The GIANTS are proud to present their squad for the 2022 season with three new faces to join the core group that led the club to the 2021 Grand Final.
In a unique off-season, for the first time since the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball competition in 2017, all players were off contract following the conclusion of the 2021 season.
As one of the expansion teams who entered the competition in 2017, and the second to be based in New South Wales, the GIANTS have made a clear commitment to developing and promoting homegrown talent, with - once again - nine of their 10 athletes hailing from local associations.
After an impressive 2021 season, the GIANTS have retained their core group with six out of their seven starting line-up re-signing with the club for two seasons, the maximum allowed under the current contracting rules.
The seventh – goalkeeper Sam Poolman – announced her retirement from the game after playing in every game for the club over the past five seasons.
Captain and 2021 HCF Most Valuable Player Jo Harten remains committed to the orange dress and is set to combine in the shooting circle with rising star Sophie Dwyer as well as one of NSW’s most promising goalers and new recruit Matisse Letherbarrow.
The GIANTS have retained their star-studded midcourt, with Origin Australian Diamonds Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter re-committing, as well as Maddie Hay, who rightfully earned her spot as the wing attack in the Nissan Net Points Team of the year in 2021.
They’ll be joined by the up-and-coming Amy Sligar, with fans already excited to see what the young mid-courter can do in 2022.
The defensive end will be led by Super Mum April Brandley, who will combine with young gun Tilly McDonell and newcomer Lauren Moore, who has made the move from cross-town rivals NSW Swifts.
April Brandley
Positions: GD/GK
Elite Caps: 124
Association: Heathcote Waratah Netball Club
Wearing the orange dress and enjoying her netball more than ever since becoming a Mum, Brandley is playing some of the best netball of her 10-year career back in her home state of New South Wales. The go-to goal defence is one of the league’s premier defenders, with her athletic abilities and read on the game a key to her success.
Sophie Dwyer
Positions: GA/GS
Elite Caps: 19
Association: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
Sophie Dwyer was a standout, not only for the GIANTS, but across the entire competition during her breakout year in 2021. She approaches her game with poise and confidence and stumps even the world’s best defenders.
Maddie Hay
Positions: WA/C
Elite Caps: 33
Association: Sutherland Shire Netball Association
The former wing defence, who was given a chance at Super Netball as a wing attack, has been quick to not only cement herself as the starting wing attack with the GIANTS but is now regarded as one of the most consistent wing attacks in the league. Her defensive play is an obvious strength of her game with Hay ranked second in the competition for goal assists in 2021.
Jo Harten
Positions: GS/GA
Elite Caps: 150
Association: East Essex, England
The English International turned Australian resident is a stalwart for the GIANTS and continues to maintain her reputation as one of the league’s - and world’s - premier goalers. A smart and skilful player manages the movement in the GIANTS’ attacking end is capable of sinking shots from any range.
Matisse Letherbarrow
Positions: GS/GA
Elite Caps: 5
Association: Baulkham Hills Netball Association
A young shooter with a promising career ahead of her, Matisse Letherbarrow stands at 188cm tall and offers both a long range and accurate shot. Having been around the group as a training partner for the past two years, she’s ready to make the most of more on-court opportunities in 2022.
Tilly McDonell
Positions: GK/GD
Elite Caps: 22
Association: Hawkesbury Netball Association
Continuing to grow her game, Tilly McDonell is one of the best impact defenders in the competition. The young defender shows passion, grit, and determination both on and off the court and is ready to take on more responsibilities within the GIANTS’ defensive line up.
Lauren Moore
Positions: GK/GD/WD
Elite Caps: 40
Association: Wyong Netball Association
Lauren Moore is an exciting defensive prospect who can play across all three positions. Standing at 184cm tall, she’s a consistent performer and is capable of wearing down any competitor with her dogged defence.
Amy Parmenter
Positions: WD/C/WA
Elite Caps: 43
Association: Randwick Netball Association
Arguably one of the league’s best wing defenders, Parmenter continues to improve her game and capture the attention of not only GIANTS fans, but netball fans nation-wide. Her speed, endurance and read on the game sees her wear down the toughest of opponents and pick up ball all the way down the court.
Jamie-Lee Price
Positions: C/WD
Elite Caps: 122
Association: Bankstown Netball Association
Jamie-Lee Price has cemented herself as one of the best defensive midcourters in Suncorp Super Netball. Strong, fast and with an incredible leap, Price is one of the toughest opponents to come up against in the competition.
Amy Sligar
Positions: WD/C/WA
Elite Caps: 3
Association: Camden Netball Association
An exciting young gun who is stepping into the SSN environment full-time in 2022, Sligar is known for her athletic ability and aerial skills. A former product of the GIANTS Academy, the 19-year-old is excited and ready to continue and evolve her game within the GIANTS camp.
