And just like that the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season is upon us.
The transition from pre-season to in-season has officially occurred and the countdown to the opening round match is on.
With the same team of 10 locked in before the 2022 season even came to end, it meant the attention turned to this season as soon as the final siren sounded on the GIANTS’ 2022 campaign.
The GIANTS’ 2022 season came to end when they fell agonisingly short to the Melbourne Vixens in the preliminary final, going down by one goal.
A source of motivation this 2023 season, the GIANTS have the fire in the belly to go one better – to return to the grand final and lift their first trophy.
The Pre-Season
The preparations for 2023 resumed when the GIANTS returned for pre-season across October and November.
Following a staggered return based on International commitments and load management, a well-structured four-block training schedule was developed by the GIANTS’ high-performance staff.
Block one focussed on athletic development within the gym and cross training. Block two reintroduced court work, whilst continually working on athletic development. Block three was the big big training block and most recently, block four featured pre-season matches and the gradual transition into an in-season schedule.
Personal bests (PBs) were soaring in pre-season, with 10 athletes (training partners included) recording PBs on their main form of strength testing and 12 athletes recording PBs on their speed testing.
Playing a total of nine games this pre-season, the GIANTS battled it out against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, Melbourne Vixens, Adelaide Thunderbirds, Queensland Firebirds, NSW Swifts and Collingwood Magpies.
Fitzgerald used the pre-season opportunities to test out different combinations and utilise the depth of the entire GIANTS’ team, including giving valuable court time to the younger players, as well as all four training partners.
Jo Harten (knee), April Brandley (foot) and Amy Parmenter (knee) have had reduced court time this pre-season, with injury management part of their preparations for the upcoming season.
The Players
The shooters: Jo Harten, Sophie Dwyer, Matisse Letherbarrow
Arguably one of the most damaging shooting circles in the league. Known for their long range shooting, this dynamic and mobile circle can also be equally as prolific with the traditional one-point shot.
While Harten is the go-to option for the GIANTS under the post, this pre-season has allowed youngsters Dwyer and Letherbarrow to continue to develop their partnership at the top level and match it with the world’s best defenders.
The middies: Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price, Maddie Hay, Amy Sligar
The engine room of the GIANTS’ line up is stacked with midcourt star power. Two Diamonds, a Super Netball Team of the Year representative and one of the most exciting up and comers.
Hay, Price and Parmenter are traditionally Fitzgerald’s go-to’s in the midcourt with Sligar able to slot into all three midcourt positions and make impact.
The defenders: April Brandley, Tilly McDonell, Lauren Moore
This well-balanced defensive line-up is expected to reach new heights again in 2023.
The three players involved have the tools of the trade bringing versatility, agility and eye for the ball when on the hunt.
The Preview
The GIANTS open their 2023 season on the road, taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday, March 19.
It will then be a big big welcome to season 2023 when the GIANTS host the reigning premiers, the West Coast Fever, in round two for their first game of the season on Sunday, March 26.
The rivalry between the GIANTS and Magpies will add another chapter as the ‘Pies return to KRA for the first time since last year’s semi-final defeat in round five.
KRA will heat up again in round seven when the first installment of the NSW Derby hits Sydney Olympic Park in round seven.
In back-to-back weekends of home games, the GIANTS will then host the Adelaide Thunderbirds as the league celebrates inclusion across the game of netball.
Rounds 10 and 11 will be a double dose of State of Origin as both Queensland teams – the Firebirds and the Lightning – visit the GIANTS at home.
The GIANTS will close out the home and away season by hosting the Melbourne Vixens at home in round 14.
Join the GIANTS in season 2023 with either single match day attendance or by being part of something greater with a GIANTS Netball Membership.
