The GIANTS are showing good signs for what is to come in 2021, having had two comfortable wins over the Melbourne Vixens and Sunshine Coast Lightning in pre-season matches this week.
Wednesday night saw the GIANTS take on the reigning premiers, the Melbourne Vixens, winning 60-40.
The GIANTS started with Jo Harten (GS), Kiera Austin (GA), Maddie Hay (WA), Jamie-Lee Price (C), Amy Parmenter (WD), April Brandley (GD) and Sam Poolman (GK).
All 10 GIANTS players took the court as well as the four Training Partners, with the Training Partners fielding majority of the line-up for the last half of the final quarter.
The Vixens ran out a young line up, with Liz Watson not making the trip to Sydney and defensive duo of Jo Weston and Emily Mannix not taking the court.
Focusing on their own game plan, the GIANTS led from the beginning and won every quarter except for the third.
A humble Julie Fitzgerald said she was pleased with the efforts from her team.
“There was a great intensity and it was great to see aspects of the game we’ve been working on come to fruition,” she said.
“It was great to have Jamie-Lee Price and Kiera Austin back from International duties and settle straight back into the GIANTS line up.
“With April Brandley having a full pre-season under her belt and Tilly McDonell continuing to grow and develop, our depth in defence is really proving to be a valuable asset for us.”
Backing up again on Thursday, the GIANTS took on the Sunshine Coast Lightning – a team which got the upper on the GIANTS in two close encounters during 2020.
The match was the first full squad hit out for the Lightning, having only just welcomed back their South African imports and returning Australian Diamond Cara Koenen, who had to serve a 14-day quarantine after returning from the Constellation Cup in New Zealand.
The GIANTS managed a whopping 80 goals for the match, courtesy of 29 goal final quarter.
Sophie Dwyer combined with Kiera Austin in the first quarter, before playing out the remainder of the match out in front of Jo Harten, who proved why she is still one of the most dominant and clever goalers in the league.
Sam Poolman came off the bench firing in the second half, winning plenty of the ball down back when she came on goal keeper.
“While there was plenty to take out of Wednesday night, it was fantastic to see the girls lift against the Lightning,” said Fitzgerald.
“They really continued to grow across the game no matter the combination.
“I was really pleased with that final quarter and how they finished off and played out the game. I think it’s real testament to the conditioning work they’ve been doing during pre-season.
“Jamie-Lee is always a consistent performer, but I thought she played a really good game in centre.”
Wednesday’s match was exclusive to Friends of Fitzy Members, whilst Thursday proved as an opportunity to welcome all corporate partners and sponsors along ahead of the season.
The next pre-season match for the GIANTS will be against the Queensland Firebirds at the 2021 Season Launch on Saturday 10th April.
The Season Launch and pre-season match is open to all members and fans, however, everyone attending must register for their FREE ticket.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2021 SEASON LAUNCH.
Watch the replays of our games against the Vixens and Lightning on our YouTube account.
GIANTS v Melbourne Vixens:
GIANTS v Sunshine Coast Lightning
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