The GIANTS have returned to the court, ready and raring to make their mark on season five of Suncorp Super Netball.
Given the extremities of the 2020 season, the players were given a longer break than usual.
However, Coach Julie Fitzgerald said all involved were excited to be back.
“It’s great to be back after a long break,” she said.
“Everyone was ready to go and really looking forward to getting stuck in together again as a group.
“I was very happy with how the girls all returned [from the break]. It is clear they have been training well to maintain and improve fitness prior to returning.
“After a longer break than normal, it was vital that they stuck to their programs over the break.”
Whilst there was no specific fitness test upon their return, the first week involved plenty of conditioning, a return to the gym and balls back-in-hand.
“We’re back into a full program straight away and you could see the improvement in the skill level as the week progressed,” said Fitzgerald.
“Our focus over this first block of pre-season will be getting basic skills back up to scratch and both improving existing combinations and working on new ones.”
Netball Australia earlier this week announced the return of international netball following cancellations to the 2020 schedule due to COVID-19.
The Origin Australian Diamonds will take on the Silver Ferns in a four-match Constellation Cup tournament in New Zealand in March.
“It is very important for the Diamonds to be back on court as a team,” said Fitzgerald.
“We will make the necessary adjustments for our players involved both to ensure they’re ready, as well as when it’s time to re-enter them back into the group.”
