As the 2023 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 2023 squad.
The Names
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.
McDonell caught the eye of fans (and opponents) in 2022, both for her passionate and exciting play but flagged for a promising future. Up against the best shooters in the world, she provides a dynamic defence to put doubt in the mind of the attackers or plays smart to win the ball.
McDonell has worked predominately alongside Moore in the pre-season with the duo working on differing combinations to give this line up even more versatility.
Moore’s a hard-working dogged-defender who never gives up, grinding away at her opponent for a full 60-minutes. This was evident in the most recent Team Girls Cup, with Moore leading the GIANTS’ for deflections.
Brandley has spent the back-end of pre-season on the sidelines, but expect the experienced defender to re-enter the line up and make an impact.
April Brandley – GD/GK – 139 Caps – Sutherland Shire Netball Association
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Tilly McDonell – GK/GD – 38 Caps – Hawkesbury Netball Association
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Lauren Moore – GD/GK/WD – 50 caps – Wyong Netball Association
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The Numbers
For those that like the numbers, here’s how our shooters present:
- In 2022, the GIANTS were ranked 3rd for total number of intercepts with 87.
- In 2022, the GIANTS were ranked 4th for total number of gains with 170.
- In 2022, the GIANTS were the second least penalised team, with an average of just 55 penalties a game. Comparatively, the most penalised team were averaging 68 penalties a game.
The (Coach’s) Notes
Coach's Julie Fitzgerald and Jenny O'Keeffe provide some insight on the players:
April Brandley: “April has been working hard on her rehab throughout the pre-season and will return for the beginning of the season hungry to be back on court. Her experience and court smarts bring great leadership to our young defenders. April’s agility and ability to read the play are great assets to this defensive line up."
Tilly McDonell: “Signs from the pre-season suggest that Tilly will continue to grow in her game following a strong season in 2022. Tilly brings an excitement to the court which is infectious to viewers and her strengths continue to develop. Throughout pre-season Tilly has been given the opportunity to develop her GD game, adding another facet to her game and bringing more versatility to the defence end."
Lauren Moore: “Lauren’s versatility is a bonus for the GIANTS as she can competently play all three defensive positions, enabling her to showcase her athleticism in all spots. Lauren is mobile and has a great vertical jump which is often underestimated. She also has the ability to work with different combinations and attack strongly through the midcourt."
The Next Step
See April, Tilly and Lauren in action this Suncorp Super Netball season at Ken Rosewall Arena. Secure your tickets today with either a GIANTS Netball membership or with game day tickets through Ticketmaster.
