Where and When: Tuesday, 3rd August 3:30pm at Nissan Arena (Brisbane).
Where to Watch: 9GEM, 9Now, Telstra TV
Last time they met: It was a milestone match last time the two teams met with the round seven match marking the 350th elite level match for coach Julie Fitzgerald. However, the GIANTS weren’t able to get the job done for their coach, with the Lightning ruining the celebrations to take a six-goal win courtesy of a 12-18 final quarter. The loss to the Lightning was the third in a run of three, during a mid-season slump for the GIANTS. Amy Parmenter was strong for the GIANTS finishing the match with 8 gains and 94.5 Nissan Net Points.
What it means for the GIANTS: With the GIANTS guaranteed a finals appearance in 2021 there is still a lot to play for in the finals two rounds of the regular season. The final positions within the top four are all still up for grabs, with the top two sides securing a double chance. A win against the Lightning, a side the GIANTS haven’t beaten since round one 2018, will not only contribute to the final positions but provide a boost in the momentum leading into finals.
Where’s the opposition at: The Sunshine Coast Lightning come off back-to-back losses against the Thunderbirds in round 12 and the Firebirds in round 11. Despite their recent form, the Lightning still hold the title as one of the most successful clubs in the short history of Suncorp Super Netball. A win for the Lightning will secure them a fifth straight finals campaign.
The Number: 100 – Sam Poolman will celebrate her 100th National League match when the GIANTS take the court in round 13. Poolman has been an inaugural GIANT, playing all 73 matches for the GIANTS to the date, plus 26 matches across four seasons with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Key Match Up: Amy Parmenter v Laura Scherian. Amy Parmenter, the now 24-year-old, has been in some impressive form in the back half of the season, with back-to-back-to-back inclusions in the Nissan Net Points team of the week. The young wing defence leads the GIANTS for intercepts (23) and pick-ups (21) and as well as having 48 deflections to her name. She’ll mostly match up the Lightning’s speedster Laura Scherian. The 33-year-old is a lynchpin in attack for the Lightning and is the leading choice for centre pass receives. She has a reputation for her pin-pass feeds as well as her agility and speed through the midcourt.
