The GIANTS Reserves are gearing up for a massive double-header this weekend in the Super Netball Reserves competition, facing the Firebirds Futures in Brisbane on Saturday night followed by a curtain raiser with the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the GIANTS’ Suncorp Super Netball clash on Sunday.
The GIANTS have made two changes to their Reserves team that fell to the Thunderbirds in round one last week, with Eloise Egan and Ellie Hart coming into the side to make their SN Reserves debuts.
The duo come into the team in place of Monika ‘Otai and Aimee Landrigan who have been elevated to the Suncorp Super Netball squad for the GIANTS’ round five clash with the Lightning.
GIANTS Reserves coach Bec Bulley said Otai and Landrigan’s elevation into the GIANTS’ match-day squad is a great reflection of their strong performances last week, while adding that it was exciting to welcome two debutants to this week’s Reserves side.
"Monika and Aimee had great games in the Reserves last week against the Thunderbirds so it’s great to see them get an opportunity in SSN,” she said.
“While Eloise and Ellie are both very talented and have been performing really well at training and in Premier League and I’m excited for them to have their opportunity this weekend."
Bulley said that despite the loss to the Thunderbirds in their opening match last week, the team walked away with plenty of positives to take into round two this weekend.
"It was a great learning opportunity, and the encouraging part was seeing the team improve with every quarter," she said.
Bulley added that several players stood out in the season opener, particularly Imogen McCulloch and Ashley Finegan, both of whom were stepping up to this level of competition for the first time.
"Ash came on and provided some great drive in attack and pressure in defence, and Immy was outstanding, shooting 12 from 12, including a Super Shot.”
The team faces a unique challenge this weekend with back-to-back games, but Bulley said the group is embracing it.
"We know two games in two days will pose a few challenges but it’s a great chance for the team to spend time together, build chemistry, and play our whole team across the weekend."
Bulley said the GIANTS will need to bring their best over the weekend if they’re to come away with a pair of victories.
"Both teams are quite tall at both ends and the Firebirds have quite a fast midcourt whereas we can expect the Bolts to be quite strong defensively.
“We’ll need to ensure we move the ball quickly and keep taking our cuts and drives to open up our attack and full court pressure in defence.”
The GIANTS Netball Reserves will take on the Firebird Futures at Nissan Arena on Saturday night before taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts at UniSC Arena on Sunday morning at UniSC Arena.
Super Netball Reserves games will not be live streamed and full-time scores will be published via GIANTS Netball socials.
SN Reserves Round 2 Squad:
Kiara Bloor
Eloise Egan
Ashley Finegan
Olivia Harris
Ellie Hart
Kelea Iongi
Ella Johnson
Audrey Little
Imogen McCulloch
Jamie Podmore-Taylor
Charlotte Smith
