The GIANTS welcome the competition’s newest side to town for an exciting match-up with the Mavericks on Saturday as part of First Nations round.
When and Where: Saturday, July 6 at 5pm at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Tickets: Join us at our house – Ken Rosewall Arena – as we take on the Melbourne Mavericks in the second last home game of the season on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start from $30 (adults), $25 (concession) or $23 (juniors).
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Saturday’s game via Foxtel or Kayo Sports. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
Last Time They Met: The last time the sides faced off it was the GIANTS who got early bragging rights on the league’s newest side, taking down the Mavericks 66-59 in a thrilling contest at John Cain Arena during First Nations Round. With Maddie Hay returning for her first game of the year to make an immediate impact, the GIANTS got off to a strong start in a physical contest to hold a 33-29 lead at half time thanks to a supershot from Jo Harten in the final seconds. The second half was as physical as the sides went goal for goal until the GIANTS dominated the final few minutes to register a much-needed seven-goal win.
What it Means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS will enter Saturday’s contest full of confidence having taken down the Mavericks in their last meeting, but will need to escape the inconsistency of recent weeks if they’re to keep their slim finals hopes alive. Last week the GIANTS were clinical in large parts against the Fever in Perth, holding an eight-goal lead at the half before being outscored 20-9 in the third term to fall 68-65 in a thriller at RAC Arena. Jamie-Lee Price and Maddie Hay ran riot early in the contest in a strong start for the GIANTS, while Jo Harten worked tirelessly in a superb game from start to finish.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Mavericks will be playing to keep their season alive and earn a spot in finals in their inaugural season. The league’s newest side finish the 2024 season with two games on the road, following a home game played at Hobart last weekend. The Mavericks come off a thrilling final second's win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning, a side they have managed to defeat on two occasions this year. The Mavericks currently sit just outside the top four with five wins and seven losses, with percentage the only thing separating them and Lightning in fourth place.
The Name: Matisse Letherbarrow - the GIANTS have been without their third contracted goaler for the past two games as the 22-year-old recovered from a foot injury sustained at training ahead of round 11. The prolific super shot shooter was injected into the round seven game in the third quarter and sunk three regular shoots and three super shots at 100%.
The Number: 150 – should she take the court, Saturday’s game will mark the 150th National League for Sam Winders. The 29-year-old joined the GIANTS ahead of the 2024 season, following nine seasons and 138 games with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel. The former Silver Fern has played across all three midcourt positions this season using her experience, speed and decision making to make immediate impact for the GIANTS.
