Sunday’s dedicated First Nations Round will see the GIANTS host a curtain raiser match between the GIANTS Academy and a NNSW First Nations All Stars.
An initiative led by GIANTS Academy Coach and proud Kamilaroi woman Ali Tucker-Munro, former Netball NSW General Manager Performance and Pathways Margaret Hamley and GIANTS Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald, this year will mark the second year of the exhibition match during the First Nations round celebrations.
The First Nations All-Star team is made up of the best Indigenous talent in the state pathway from both metro and regional areas and will this year be coached by Georgina Cohen.
The GIANTS Academy side is made up of both young and experienced talent and will be coached by Ali Tucker-Munro, who last year coached the First Nations side, but has this year handed over the reins to Cohen.
GIANTS Academy Manager Jenny O’Keeffe said she is looking forward to Sunday’s match.
“Being a part of this is something very special to our hearts and we are honoured to have the opportunity to be a part of an event like this,” said O’Keeffe.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise and showcase the depth of talent in our NSW First Nations communities,”
The GIANTS Academy have participated in an array of curtain raiser matches so far this Super Netball season – some highly competitive and some highly spirited.
“It is extremely important for us to provide these next level match play opportunities for our Academy players as part of their netball development,” said O’Keeffe.
“We have also been using these games as a selection tool for our ANC Squad which will be announced in the coming weeks.”
The match between the GIANTS Academy and First Nations All Stars will begin at 2:20pm on Sunday before the GIANTS take on the Thunderbirds in a must-win match from 4:00pm.
Gates will open at 2:15pm for all ticket holders to watch both matches. Tickets can be purchased here.
The curtain raiser match will be live-steamed via Clutch TV on the Netball NSW Facebook page.
| GIANTS Academy |
NNSW First Nations All Stars |
| Luana Aukafolau |
Ayla Clark |
| Olivia Coleman |
Olivia Clark |
| Jade Dawson |
Tarsha Hawley |
| Ang Frketic |
Tegan Holland |
| Jasmine Hyde |
Tyra Jarrett |
| Ella Johnson |
Courtney Jones |
| Lucy Matthews |
Mia Middleton |
| Erin O’Brien |
Kayla Nakhoul |
| Emma Thompson |
Jada Papa |
| Kristen Vrcelj |
Tahlia Robertson |
| |
Emma Smith |
| |
Kaylah Upfield |
