The GIANTS and the Mavericks will go head-to-head in the league's season opener this Saturday, as Suncorp Super Netball return for 2026.
When and Where: Saturday, March 14 at 5pm at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo.
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Saturday’s game via Foxtel, Kayo Freebies or Binge. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
Last Time they Met: The two sides last faced off for competition points in the final round of the 2025 home and away season. It marked a fairytale finish to the career of inaugural GIANT Jo Harten, with the veteran shooter sinking a super shot on the buzzer to secure a 72-59 victory at Ken Rosewall Arena. The match was tightly contested early, with the sides locked at 31–all at half time after strong pressure from both teams. The GIANTS found another gear in the second half, with Erin O’Brien and Casey Kopua creating key turnovers in defence while Sophie Dwyer and Harten added valuable Super Shots.
What it Means for the GIANTS: 2026 marks a new era for the GIANTS as they welcome in a host of fresh faces as well as a new coach. While external expectations are a bit of the unknown for this new-look squad, internally the team are full of confidence as they approach this exciting new chapter. The team will be more determined than ever to kick off their 2026 campaign with a win and build the momentum from there, ahead of a huge home double-header in round two.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Mavericks enter the season with similar intent to the GIANTS also boasting a new look side with a new head coach. After showing plenty of promise in their pre-season, the Mavericks will be eager to make a statement in round one and begin building consistency with several fresh combinations across the court.
The Name: Amy Sligar – the Camden local had a career-best season in 2025, playing every game and going on to be named at wing defence in the Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year. Following the departure of Jamie-Lee Price and Maddie Hay – to this week’s opposition in the Mavericks – the 23-year-old is the longest serving midcourter for the club. Stepping up as vice-captain this year, Sligar is also expected to play more of a versatile role, playing between both wing defence and centre.
The Narrative: Saturday’s match will be headlined by the match-up of former GIANT Jamie-Lee Price coming up against her old club. After spending nine seasons in orange, Price relocated to Melbourne to be with her partner and signed with the Mavericks. Known for her physicality and endurance, Price lining up in the opposition side will add an extra layer of intrigue and spice to the season opener.
The Notes: “It’s an exciting start for us. There’s a lot of new energy in the group this year and the players have worked really hard through the pre-season. Round one is always a great opportunity to see those new combinations come together under pressure, and we’re looking forward to the challenge the Mavericks will bring.” - Nerida Stewart.
