As the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season draws closer, the previews are flowing, and the profiles are growing.
Third by third, player by player, we’re breaking it down to give you the insight you need ahead of the GIANTS’ 2024 Super Netball season.
The Names:
Tilly McDonell, Erin O’Brien and Jodi-Ann Ward
The GIANTS will enter the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season with one of the competition’s most formidable defensive units consisting of superstar recruit Jodi-Ann Ward alongside fan-favourite Tilly McDonell and emerging youngster Erin O’Brien.
Trading the black and white for the orange and charcoal, Ward joined the GIANTS in the off-season on a three-year deal following a starring season for the Magpies which earned her a spot as goal defence in the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball team of the year.
Totalling 40 intercepts, 66 deflections and 16 rebounds last season, Ward cemented herself as one of the world’s best defenders and will now look to replicate that form as a GIANT in 2024.
Already soaking up the wisdom given from their prized recruit, McDonell and O’Brien will combine forces with Ward throughout the season as they look to establish themselves as one of the league’s toughest defensive units.
One of the most exciting and passionate players in the game, McDonell has gained invaluable experience battling against some of the world’s best shooters across the past five seasons and following a big summer looks primed to take her game to another level as the starting goalkeeper in 2024.
O’Brien rounds out the GIANTS’ exciting defensive trio as the promising 19-year-old homegrown talent looks to make her mark following her elevation to the GIANTS’ contracted squad this season following two years spent as a training partner.
Possessing great anticipation and defence over the shot, the 189cm defender will look for any opportunity to contribute in her debut season and has started the year strongly with some impressive performances throughout the GIANTS’ pre-season campaign.
This new-look defensive trio is looking more united than ever. No matter what combination Fitzgerald backs, this unit is maintaining pressure and rebounding better than ever.
The Numbers:
- In 2023, Jodi-Ann Ward recorded the second most intercepts in the league with 40.
- In 2023 the GIANTS ranked second in the league with a total 99 intercepts from their 14 games.
- In Team Girls Cup, Tilly McDonell recorded 9 defensive rebounds.
The (Coach’s) Notes:
Coach Julie Fitzgerald provides some insight into the defensive unit:
Tilly McDonell: “Some of the form I've seen from her this pre-season has been some of the best games of netball I've seen Tilly play. She’s certainly matured as a player and she’s really learnt to play with the other players around and I think it’s going to be a big year for her.”
Erin O’Brien: “Erin is progressing really well and there have been times this pre-season when she’s been our best defender out there and I’m sure she’ll improve each time she gets her opportunity.”
Jodi-Ann Ward: “She’s so exciting. Sometimes she does things that make you sit back and go how on earth has she done that and it lifts the team and creates energy within the team which is something I think we’re really seeing the benefits of.”
