2024

The GIANTS entered season 2024 with a bolstered side of current or former international talent, in their quest to return to the Suncorp Super Netball Finals Series.

However, it was a challenging year as the team in orange and charcoal struggled to build momentum and capitalise on key moments.  

In the off-season the GIANTS bolstered their coaching cohort with the addition of Australian Kelpies coach Nerida Stewart as a specialist coach, while Sam Winders, Jodi-Ann Ward and Chelsea Pitman (temporary replacement) joined the playing list. 

Meanwhile, Jamie-Lee Price took the next step in her leadership journey when she was announced as co-captain alongside Jo Harten. 

The Club was given the privilege of opening the season at Ken Rosewall Arena against historic rivals, the West Coast Fever. It was a tough start to the season on the score-board but the highlight of the day was welcoming Sam Winders and Jodi-Ann Ward into the GIANTS family. 

In round two the GIANTS led the Firebirds in Brisbane heading into the final term but were unable to get a win over the home side in a tough loss on the road. There were some celebrations on the trip however, with young superstar and Australian Diamond Sophie Dwyer celebrating her 50th Super Netball game at the age of just 22.  

After back-to-back losses across rounds three and four, the GIANTS broke through for their first win in a thrilling and unique overtime victory against the Lightning in round five. 

Matisse Letherbarrow’s brilliant cameo performance stood out, with the sharpshooter entering the game for the first time in the overtime period when she sank nine goals – including three Super Shots – to help clinch a remarkable win. 

The round six fixture marked the final outing for Chelsea Pitman, as she called time on her domestic netball career following the end of her temporary contract with the GIANTS. 

Round seven saw the team celebrate the return of Maddie Hay with a morale-boosting seven-goal win over the Melbourne Mavericks at John Cain Arena. Returning from serious off-season hip surgery, Hay made an immediate impact to help lead the GIANTS to their second win of the season.  

Another bright spot came soon after in round eight when former Silver Fern Gina Crampton made her GIANTS debut as the Club battled it out with the Melbourne Vixens without co-captains Harten and Price. 

The memorable moments continued in round nine as pathway product Charli Fidler made her dreams come true with her Super Netball debut as the GIANTS registered a thrilling 71-67 win over the Firebirds. 

The milestone of all milestones was celebrated in round 10 against the Adelaide Thunderbirds as super coach Julie Fitzgerald remarkably notched up her 400th game as a coach at the National League level.  

While the GIANTS were unable to get the win, it was a special day as the Club and the netball community paid tribute to one its greatest-ever coaches. 

The final month of the season reflected a similar story to most of the campaign, with inconsistent performances over four quarters resulting the GIANTS in falling short in several close games. 

Despite being out of the Finals race there was still plenty of special moments to round out the season, with Sam Winders celebrating her 150th National League game in the GIANTS’ round 13 clash with the Mavericks at KRA. 

A sold-out home derby closed out the 2024 season, with a packed-out crowd witnessing one of the games of the season in a brilliant showcase of New South Wales netball.  

While the GIANTS finished the 2024 season frustrated that they didn’t reach their full potential, they remained united in their commitment to represent their Members, Fans and the netball community with pride. 

Jamie-Lee Price capped off another standout Indvidual season by claiming the HCF Most Valuable Player for season 2024, making it back-to-back awards for the gun midcourter. 

Price also took out the Members’ Player of the Year while Amy Sligar was recognised for her breakout season by being named the Players’ Player. 

Meanwhile, training partner Monika ‘Otai continued to show she’s a star of the future, with the young gun named the Marj Groves AM Scholarship recipient for 2024. 

Head Coach: Julie Fitzgerald 

Assistant Coach:  Jenny O’Keeffe 

Specialist Coach: Nerida Stewart 

Operations Manager: Denny Peacock 

Physiotherapist: Gemma Vale 

Strength and Conditioning: Tom Reddin 

Performance Analyst: Maddy Stewart  

Team Doctor: Sophie Armstrong 

Dietician: Mel Jurgens  

Player Development Manager: Danielle Spitty