The GIANTS have finalised their 2024 list after signing homegrown talent Erin O’Brien.
The Hills District junior will join international superstar Jodi-Ann Ward and GIANTS fan-favourite Tilly McDonell to round out the defensive end for the upcoming season.
O'Brien has been a training partner with the club for the past two seasons but will enter the full-time environment for the first time from 2024.
The 189cm defender has impressed for the GIANTS Academy at the Australian Netball Championships the past two years and also got a taste for the world’s best domestic league when she made her debut in the GIANTS’ final game of the 2023 season.
Alongside her eye-catching height, the tall defender has great anticipation and defence over the shot.
The young talent is just one example of the GIANTS’ nurturing support for young local talent, with five of the GIANTS’ contracted list for next season 23 years or younger, with O’Brien also one of the club’s seven graduates of the NNSW pathway.
The young signing was full of excitement following the announcement.
“I am super excited. It is something I have always dreamed of and I’m so keen to learn from the coaches and girls,” O’Brien said.
“I just want to absorb as much I can from everyone, work really hard for the team and take any and every opportunity I get with both hands.
"As a defender I can't wait to soak up as much knowledge from Jodi-Ann and Tilly as I can, and getting the chance to play alongside them will be a privilege."
GIANTS head coach Julie Fitzgerald said she was thrilled to be able to elevate the NSW junior.
“Erin has shown great potential over the past two years in our environment so it’s rewarding to be able to elevate her status to a fully contracted athlete,” Fitzgerald said.
“As a NSW junior, she is a player we have closely monitored for a while now so to see her begin her professional netball career in her home state and in GIANTS colours is really pleasing.
“We can’t wait to watch her continue to develop and see what she can achieve in a full-time environment - she’s certainly a star of the future.”
O’Brien joins Jamaican Jodi-Ann Ward and former Silver Fern Sam Winders as the three new signings ahead of the 2024 season.
GIANTS Netball Signings
Sophie Dwyer (2026)
Jo Harten (2025)
Maddie Hay (2025)
Matisse Letherbarrow (2025)
Tilly McDonell (2024)
Erin O’Brien (2024)
Jamie-Lee Price (2026)
Amy Sligar (2025)
Jodi-Ann Ward (2026)
Sam Winders (2024)
