Area Preview: Defenders

As the 2022 season gets closer, the previews are flowing and the profiles are growing.

Section by section, third by third, we’re breaking it down and providing some insight into our 2022 squad.

Defence: April Brandley, Tilly McDonell and Lauren Moore

It’s the GIANTS’ defence end that’s seen the most amount of change heading into the 2022 season.

The GIANTS revert from four circle defenders back to three, with the starting goalkeeper bib up for grabs following the retirement of inaugural GIANT Sam Poolman.

Alongside Poolman was the exit of Kristiana Manu’a who departs with six years of experience in the GIANTS’ back-end.

Incoming to the GIANTS’ defensive unit this year is Lauren Moore – making the switch from crow-town rivals, the NSW Swifts.

Moore has been in the National League environment since the age of 17, with the now 24-year-old having 40 elite caps to her name.

She’s spent majority of the pre-season fine-tuning her combination with Tilly McDonell, who’s continued to grow her game and time on court throughout the pre-season.

McDonell enters her fourth season with the GIANTS, with Julie Fitzgerald backing the young Hawkesbury talent since the age of 18.

Used as an impact player throughout the past two seasons, McDonell has done just about everything right this pre-season to earn herself selection in the starting seven and some more consistent court time.

The most experienced defender in the GIANTS’ line up is April Brandley. However, the 31-year-old has played just one of the GIANTS’ 11 pre-season matches while managing an achilles injury.

Brandley was in career-best form in 2021, so will play a pivotal role in the GIANTS’ line-up when she returns from injury.

Fitzgerald said she was pleased with the progression of the defenders throughout the pre-season.

“We’ve obviously missed having April on court for majority of the pre-season but that’s certainly given Lauren and Tilly the opportunity to really step up,” she said.

“It’s been a long time since either of them have been asked to play full 60-minute games and back up and back up, so it’s been really good to give them that opportunity.”

For a combination so fresh, Fitzgerald been pleased with the immediate and growing understanding of the new on-court partnership.

“I think they have a really good understanding of each other without having really played together, which is great to see.

“I think the fact that they’re so collaborative - they can talk, they understand each other - they can work on their combinations really easily because they have such good communication.”

A word often used to describe the GIANTS’ units all down the court is versatility – and one that Fitzgerald has flagged as a strength for this trio.

“I think they’ll be a strong moving circle. I think they’ll be able hand one-on-one; they’ll be able to look at different styles and structures in there as well.”

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.

Coach says: “April is that experienced head in the defence end that we just need so desperately. I thought last year April had one of the best seasons I’ve ever seen her play and I can’t wait to see what she can bring this year.”

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.

Coach says: “I’m excited for Tilly, this is a big opportunity for her. Obviously, there’s been a change in that defence end and this is her time to really step up and shine and show us what she can do. As she matures and gains more experience, I think we’re going to get a lot of exciting play out of her.”

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.

Coach says: “It’s been great to bring Lauren into the group. She’s vocal, she’s a really great communicator, she’s athletic. She’s really brought something different to our defence end that I think will be of great benefit to us.”

#StandUnited with April, Tilly, Lauren and all the GIANTS this season with a GIANTS Netball Membership. Learn more about the packages and sign up today!