The GIANTS have finished their season on a high, upsetting cross-town rivals NSW Swifts by a single goal to claim their first win of the year and lift the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy for the first time since 2021.
In a fittingly tight contest, the GIANTS held their nerve to secure a 61-60 result, snapping a nine-game losing streak to the Swifts and closing their campaign with a statement performance.
The win came on a milestone night, with Jane Watson playing her final professional game, Matisse Letherbarrow marking her 50th Super Netball appearance, and captain Whitney Souness reaching 150 national league games.
The tone was set early with both sides going goal-for-goal, but the GIANTS’ efficiency through the shooting circle gave them the edge. Letherbarrow (40/46) and Sophie Dwyer (20/21) were clinical, helping the GIANTS to a three-goal first quarter lead.
The Swifts edged in front by half-time, but the GIANTS stayed composed. Hope White (26 goal assists, 39 feeds) and Dwyer (16 goal assists, 28 centre pass receives) continued to drive a well-connected attack, while Erin O’Brien built into the contest defensively.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle, with O’Brien’s pressure pivotal as she finished with a game-high seven deflections. A late Super Shot from Dwyer briefly returned the lead before scores were level heading into the final term.
With the game on the line, the GIANTS delivered.
Dwyer opened strongly in the fourth, while Souness’ return to centre steadied the side. The GIANTS built a four-goal buffer through strong midcourt connection and composed ball use, before withstanding a late Swifts surge to hold on.
