The GIANTS have come up against opposition number two in their pre-season schedule, having taken on the Swifts at Netball Central in a closed match on Friday morning.
Albeit different looking sides and the friendly nature of the game, it was the first time the two sides met since the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final.
Given the nature of the event, key players from both sides were rested, which provided an opportunity for the next generation of GIANTS and Swifts talent to take the court.
Coach Julie Fitzgerald said she was really pleased with Friday’s efforts.
“I thought it was great,” said Fitzgerald.
“Both teams got to put some of their younger players out there and see what they can do and that’s invaluable in case we do need them to step up and play for us throughout the season.”
In comparing the performance from the previous pre-season match against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, Fitzgerald already saw improvement in her side’s performance.
“I thought we were a lot more confident, and I thought we were a lot more switched on,” she said.
“We were a lot harder to the ball and our defence through the court was a lot better.”
The GIANTS produced some high-volume scoring in the first (20 goals), second (21) and fourth (18) quarters but both teams struggled to convert and score in the third term, with just 18 goals scored from both teams for the entire 15 minutes.
“The third quarter was just a mess from both teams,” Fitzgerald said.
“There were hardly any centre passes, it was just an awful quarter.
“But they’re the things we have to get over and pull ourselves out of and get ourselves back into the quarter much sooner than we did.”
A different looking side in 2022, with three permanent changes throughout the court, new combinations and partnerships are continuing to develop.
“I think Lauren and Tilly really stepped up in their performance from when they played together before.
“They showed us some of the things we’ve been working on at trainings and not having April available for the match allowed them that bit more of an opportunity to work on their game together.
“In the shooting circle, Sophie and Matisse have worked together for years, they just need to lift the pace a little bit to the style and level they’re playing now.”
Tilly McDonell gave a glimpse of what she’ll be capable of this season, picking up plenty of ball in the Swifts’ goal third.
“I thought she played really well,” Fitzgerald said.
“She was much more controlled and more consistent in her efforts. Tilly is always capable of doing great things but I thought she was much more consistent in the work that she put in.”
Another opportunity to fine tune their game, the GIANTS will next come up against the Adelaide Thunderbirds this weekend in Orange.
“That’s exactly what it is, fine tuning,” said Fitzgerald.
“There’s still a few things that we really need to work on and a few places that let us down. So we’ll be looking at that and making sure we’re even better next game.”
Tickets for the GIANTS’ next pre-season game against the Adelaide Thunderbirds are still available. CLICK HERE to purchase.
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