THE 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Season is only a matter of weeks away, and in anticipation of the new season, Rookie Me Central is going to take an in depth look at each of the sides and preview what this year may have in store for them.

Today’s preview is all about the GIANTS. Season 2022 certainly had its fair share of challenges for the girls in orange. Covid outbreaks hit the GIANTS particularly hard last season, and stunted their start to the season.

Once they got the illness out of the way, the only way was up for the GIANTS. They were a dangerous side, and the one to watch as the season progressed and they ultimately finished third on the ladder.

They were clinical in their win against Collingwood in the minor semi-final, and although they pushed the Vixens right to the wire in the preliminary final, they ended up running out of time to fully close the gap.

Although they did not quite reach the heights of season 2021, considering how the season started 2022 can hardly be considered a failure for the team in orange. They were also one of only two teams to defeat eventual champions the West Coast Fever all season, so that is certainly a huge positive for them to take into next season.

Another positive is the lack of changes to the squad, with no changes made to last season’s squad after the GIANTS were very quick post season 2022 to sign up all remaining players that were coming out of contract. This is going to help team chemistry massively, and the team can truly continue from where they left off in 2022.

However, there is one particular concern for the GIANTS heading into 2023.

For several months captain Jo Harten has had a troubling knee concern, with the extent of the injury not fully public. She missed several international series over the offseason and the Team Girls Cup, so the question will be how will this affect the beginning of the GIANTS campaign.

Matisse Letherbarrow may be about to have a huge step up in responsibility if Harten has to miss any games, with the young shooter in line for a lot more game time if the English star is not right to go.

GIANTS Netball 2023 Squad

Amy Parmenter

Amy Sligar

April Brandley

Jamie-Lee Price

Jo Harten

Lauren Moore

Maddie Hay

Matilda McDonell

Matisse Letherbarrow

Sophie Dwyer