The GIANTS will host the Sunshine Coast Lightning at Ken Rosewall this Sunday as they honour and celebrate their 10th season in the competition.
When and Where: Sunday, April 19 at 4pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Tickets: Don’t miss out on the action and celebrations this Sunday. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start from $29.
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Saturday’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: The two sides last met in round 10 of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season at Ken Rosewall Arena. The GIANTS produced a strong and composed performance defeating the Lightning 78-68. After a tight opening quarter, Jo Harten and Steph Fretwell traded goals while Casey Kopua’s defensive presence stood out. The GIANTS overcame a brief second-quarter dip, but a late super shot from Harten helped extend the lead to 40–32 at halftime. The third quarter proved decisive, as the GIANTS dominated across the court - Erin O’Brien and Kopua applied relentless defensive pressure, while Harten and Amy Sligar excelled - blowing the margin out to 18 goals. Although the Lightning lifted in the final term, with Liz Watson finding more space and Reilley Batcheldor converting late super shots to win the quarter, the deficit was too great, and the GIANTS comfortably secured the 10-goal victory.
What it Means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS will be looking to produce the same quality of netball that earned them attention and respect during their impressive 58-minute performance against the Thunderbirds last week. After struggling for consistency across the first four rounds, the GIANTS controlled much of that game before being undone by the Thunderbirds’ Super Shots in the closing minutes. Still searching for their first win, they will aim to replicate that level of performance, honour their proud past, and deliver a much-needed victory in front of a home crowd.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Lightning come into this clash off a nine-goal loss to the Mavericks and currently sit in fifth place with a 2–3 record. Despite their inconsistent start, they remain a dangerous side with proven combinations across the court and the ability to shift momentum quickly when their midcourt is firing. They will be eager to respond strongly and reassert themselves as a finals contender.
The Name: Jodi-Ann Ward – Ward’s influence last week was impossible to ignore, with her timing, read of the play and relentless pressure helping to set the tone for the GIANTS’ defensive effort. Her match-up with Cara Koenen looms as one of the key battles of the contest. Koenen is a calm and clinical finisher who thrives on quality ball supply, so Ward’s job is to disrupt that connection at source and limit her space in the circle. If Ward can replicate her recent form and effectively shut down Koenen’s rhythm, it goes a long way toward tilting the contest in the GIANTS’ favour.
The Narrative: Can the GIANTS back up their performance? After showing their most complete performance of the season for 58 minutes last week, the question now is whether that level can become the standard rather than the exception.
The Notes: “We were really pleased with the intent and connection we showed last week, but the focus now is consistency. It’s about backing it up and doing it again. That’s the next step for this group.” Nerida Stewart.
