With the 2021 season kicking off this weekend, it’s time to take a look at the final area on the court and assess how they’re going ahead of an exciting new season.
After previewing the defenders and the midcourt, the last to look at it the shooters.
Kiera Austin, Sophie Dwyer and Jo Harten.
In 2021 the GIANTS’ goal circle is bursting with talent, with the trio of GIANTS looking impressive during the pre-season.
Young gun Sophie Dwyer has joined international-standard goalers in Diamond #160 Kiera Austin and English Rose, Jo Harten.
19-year-old Dwyer, who was elevated from a training partner in 2020, has gone from strength to strength during her first full-time pre-season.
After a taste of Suncorp Super Netball in season 2020, the young Eastwood-Ryde netballer is ready to hit the court running and take on the best defenders the league has to offer.
Kiera Austin had her best Super Netball season to date in 2020; claiming the goal attack bib in the Team of the Year and taking out the club’s Most Valuable Player.
She started the season in WA, but quickly found home in the circle finishing with 249 goals, 42 Super Shots and 289 centre pass receives.
Jo Harten, the GIANTS’ captain, can be categorised as one of the most dangerous all-round scorers in the game; with her ability to sink long-range shots equally as good as her eye under the post.
The 32-year-old and inaugural GIANT has led by example during pre-season, steering the side to much success in their practice matches.
Coach Julie Fitzgerald is excited by what these three have to offer.
“We are in the promising situation this year where we have three very strong and accurate shooters who all bring something different to the court but combine seamlessly in any situation,” said Fitzgerald.
“All three have the ability to play across both positions and we also have the flexibility to play either a moving circle or a holding shooter.”
All three are no strangers to the Super Shot range. Harten topped the boards for Super Shots scored in 2020, while Austin and Dwyer are more than at home at the circle’s outer edge.
Whilst Fitzgerald backs her shooters from this range, she also noted their game plan is not pivotal to sinking two-pointers.
“It’s about adjusting to the position you’re in at the time as to whether you play to the Super Shot,” she said.
“We don’t want to rely on it, but we want to have confidence to put them up as needed and make the right judgement on when a one point might be the better option.”
Kiera Austin
Positions: GA/GS/WA
Elite Caps: 28
Association: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
After debuting as a GIANT in 2018, Kiera Austin has gone from strength to strength as she continues to develop as one of Australia's finest and most promising shooters. Playing across both WA and GA, Austin had an impressive 2020 season taking out the GIANTS Netball MVP, earning the Goal Attack position in the Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year and earning selection in the Australian Diamonds Squad, which saw her go on to make her Diamonds debut in the Constellation Cup in March of 2021.
Coach says: Kiera has a great change of pace in her game and her spacial awareness allows her to find space throughout the court and circle.
Sophie Dwyer
Positions: GA/GS
Elite Caps: 2
Association: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
Young gun Sophie Dwyer earned herself a contract with the GIANTS following a year as a Training Partner with the club in 2020. The now 19-year-old was part of the extended squad that travelled to the Queensland hub and she made her debut in the opening-round match against the Swifts. The exciting young talent entered the court with just minutes remaining to sink a Suncorp Super Shot. Dwyer is one of seven GIANTS Netball and GIANTS Netball Academy athletes currently in the Australian World Youth Cup Squad.
Coach says: Sophie is one of Australia’s best emerging talents whose game improves with every outing. Her accuracy under the post and her unflappable nature displays maturity beyond her age and experience.
Jo Harten
Positions: GS/GA
Elite Caps: 133
Association: East Essex, England
English international Jo Harten is a stalwart for the GIANTS and continues to maintain her reputation as one of the world’s premier goalers. The 32-year-old inaugural GIANT became just the second person to captain the club in the 2020 season, following the retirement of Kim Green. The sharp shooter netted 317 goals for the GIANTS last year and led the competition for the number of Suncorp Super Shots scored.
Coach says: A very clever player who leads her team by example both on and off the court. Jo has the ability to read the play and the variety she offers in her game is testing for all defenders.
