GIANTS Netball have spoiled the Firebirds’ comeback party at Nissan Arena, producing a clutch final-quarter surge to claim a thrilling 68–63 win.
It was an even start to the contest, with both teams trading early blows before a slick layup from Mary Cholhok levelled the scores. However, the GIANTS found their groove first, building a three-goal buffer and forcing Firebirds coach Kiri Wills to call an early timeout.
The GIANTS took control from there, capitalising on a turnover and pushing out to a six-goal lead, thanks to a Jo Harten who is at her vintage best in her milestone 200th national league game.
Firebirds shooter Abigail Latu-Meafou responded with a super shot of her own to keep her side in touch, but the GIANTS had all the momentum and closed out the opening quarter up 21-14.
The visitors maintained their dominance early in the second, with the ball moving far too easily through their attacking third. Amy Sligar was particularly influential, collecting three gains, one intercept, and two deflections in a standout first-half display.
Queensland struggled with efficiency, converting just 55% of their centre passes to goal, and trailed by 12 before Wills was forced into another timeout. The reset sparked a response, with stronger defensive pressure and the introduction of Ashlee Barnett providing stability at the back.
Casey Kopua worked hard in defence for the GIANTS, but the Firebirds found late rhythm, enjoying a run of four back-to-back goals. With Harten urging her side to "get through the middle," the GIANTS began to look rushed, calling a timeout of their own to stem the surge.
Hot hands from Latu-Meafou helped the Firebirds win the second quarter by four, trimming the margin to just three goals at halftime.
The third term opened as an arm wrestle, with both sides going goal for goal in the first 10 minutes. The visitors had opportunities to extend their lead but struggled to convert their turnovers into scoreboard pressure, drawing visible frustration from coach Julie Fitzgerald.
Latu-Meafou tired under the relentless attention of Erin O’Brien, as Fitzgerald called a tactical timeout, demanding greater care in possession and sharper execution following gains.
The visitors responded with a short burst of goals, edging ahead once more. But Firebirds held their nerve and slowed the tempo. A composed final play saw them drain the clock and nail a super shot on the buzzer, closing the gap to just one goal heading into the final quarter.
The final term opened with nerves on both sides, as costly errors crept in early. The Firebirds had multiple chances to level the score but couldn’t capitalise, until a tactical timeout sparked a surge.
Cholhok made the most of a penalty in the circle to equalise, and moments later, the Firebirds hit the front for the first time in the match.
Cholhok’s composed layup kept the momentum rolling, and with the home crowd behind them, the Firebirds lifted across the court, forcing key turnovers.
Matisse Letherbarrow was injected into the quarter and immediately stepped into the spotlight.
Trailing by two, Fitzgerald called a tactical timeout, with Harten delivering the message: lift across the court. But it was the Firebirds who remained energised, pushing ahead by three entering the Power Five.
Letherbarrow calmly landed a super shot to close the gap, and when Latu-Meafou missed a crucial chance, the momentum shifted. Another long bomb from Letherbarrow gave the GIANTS the lead once more.
As pressure mounted, the Firebirds faltered. Despite a final super shot from Emily Moore, a costly turnover from the centre pass sealed their fate.
Letherbarrow’s match-winning cameo helped the GIANTS power home, taking a thrilling 68-63 victory.
