The GIANTS have secured the signature of the league’s best goal defence, with Jodi-Ann Ward signing a long-term deal with the club.
Ward will trade in the black and white for the orange and charcoal, with the former Magpie set to call Sydney home until at least the end of 2026.
The versatile defender joins the GIANTS following career-best form for the Magpies last season, where she totalled 40 intercepts, 66 deflections and 16 rebounds to solidify her spot as the goal defence in the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball team of the year.
The Sunshine Girl joined the Super Netball league in 2020 following 18 games in the English Super League and went on to play 56 games across her four seasons with the Magpies.
Ward has been representing Jamaica since 2017 and has been a key contributor in her nation’s emergence on the world netball scene over the past two years, including a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 178cm defender is most at home in goal defence, but can play in both wing defence and goal keeper if required.
Her long arms, alongside her vertical elevation are some of her key athletic attributes that make her the dominant player that she is.
Known for her aggressive and attacking style of defence, the Jamaican has the ability to cover ground and win ball all across the court.
The former Magpie acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances of her former club folding but said she was excited to be joining the GIANTS.
“It is extremely disappointing to how things ended with Collingwood and the timing of it but change is good sometimes,” she said.
“GIANTS are a very competitive team and I love a team that fights to the end.
“They are well rounded with youth and experience with a lot of room to grow and I want to be apart of that growth.”
The world class defender said she wants her teammates to know that she’ll always have their back out on court.
“My goal is to always ensure that whoever I’m on court with at any time feels comfortable and protected knowing that I’ve got their back in any situation,” she said.
“Especially as you develop new combinations or introduce younger players.”
GIANTS head coach Julie Fitzgerald said she was over the moon to sign Ward.
“She is such an exciting player and I can’t wait to inject her into our lineup,” she said.
“After losing April to retirement at the end of the season we knew we needed to bolster our defensive end with experience and we thought Jodi-Ann would be a perfect fit for many reasons.
“She comes off a fantastic season of netball – both with Collingwood and Jamaica - and we can’t wait to see where she takes her game in the years to come in her new colours.”
Ward is the ninth player to sign with the GIANTS for the 2024 season. She joins fellow new recruit Sam Winders, as well as seven returning GIANTS.
GIANTS Netball Signings
Sophie Dwyer (2026)
Jo Harten (2025)
Maddie Hay (2025)
Matisse Letherbarrow (2025)
Tilly McDonell (2024)
Jamie-Lee Price (2026)
Amy Sligar (2025)
Jodi-Ann Ward (2026)
Sam Winders (2024)
