It's First Nations Round at Ken Rosewall Arena as the GIANTS take on the competition leading Thunderbirds, a team they came within two points of upsetting earlier this season.
The GIANTS will step on to court wearing their recently unveiled First Nations dress, designed by proud Gamilaroi woman Krystal Dallinger-Simpson.
When and Where:
Saturday, May 23, 5pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Tickets:
Don’t miss out on the action this Saturday. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start from $29.
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 Adelaide Thunderbirds escaped with a narrow 56-54 win back in round five after the GIANTS stunned the home crowd with a blistering opening half.
The GIANTS controlled the tempo early, with Amy Sligar shutting down Georgie Horjus and disrupting Adelaide’s usual flow into the circle. Defensive duo Jodi‑Ann Ward and Erin O’Brien brought a level of physicality that unsettled Elmeré van der Berg, forcing the Thunderbirds into uncomfortable options.
With centre pass conversion becoming the GIANTS’ most reliable avenue to goal, Sophie Dwyer (95%) and Matisse Letherbarrow (94%) punished every opportunity. Midcourt trio Whitney Souness, Sligar and Casey Adamson were instrumental in shutting down Kate Heffernan, Horjus and Tayla Williams throughout the first half.
Despite trailing by three at the final break, the Thunderbirds surged late. Horjus delivered three clutch super shots to flip the script and steal the win, denying the GIANTS what could have been.
What it Means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS led for three quarters last weekend before the Firebirds snatched it late, a gut‑punch of a loss.
But this group has shown resilience all season, and now they return home hungry for a breakthrough.
What it Means for the Opposition:
The Thunderbirds are soaring after snatching top spot from the reigning premiers. Their finals ticket is already punched, now the mission is securing the double chance.
With the competition tightening at the top, they can’t afford a slip up against a GIANTS side with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
The Name:
Georgie Horjus
Horjus was the difference the last time these sides met, draining three final‑quarter super shots to drag Adelaide over the line.
She’s been just as influential across the season, sitting second in the league with 207 goal assists. The co‑captain is a key link in Adelaide’s attacking end, and the GIANTS won’t want to let her get the jump this weekend.
The Narrative:
The GIANTS may be out of the finals race, but they’re still swinging.
With freedom comes danger, and this team has shown glimpses of form that could trouble anyone. The momentum is bubbling, and after nearly toppling the Thunderbirds earlier in the season, belief won’t be an issue.
Every opponent they face is under pressure. The GIANTS aren’t. And that makes them a genuine wildcard.
For Adelaide, the equation is simple: keep winning to secure the double finals chance.
For the GIANTS, it’s about pride, disruption, and they’d love nothing more than to ruin a few finals dreams before the season ends.
The Notes:
“There’s some games where we’re all firing for most of the game, then there’s some games where some people are having to carry the load at different times.
I think when we really find that consistency piece and fire at the same time (like we did for the first half of the firebirds game) I think we can really show that we can take it to any team.” - Matisse Letherbarrow
