Match Preview: Round 2 v Vixens
The GIANTS hit the road for their first of back-to-back trips to Melbourne to take on last year’s championship runner-up in an exciting round two matchup with the Vixens at John Cain Arena.
When and Where: Sunday, April 13 at 4pm at John Cain Arena.
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you 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
Last Time They Met: When the GIANTS and the Vixens last faced off it was the Vixens who jumped out of the blocks with a big first quarter to eventually run out 74-60 winners at home at John Cain Arena. Missing stars Jamie-Lee Price (knee) and Jo Harten (illness), the GIANTS were left to rue their slow start as the home side used a 19-12 first term to set up the comfortable win at home.
What it Means for the GIANTS: After a tough first up loss at home to the Firebirds, the GIANTS will travel south looking to make an early-season statement with a win over last year’s runner-up on their own home court. The GIANTS will be focused on a strong start on Sunday after their round one loss to the Firebirds came after a slow first quarter which saw them trail by seven goals at the first break. The GIANTS will also be hoping for a more consistent effort on Sunday, with their inspired second quarter performance in round one the blueprint for what the team is capable of. Led by young gun defender Erin O’Brien, star midcourter Jamie-Lee Price and debutant Hope White, the GIANTS outscored the Firebirds 19-13 in a brilliant second term but lacked the consistency required in the second half to come away with the win. A major shining light heading into Sunday’s clash with the Vixens is the promise of newcomer, White, after last week’s fantastic debut performance. The youngest player in the competition this season, White’s energy was infectious and impactful through the midcourt last week and the GIANTS will be hoping the talented teenager can replicate that on Sunday as they look to upset the Vixens.
Where’s the Opposition At: The Vixens will be aiming to celebrate their first home game of the season in style on Sunday as they look to bounce back after losing their grand final rematch with the Thunderbirds in Adelaide in round one. Similar to the GIANTS, the Vixens will be looking for an improved start on Sunday after their sluggish opening half last week cost them a chance of a revenge win over last year’s premiers. Already trailing by three after the first quarter, the Vixens were dominated by the Thunderbirds in the second term to be outscored 21-10 as Adelaide proved too strong en route to a 66-53 win at home. As they look to get off the mark with a win over the GIANTS on Sunday, the Vixens will be hoping defender Kate Eddy can continue her strong start to the season after winning three intercepts and five gains last week to register a team-high 84 Nissan Net Points.
The Name: She is still only 21 years old but GIANTS defender Erin O’Brien is quickly emerging as one of the GIANTS’ most impactful players despite entering just her second season on the club’s list. An exciting 190cm defender, O’Brien backed up her impressive pre-season with a standout performance in round one last week where she starred in defence to win four intercepts and seven gains. A former training partner and GIANTS Academy graduate, O’Brien played seven games in her debut season last year and following a brilliant pre-season is quickly becoming one of the league’s best young defenders.
The Number: 150 - Melbourne Vixens defender Jo Weston will celebrate a major milestone this weekend, playing her 150th National League game in what promises to be a thrilling showdown against the GIANTS. A cornerstone of the Vixens' defensive end, Weston brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and trademark intensity to the court. Her match-up with GIANTS goal attack Sophie Dwyer is set to be one of the highlights of the court, pitting Weston's smothering pressure and smarts against Dwyer’s creativity and long-range shooting. Diamonds teammates, turned Super Netball opposition, fans can expect a fierce and tactical battle as Weston marks her milestone in style.