April Brandley will remain a GIANT for another two seasons, with the in-form defender putting pen to paper and committing to the club until 2023.
Brandley joined the GIANTS in 2020 as a nominated training partner and stood tall for the GIANTS in 2021 as her return to the game progressed.
Brandley played 15 of the GIANTS’ 17 matches in 2021, missing the round five match in Perth due to personal circumstances as the club’s quarantine requirements changed, as well as the round 14 match, also against the Fever, due to an ankle injury.
As the side’s starting goal defence, Brandley finished the 2021 season with 21 intercepts, 58 deflections and 14 rebounds.
Brandley, who spent a second season on the road with her young family, was awarded the GIANTS’ Players’ Player award for 2021 for her approach to the game and contribution to the team both on and off the court.
Arguably in some of the best form of her career, Brandley opted out of selection for the 2021/22 Origin Diamonds Squad that was selected at the conclusion of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball Season.
With her focus well and truly on the team in orange, Brandley said she is excited to re-sign with the club.
“I’m really looking forward to hitting the court with the GIANTS again next season and I get really excited looking at what’s ahead for our team,” she said.
“The club have been incredible with the support they’ve shown my family and myself in making the transition from motherhood, to getting back on court.
“I feel grateful to be in a place where I’m really enjoying my netball, so I’m very much looking forward to what we can continue to build in 2022.
“Hopefully that looks like some more home games and a home finals series.”
Brandley is the second announcement for the GIANTS for 2022 and beyond, with more announcements to be made in the coming week.
Clubs have until October 8 to finalise their playing squad for next season.
Star midcourter Jamie-Lee Price has also committed to the club until 2023, while Sam Poolman announced her retirement and Kristina Manu’a opted to move to the New Zealand national league.
