The GIANTS return home looking to take down another of the league’s top sides in an electric clash with the Lightning.
When and Where: Sunday, June 15 at 4pm at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Tickets: Get in fast to join us for what is sure to be an exciting clash with the Lightning at Ken Rosewall Arena. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start from $30 (adults), $25 (concession) and $23 (juniors) or just $59 for a family!
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Sunday’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 Lightning proved too good the last time the sides met in round five, as a fast start helped them register a 74-56 win on Mother’s Day at UniSC Arena. The home side jumped out to a 5-0 head start and never trailed from there, with a 23-10 third term helping the Lightning cruise to a comfortable 18-goal win.
What it Means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS will return home to KRA with an extra pep in their step this weekend after a brilliant performance last round saw them down the Thunderbirds. Labeled the underdogs heading into last week's clash against the reigning back-to-back premiers, the GIANTS defied outside expectations with a clinical display to leave Adelaide with a 66-63 win. The GIANTS will be hoping the sharpshooting of Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer can continue on Sunday, with the pair playing starring roles in the win over Adelaide. While inconsistency has hampered the GIANTS so far this season, Julie Fitzgerald will be hoping the win over the Thunderbirds can help her side get on a roll in the home stretch of the season – with a win over the Lightning the perfect way to do that.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Lightning will enter KRA as one of the more in-form side this season, sitting third on the table at 6-3 following a 72-62 win over the Firebirds at Nissan Arena. Holding a four-goal lead at the half, the Lightning used a 20-13 third term to distance themselves from the Firebirds to run away with a comfortable 10-goal win in what was defender Courtney Bruce’s 150th National League game. The Sunshine Coast will now hope to solidify their spot in the top four as they look for their third straight win over the GIANTS dating back to last season. A key to the Lightning leaving KRA with a win on Sunday will be its defence, with the Sunshine Coast holding the best defensive record in the league after nine rounds, conceding a league-low 59.4 goals per match.
The Name: Jo Harten – the GIANTS’ inspirational co-captain was pivotal to her side’s big win over the Thunderbirds last week and no doubt will be looking for a repeat performance on Sunday as the GIANTS search for another upset win over the third-placed Lightning. Harten couldn’t miss against the Thunderbirds last week – literally – with the star shooter hitting all 17 of her one-point goal attempts, as well as all four of her Super Shot attempts. In red-hot form, Harten will be a crucial part of the GIANTS’ lineup this weekend, with the co-captain missing the last clash between the sides when the Lightning proved too good in round five.
The Number: 11 – Defensive duo Erin O’Brien and Casey Kopua were at their stifling best last week to combine for 11 gains in the win over the Thunderbirds. Just their second-ever game together following Kopua’s recent addition to the team, the emerging star O’Brien and the classy veteran Kopua worked together seamlessly to torment the Thunderbirds’ attack. One of the league’s most improved players, O’Brien also registered 11 deflections, two intercepts and two rebounds against Adelaide as she continues her emergence as a key to the GIANTS’ side. The GIANTS will be hoping their newfound defensive duo of O’Brien and Kopua can continue their strong form on Sunday in order to take down the Lightning.
