key figures in the Suncorp Super Netball post match and get their thoughts on the match that just transpired and the bigger issues in the game. This week’s chat is with GIANTS shooter Matisse Letherbarrow, who chatted after her side […]
GIANTS pull away late to claim crucial win
AFTER a solid tussle, the GIANTS have earned themselves another win with a 69 to 56 goal win over Collingwood. In a match that was tight for much of the 60 minutes, the GIANTS’ strong back end of the third term and the final few minutes of the last term is what ultimately got them […]
Thunderbirds get one back at the GIANTS
THE Adelaide Thunderbirds have got one back on the GIANTS, defeating them 54-50 reverse the Round 4 result. In a game of swinging momentums, it was the Thunderbirds who ultimately stood tall and prevailed in a nail-biter. It was as tight as you could get in the opening passages of play, as teams traded blows […]
Swifts take four points in NSW derby
A FAIRYTALE finish for the NSW Swifts get them one hand on the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy in the NSW Derby over a tough GIANTS Netball outfit. A topsy turvy outing for both sides saw several momentum changes with each side winning the quarter to follow. A last quarter fight back from the Swifts saw […]
