As the GIANTS return from the longest away trip in the Suncorp Super Netball competition with four points, they are disappointed to not be taking an extra two points with them.
The GIANTS led by as much as six goals in the second quarter and four with just minutes to play but could only manage a draw at RAC Arena in Perth on Saturday night.
“It’s really disappointing, not only because we led for most of the match but because we had opportunities where we should have increased on that lead,” GIANTS coach Julie Fitzgerald said.
“To come away with the draw, even though we get four points, is very disappointing.”
“To come away with the draw, even though we get four points, is very disappointing.”
GIANTS Coach Julie Fitzgerald
The game finished in controversy as the GIANTS were denied a winning goal from goal shooter Caitlin Bassett in the final seconds.
The Australian captain put the GIANTS one goal up at the death but the goal was waved away by the umpire despite the in-stadium and TV broadcast clock showing one second remaining.
Fitzgerald said that while it was disappointing, the GIANTS have to accept the decision.
“There can always be a slight discrepancy between the umpires time and the time that’s up on the clock, which makes it very difficult to play to the clock that you can see,” she said.
“Obviously we’re disappointed by that but it’s one of those things that happens in our sport.”
Despite the loss, Fitzgerald was pleased with the performance of her defenders.
“I was impressed with Sam (Poolman), tonight it was one of her best efforts, and I also believe that Kristiana (Manu’a) had a really good game out in front of her,” she said.
Julie Fitzgerald speaks to GIANTS Netball TV after the draw with Perth.“Those two are getting really strong as a combination and if they can keep on developing it’ll be great.
“I do think our defensive effort in our defensive circle was a whole lot better, we toughed it out.
“It was a hard, tough game and for 60 minutes – even though we made mistakes that we’re going to regret – we toughed it out and kept coming.”
GIANTS captain and Nissan Player of the Match Kim Green echoed Fitzgerald’s sentiments.
“We had the game in our hands the whole 58 minutes and then lost it at the end at in critical moments,” she said.
“Although there were some moments, some calls we also threw a lot of balls that we shouldn’t have and we just need to be clearer on our leads.
“I think that our defenders did a really good job today, so there’s a lot to take out of the game positively but there are things we definitely need to fix up.”
Kim Green laments the one that got away.The GIANTS now face the in-form NSW Swifts in a crucial Derby at Qudos Bank Arena next Sunday.
With the Perth crowd reaching a fever pitch in the final minutes, Green is hoping the GIANTS’ members and fans can come out in full force to cheer them on.
“It’s always a great game against the Swifts and we love getting back to Qudos and I just can’t wait to see a sea of orange,” she said.
“I know it’s a Swifts home game but make sure you that you guys get out there.”
