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
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.
Having years of experience playing together at underage ranks, they are beginning to fine tune their craft together at the top level and against some of the world’s best defenders.
With Harten at the top of her game, the 33-year-old is the barometer of not only the shooting circle but GIANTS’ line up and has the ability to change any game.
Jo Harten – GS/GA – 166 Caps – East Essex England
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Sophie Dwyer – GA/GS – 34 Caps – Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
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Matisse Letherbarrow – GS/GA – 8 caps – Baulkham Hills Netball Association
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The Numbers
For those that like the numbers, here’s how our shooters present:
- In 2022, the GIANTS scored the highest number of Suncorp Super Shots with 102 two-point shots at 55.4%
- In 2022, the GIANTS were ranked 3rd for 1pt shot conversion finishing the season at 91.2%.
- At the 2023 Team Girls Cup the GIANTS were equal first for most Suncorp Super Shots, with Matisse Leatherbarrow leading the way with 17.
The (Coach’s) Notes
Coach's Julie Fitzgerald and Jenny O'Keeffe provide some insight on the players:
Jo Harten: "Jo’s leadership both on and off the court is so valuable to our team and that has been evident as she supported her teammates from the sidelines this pre-season while she has worked through her rehabilitation following knee surgery. Her court craft, skill and creativity are unique and we very much look forward to seeing that in action again this season.
Sophie Dwyer: "Sophie continues to grow and has stepped up in the shooting circle in Jo’s absence this pre-season. Her international experience has definitely benefited her game and we look forward to increasingly dominant performances from Sophie during the 2023 season.
Matisse Letherbarrow: “Matisse has had a fantastic pre-season. She’s really relished at the opportunities given to and I think she has really stepped up into the role that she needs to play on court. We saw some great glimpses of her last season and more throughout pre-season, so I’m excited by what she might produce this season.”
The Next Step
See Jo, Sophie and Matisse 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.
