The GIANTS have fallen two goals, or one Suncorp Super Shot, short of the perfect opening round after going down to the NSW Swifts in a thrilling match.
Down by eight with four minutes to play, GIANTS worked hard to reduce the margin but simply ran out of time in the historic NSW derby at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.
GIANTS were originally scheduled to open the pandemic-delayed 2020 season with a series of home games at the newly renovated Ken Rosewall Arena.
But border restrictions put in place just days earlier forced both the GIANTS and Swifts to relocate north earlier than anticipated.
It was all tied up at the opening break and the GIANTS led 33-28 at halftime courtesy of captain Jo Harten’s long-range accuracy – the England international proving the difference in a tight opening half by nailing 7/9 two point Suncorp Super Shots.
But the Swifts surged to the lead after a change in momentum during the third quarter.
Fittingly, late drama also played out on the court as 18-year-old Sophie Dwyer landed two super shots for the GIANTS on her debut to set up a nail-biting finish.
But a Swifts timeout allowed coach Briony Akle to steady her squad as they held their nerve in the closing moments to maintain possession and close out the win.
Dwyer wasn’t the only debutant for the GIANTS, with super Mum April Brandley taking the court just five months after giving birth to her son.
GIANTS shooter Caitlin Bassett finished with 22 goals from 24 attempts after recovering from a pre-season knee injury to take her place in the goal circle.
Score breakdown
Q1: Giants 17 v Swifts 17
Q2: Giants 16 v Swifts 11
Q3: Giants 13 v Swifts 21
Q4: Giants 15 v Swifts 14
Nissan Player of The Match – Lauren Moore (NSW Swifts)
GIANTS shooting statistics
Sophie Dwyer – G1 - 0/0 (0%) G2 - 2/2 (100%)
Jo Harten – G1 - 11/11 (100%) G2 - 9/13 (69%)
Caitlin Bassett - G1 - 22/24 (92%) G2 - 0/0 (0%)
Kiera Austin - G1 - 2/2 (100%) G2 - 2/3 (66%)
G1 = shots during normal play.
G2 = Suncorp Super Shots taken during the Rebel Power five period.
Giants starting seven: GS - Caitlin Bassett GA - Jo Harten WA - Kiera Austin C - Jamie-Lee Price WD - Amy Parmenter GD - Kristiana Manu'a GK - Sam Poolman
Swifts starting seven: GS - Sam Wallace GA - Helen Housby WA - Maddy Proud C - Paige Hadley WD - Sophie Craig GD - Lauren Moore GK - Sarah Klau
