The GIANTS will close out their 2026 Suncorp Super Netball campaign in a showdown against the Swifts, at Ken Rosewall Arena on Sunday afternoon. With the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy up for grabs, the stage is set for a high stakes finish to the season.
Regardless of the ladder position, the Derby carries an edge of its own, driven by state pride, rivalry and moment that can swing a game in an instant. With both sides looking to finish their season on a high, Sunday's contest shapes as a fierce and fitting finale.
The occasion will also celebrate key milestones for the GIANTS, with Whitney Souness bringing up her 150th National League appearance, Matisse Letherbarrow her 50th Super Netball game, and the club farewelling Jane Watson as she brings her decorated career to a close.
When and Where: Sunday June 14, 4pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Where to Watch:
Fans residing in Australia 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.
Tickets:
Don’t miss out on the action this Sunday. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start from $35.
Last Time they Met:
When the GIANTS and Swifts faced off in Round 7, it was the Swifts who walked away with the win. The cross-town rivals set the tone early with a composed and controlled start. Moving the ball cleanly through the midcourt, they found a steady rhythm led by Maddy Proud, while Grace Nweke proved dominant in the circle. The GIANTS had their moments, with Sophie Dwyer providing a spark in attack and Jodi-Ann Ward competing hard defensively, but a scoring drought in the second quarter allowed the Swifts to establish a decisive buffer.
From there, the Swifts maintained their grip on the contest, building a 14-goal halftime lead through patience and consistency across the court. Despite a spirited final-quarter lift from the GIANTS, highlighted by Dwyer’s accuracy from range and promising debuts from Skye Thompson and Dakota Thomas, the damage had been done. The Swifts’ composure and system shone through, securing a 72-59 win and putting one hand Carole Sykes Trophy.
What it Means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS head into their final match of the season still searching for that first win, but there’s a renewed sense of belief after pushing the Fever to within a single goal last weekend - their strongest performance of the year and clear proof they’re ready to fight. With momentum building and confidence growing, this presents one last opportunity to turn effort into reward and finish the season on a high.
There’s no shortage of motivation either as Jane Watson eyes her final game of professional netball, and both Whitney Souness and Matisse Letherbarrow bringing up milestone matches. This is a moment to come together - to play for each other, and to give themselves and their fans the finish their season deserves.
What it Means for the Opposition:
Like the GIANTS, it’s also the Swifts’ final outing of the season, and they’re determined to close their campaign on a positive note and uphold their dominance in the derby.
The Swifts are well aware that the GIANTS are building momentum and after last weekend’s performance, they know the challenge that awaits.
The Name:
Jane Watson
The GIANTS defender will bring the curtain down on a 15-season career defined by consistency, resilience and elite defensive craft. A World Cup winner, Constellation Cup champion and dual ANZ Premiership Player of the Year and premiership player, the Silver Ferns defender leaves the game as one of New Zealand netball’s most decorated and respected figures.
Her 2026 move to the GIANTS marked a new chapter, with Watson making an immediate impact before injury cut her season short. In just four appearances, she recorded three intercepts, 22 deflections and five rebounds - a reflection of her trademark presence and influence on the defensive end.
The Narrative:
The NSW Derby needs little introduction. Built on history, rivalry and state pride, it’s a contest that consistently delivers regardless of form or ladder position and Sunday shapes up as another special chapter.
With both teams looking to close out their seasons on their terms, the focus shifts to pride, performance and legacy. For the GIANTS, it’s an opportunity to translate recent progress into reward, while the Swifts will be equally driven to maintain their edge in the rivalry.
In a derby defined by moments, momentum and meaning, the stakes remain high and with the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy on the line, neither side will give an inch.
The Notes:
“Derbies are always tough, regardless of where you are on the ladder. We took a lot of confidence out of last weekend, and we know if we bring that same intensity, we can really test the Swifts. It’s a Derby, so you expect a big battle, and we're looking forward to the challenge.” - Nerida Stewart
