As we get closer to the 2021 season, let’s break down each area of the court and assess how the team is taking place ahead of an exciting season.
Let’s start with team defence. The ones that sometimes go under the radar in an attackers-based game.
April Brandley, Kristiana Manu’a, Tilly McDonell and Sam Poolman.
In 2021 team defence equals combinations galore. From go to combinations, fresh faces and a former Diamond.
Back in 2019 Coach Julie Fitzgerald rarely changed up her defensive end, with Kristiana Manu’a and Sam Poolman the stalwarts of the GIANTS’ defensive end.
In 2020 the new rolling substitutions rule allowed promising defender Tilly McDonell to gain more time and exposure as she continues to grow and develop as a player.
Prior to the 2020 season, Tilly McDonell had played less than 10 minutes at the elite level, taking the court just once in her debut match in round two of 2019.
Season 2020 also saw former Diamond April Brandley make an early return from parental leave and join the GIANTS.
The former Magpie continued to find her feet and build match fitness as the season progressed, with the 30-year-old combining into the GIANTS’ defensive end across all three positions.
Fitzgerald said the depth of defence allows flexibility and versatility not only in the defence end but all across the court.
“These four players bring us very different styles of play and the more time they are playing and combing together, the better all the different combinations are getting.
“And it’s exciting to have the ability to put out different styles against different oppositions and mix up when we need.
“Our variety in combinations will definitely be a strength for us moving froward.”
The introduction of the Suncorp Super Shot in season 2020 attracted a lot of attention. But initially it was the attacking end where the questions were asked and the game plan was questioned.
However, it is the defenders too where a lot of the impact and change in game strategy takes place.
“I always believed the Super Shot had far more effect on the defensive game than the attackers,” said Fitzgerald.
“For a lot of goalers that distance is still within their natural shooting range. Whereas the defenders have to totally change their mindset and method for the last five minutes and then revert back again at the beginning of the next quarter.
“It is something we continue to work on and is demanding on the defenders.”
April Brandley
Positions: GD/GK/WD
Elite Caps: 107
Association: Heathcote Waratah Netball Association
After announcing a break from netball at the end of the 2019 season due to expecting her first child, April Brandley joined the GIANTS as a Training Partner in July 2020 just five months after welcoming her son into the world and joined the team in the Queensland Hub. The former Diamond is an experienced player within the National League, having represented five of the eight clubs. With a full pre-season under her belt, Brandley is ready to prove once again why is she is one of the competition's premier defenders.
Coach says: “April is relishing having had a full pre-season and can’t wait to start the season at full fitness. Her experience, voice and perspective has been a great asset to the team.”
Kristiana Manu’a
Positions: GD/WD/GK
Elite Caps: 68
Association: Liverpool Netball Association
25-year-old Kristiana Manu'a was the GIANTS vice-captain in 2020, as part of a new look leadership setup. Manu'a continued to combine with Poolman in the defensive circle, but also began to work on new combinations with young Tilly McDonnell as well as April Brandley. Manu'a is one of the more experienced players in the GIANTS line up and will continue to lead both on and off court in 2021.
Coach says: “Kris has worked very hard during pre-season and returned in 2021 with improved fitness a key to her campaign. Kris reads the ball well and has a good understanding of the game.”
Tilly McDonell
Positions: GD/GK/WD
Elite Caps: 10
Association: Hawkesbury Netball Association
Tilly McDonell continued to grow her game in 2020, with the young defender one of many up-and-coming athletes to gain from the newly introduced rolling substitutions. The 20-year-old is a player full of passion, grit and determination and will be seeking more opportunities to contribute on the court this year. McDonell is a prime example of the young talent coming through the NNSW and GIANTS pathway and is one of seven GIANTS Netball and GIANTS Netball Academy athletes in the Netball World Youth Cup Squad.
Coach Says: “Tilly is an exciting prospect with a good read on the game. She has the ability to win ball and is a young player who is constantly improving.”
Sam Poolman
Positions: GK/GD
Elite Caps: 85
Association: Newcastle Netball Association
The 190cm defender enters her eighth National League season and has been a regular starter for the GIANTS since their inaugural season. Poolman is known to work down her opposition through her relentless and repetitive defence to gain turnovers. The 30-year-old was the number #1 GIANT for defensive rebounds in the 2020 season.
Coach Says: “Sam provides a strong back line defence for us and matches up well on the taller holding shooter. She is a strong rebounder and one of our more experienced players."
