Where and When: Saturday, May 8 at Ken Rosewall Arena from 3pm
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Last time they met: The last time these two sides met was in round 11 last season, the GIANTS defeated the Magpies 62-58 on the Sunshine Coast. The GIANTS have a strong record over the Magpies, winning eight of the previous nine meetings, including the last seven in a row. The Magpies’ only win over the GIANTS came in the inaugural season of Suncorp Super Netball. However, four of the nine matches between the two sides have been decided by four goals or less.
Where to watch: Saturday’s match will be shown live on Channel 9, Telstra TV and the Netball Live Official App.
What it means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS come into round two on the top of the SSN ladder after a 14-goal win over the Thunderbirds in round one. After strong pre-season form it was a comprehensive and consistent victory. It was a settled starting seven with all the usual suspects until Diamond Kiera Austin went down with a season-ending knee injury in the second quarter. Young goaler Sophie Dwyer played out the match, shooting 22/27 and 4/6 super shots. Training partner Amy Sligar (brought into the squad for Kristiana Manu’a, who injured her calf) was the only player not to take the court.
Where’s the opposition at: The Magpies are coming off a 56-67 loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Melbourne in round one and sit in fifth spot on the ladder. All 10 Magpies players took the court in round one, including the return of Ash Brazill after missing the entire 2020 season through injury. They have a new coach - Nicole Richardson - while Kelsey Browne has also returned from a long-term knee injury.
The number: 623. It’s been 623 days since the GIANTS last played in front of their home members and fans in Sydney. It’s been a long wait to open Ken Rosewall Arena and the GIANTS will be keen to christen the court with a win.
Key Match Up: Amy Parmenter v Kelsey Browne. It’s going to be a battle to watch in the mid-court as veteran Kelsey Browne at WA takes on up-and-coming star Amy Parmenter at WD. Browne is returning from a serious knee-injury suffered last season but has a wealth of experience as a dual premiership player with the Sunshine Coast Lightning as well as representing the Diamonds at the 2018 Quad Series and Constellation Cup. In round one 29-year-old Browne scored 31.5 Nissan Net Points (NNP) and had 28 feeds. Parmenter was again strong in round one with the 23-year-old dynamic, defensive mid-courter scoring 39.5 NNP and leading the entire competition with four intercepts. Parmenter led the GIANTS for intercepts and deflections in 2020 and was named in Netball Australia's Development squad.
