Where and when: University of Sunshine Coast Stadium, Wednesday September 11, 5:00pm AEST
Last time they met: The GIANTS recorded their most comprehensive win of the season so far, when they last met the Collingwood Magpies in round eight. The Magpies were at their best in the first quarter outscoring the GIANTS by eight, but a dominant second and third term of 20 plus goals to the GIANTS made them hard to chase down.
TV and online: Netball Live App, Telstra TV
What it means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS narrowed their chances of a top four berth this season after going down to the Sunshine Coast Lightning by just two goals last round. Whilst not entirely out of the question, the GIANTS will now not only need to win every game from here, but also rely on the results of other matches falling their way. Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald said the round 10 performance was the most consistent four quarter performance she had seen from the group this season.
Where’s the opposition at? The Magpies are currently in eighth position, with 2020 proving to be a tough year. The Pies have just the one win on the board and will be without their most experienced mid-courters, the Browne sisters, for the remainder of the season due to injury and injury related retirement. The Melbourne based franchise played their round 10 game in Adelaide and come off an 11-goal loss to the Thunderbirds. Speaking in a post-match press conference, Collingwood’s Head Coach Rob Wright said, “finals is probably out of the questions for this group, however we want to make sure that we build for the rest of this season in leading into the next season.”
In the spotlight: Jodi-Ann Ward, a 2020 Suncorp Super Netball debutant, was impressive for the Magpies last time the two teams met, recording five intercepts and six rebounds. Ward and defensive partner Geva Mentor collectively troubled the GIANTS attacking end in their last meeting, particularly in the first 15 minutes. Now knowing what to expect, the GIANTS goalers will need to ensure they play smarter to minimise the Pies’ defensive impact.
Interesting Stat: The GIANTS’ Jo Harten and the Magpies’ Gabby Sinclair are the top two players to date for Suncorp Super Shots, sinking 57 and 40 respectively.
