The GIANTS have been boosted by the re-signing of their illustrious leader, Jo Harten.
Harten, who is an inaugural player with the GIANTS, has re-committed to the club for a further two seasons.
At 32 years of age, Harten combined with 19-year-old Sophie Dwyer in season 2021 and it proved to be one of the most formidable shooting circles in the league.
Harten stood tall for her side in the season just gone, leading a young side to a minor premiership and Grand Final appearance.
The English Rose, who brought up her 150th National League match in the Grand Final, was back at her best this season.
Harten finished the 2021 season playing 1023 of a possible 1025 minutes, scoring 525 goals and 57 Super Shots.
One of the smartest players in the League, Harten was awarded the club’s most prestigious award for the third time, taking out the HCF Most Valuable Player at the club’s 2021 Awards Presentation.
Committing to her sixth and seventh seasons, Harten said she is looking forward to staying in the orange family for another two years.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a foundation player at this club and playing at the club for the past five years has been an absolute honour,” she said.
“2021 was an incredible season in many regards and it has definitely ignited the fire in me to be better next year, growing with the amazing young athletes around me.
“I’m very excited to unleash our potential over the next two years.”
Harten will spend the start of the off-season with the English Roses squad and despite not joining the side in New Zealand for the current series against the Silver Ferns, is awaiting advice on the scheduled series against the Origin Australian Diamonds proposed for October.
Harten is the fifth GIANT to commit to a two-year deal, the maximum currently allowed based on the league’s new licensing and contracting deal.
She joins young guns Tilly McDonell and Sophie Dwyer, as well as in-form defender April Brandley and star midcourter Jamie-Lee Price in signing with the club.
Meanwhile, Kiera Austin and Kristiana Manu’a have advised the GIANTS they will be playing elsewhere in 2022, while Sam Poolman has announced her retirement from the game.
Clubs have until October 8 to finalise their squads, with more announcements to be made in the coming days.
