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: Lucy Austin, Sophie Dwyer and Matisse Letherbarrow
The GIANTS’ shooting cohort enters the 2026 season with a dynamic mix of proven firepower, versatility and fresh opportunity - a group capable of stretching defences and dictating the flow of the attacking third.
Sophie Dwyer headlines the unit as the most experienced member of the circle following Jo Harten’s retirement. A mainstay in the goal attack position since 2021, Dwyer has grown into one of the competition’s most damaging and reliable attacking threats. A member of the Diamonds squad, her athletic elevation, long-range accuracy and confidence in big moments have long been hallmarks of her game.
Now stepping into a leadership role within the shooting end, Dwyer’s composure and experience will anchor the GIANTS’ attack in 2026. With five seasons of consistent exposure at the elite level, she carries both the responsibility and the capability to guide the next phase of the circle’s evolution.
Matisse Letherbarrow enters the season poised to convert potential into permanence. Long regarded as an impact option capable of shifting momentum with her energy and long-range accuracy, Letherbarrow has patiently built her craft within the GIANTS system.
Now ready to press for more consistent court time, 2026 shapes as a defining year. With greater continuity and confidence, she has the tools to establish herself as a consistent frontline presence.
Two-time Premiership player Lucy Austin joins the GIANTS from the Adelaide Thunderbirds ready to embrace her best chapter yet. After developing within a championship-winning environment, Austin brings a deep understanding of the standards, resilience and composure required to succeed in high-pressure moments.
Her strength on the hold and calm presence in the circle provide a steadying influence in attack, while the new environment presents an opportunity to expand her impact and assert herself with greater authority. Driven to make the most of her fresh start, Austin adds both experience and a renewed edge to the GIANTS’ shooting cohort.
A reshaped shooting unit built on proven talent, fuelled by ambition and underpinned by premiership pedigree — the GIANTS enter 2026 with a circle combination ready to write its next chapter.
The numbers:
- Total caps = 145
- Average caps = 48
- Average age = 24
- Average height = 187cm
The Notes:
Coach Nerida Stewart provided some further insight into the GIANTS’ shooting cohort:
Sophie Dwyer: “Sophie continues to evolve her game, adding dynamic layers that reflect growing maturity and composure. Her netball IQ and game sense allow her to blend flair with control while maintaining a calm, steady presence in the circle. Sophie works seamlessly with her midcourt and shooting partners and has developed fast growing connections across the line with any wing attack combination she combines with strengthening the connection of the unit.”
Matisse Letherbarrow: “Matisse has broadened her impact across both goal attack and Goal shooter, committing to an extensive pre-season that has expanded her speed, structural execution, and versatility within the unit. While she is renowned for being a deadly 2-point specialist who can drain shots from anywhere, she added new assets to her game - bringing greater movement, adaptability, and tactical awareness. The result is a more complete, dynamic athlete with an expanded scope and a fresh edge to what she delivers on court.”
Lucy Austin: “Lucy is a powerful new addition to the GIANTS goal circle this season, bringing strength, speed, and presence to the back end of the court. Lucy combines commanding aerial ability with smart use of space and explosive movement. A true target under the post, she is deeply committed to elevating the unit and the wider team, generously sharing her experience and knowledge built own a history of success. She plays with joy and an ever-present smile - but beneath that warmth is a fierce competitor who adds stability and confidence to the circle.”
Watch the shooters in action this Suncorp Super Netball season at any of our seven home games. Secure your tickets today!
