As the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season approaches, the GIANTS are once again giving you an exclusive inside look at what’s to come.
Third by third, player by player, we’re breaking down the squad to bring you everything you need to know ahead of a big 2026 campaign.
The names: Tilly McDonell, Erin O’Brien, Jodi-Ann Ward and Jane Watson
The GIANTS’ defensive unit heads into 2026 with a compelling blend of experience, emerging talent and fresh firepower, shaping a group capable of applying relentless pressure across the court.
Following a breakout campaign in 2025, Erin O’Brien returns as one of the competition’s most exciting young defenders, her athleticism and defensive instincts having made a strong impression. Having relished the opportunity to learn alongside Silver Fern great Casey Kopua, coach Nerida Stewart is hoping the signing of experienced Silver Fern Jane Watson will offer a similar mentorship opportunity, helping O’Brien elevate her impact in the circle and across the defensive third.
Jane Watson joins Super Netball for the first time in 2026, bringing with her a decorated career in New Zealand netball. Coming off a premiership-winning season with the Tactix, Watson adds elite-level composure, tactical awareness and versatility to the defensive end. Beyond her on-court influence, she brings a strong mentoring presence for the younger defenders, while her ability to read play and dominate intercepts makes her a potential game-changer from day one.
A GIANTS stalwart since 2019, Tilly McDonell continues to anchor the defensive line with tenacity, game awareness and smart reading of play. Her consistency and leadership provide stability, while her experience in key defensive match-ups ensures the team can rely on her across multiple roles.
McDonell will remain on the GIANTS’ list until Jodi-Ann Ward is available to return following her ACL injury last year.
Set to return early in the season following her recovery from an ACL injury, Jodi-Ann Ward brings natural athleticism, elite timing, and aggressive defensive instincts to the circle. Her fearless approach and ability to generate turnovers will provide the GIANTS with a dynamic edge in defence, while her presence will immediately lift the intensity and competitiveness of the unit.
With a blend of rising talent, seasoned campaigners and high-level reinforcements, the GIANTS’ defenders enter 2026 as a cohesive, adaptable and formidable unit ready to set the tone and disrupt the league’s best attacks.
The numbers:
- Total caps = TBC
- Average caps = TBC
- Average age = 28
- Average height = 183cm
Coach Nerida Stewart provided some further insight into the GIANTS’ midcourt:
Tilly McDonell: “Tilly returns to the GIANTS as a TRP for Jodi-Ann Ward, bringing experience and a deep connection to the club. Powerful, strong in the air and relentless in her work rate, she reads the game beautifully and hunts high ball with authority and owns a powerful presence in her attack. Tilly’s capacity to shift between both GD and GK seamlessly is an asset to the defensive end. She has seamless connections with all defensive partners allowing her to contribute against both tall posting and mobile moving shooters.”
Erin O’Brien: “Erin continues to emerge as one of the most exciting young defenders in the competition. With a genuine hunger for knowledge and growth, she approaches her craft with curiosity, coachability, and a relentless desire to improve. Erin is always looking to evolve, refine and add new dimensions to her defensive impact out on court. That dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning invitations into Diamonds camp and placing her firmly on the radar as a player of the future. Erin his driven, diligent, and building a foundation that suggests her best netball is still ahead of her.“
Jodi-Ann Ward: “Jodi is working hard to make her return to court. Her dedication and professional approach to her rehab have been nothing short of impressive, showing exceptional progression through every stage. Upon her return to court Jodi will bolster the GIANTS’ defensive lineup with her athleticism and speed that compliment her relentless desire to win ball anywhere on the court. We can’t wait to see her back out there in the orange and charcoal dress soon.”
Jane Watson: “Jane brings a wealth of experience and defensive grit to our line-up. She is renowned for her relentless dogged approach and has the ability to produce hand to ball when you least expect it - shifting momentum in an instant. Jane drives connection within our defensive unit not just vocally but with her commitment to any defensive strategy being implemented. Jane has an engine and is exceptionally mobile with formidable strength in the air.”
