The GIANTS have faced their first test outside of their orange and charcoal surrounds, travelling to Brisbane to take on the Queensland Firebirds.
Wednesday morning’s match marked the first pre-season hit-out as the new-look GIANTS side embark on their final phase of preparations leading into season 2024.
Despite the game being closed, the 60 minutes of match play gave a glimpse into what both sides will bring in the upcoming Suncorp Super Netball season which begins on Saturday, April 13.
Amy Sligar was handed the vacant wing defence bib, Jodi-Ann Ward started the game in goal defence and temporary replacement player Chelsea Pitman started in wing attack, with the trio the additions to the core of the 2023 line up to start the game.
The opening combo was just one of four different line ups for Julie Fitzgerald’s side, with the ability to test out combinations one of the key focuses for the game.
The Firebirds approached the game in similar manner, including the use of their extended squad and selected training partners.
Jo Harten sunk the first goal of the day, with the class shooter the playmaker for the GIANTS in attack. The four-time club MVP proved a strong but mobile option in goal shooter and looked equally at home out at goal attack, with apprentice Matisse Letherbarrow assuming the role of shooter back under the post.
A summer abroad for Diamonds Jamie-Lee Price and Sophie Dwyer had their attacking combo operating slick, while Pitman showed her class and experience with the ability to feed all three shooters.
It might be new colours in season 2024 but it was same old Jodi-Ann Ward, as the 2023 Goal Defence of the Year showed exciting signs in her combinations with fellow circle defenders Tilly McDonell and Erin O’Brien.
O’Brien put her potential to play, with the 189cm defender the best match for shooter Donnell Wallam who has known to cause the GIANTS’ headaches in the past.
Fellow newcomer Sam Winders was happy to start her time in orange with a win. The former Silver Fern put her versatility on display as she played all three midcourt positions throughout the four-quarter match.
The GIANTS’ full court defensive pressure was felt from the sidelines as they won plenty of ball all throughout the court.
The pressure built throughout the game as the GIANTS extended their lead from two goals at the first break to 11 at the end of the third quarter.
The Firebirds won the fourth quarter but at the end of the four quarters the GIANTS held a nine-goal lead (59-68).
The GIANTS will next take on the Suncorp Super Netball’s newest side, the Melbourne Mavericks, when they host the side in a pair of matches in Wagga Wagga and Griffith from 1-3 March.
