The GIANTS and the Mavericks will clash for the very first time in an official Suncorp Super Netball season fixture as the newcomers host the GIANTS at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.
When and Where: Sunday, May 26 at 2pm at John Cain Arena | Wurundjeri Country
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Sunday’s game via Foxtel or Kayo Freebies. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
Last Time they Met: While Sunday’s clash will be the first time the sides have faced off for competition points, the clubs did face off in the Team Girls Cup pre-season competition earlier this year which saw the GIANTS register a 40-36 win at Ken Rosewall Arena.
What it Means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS will head south for the first time this season looking to find their best form after what’s been a patchy start to their 2024 season. While showing they can match it with the competition’s best for large periods, the GIANTS have struggled to maintain their high standards consistently for five of their six games to date. In their most recent clash, the GIANTS put forward a solid opening quarter against the Swifts but fell away to go down 76-52 to their NSW rivals. Currently sitting at 1-5 on the season, the GIANTS will be hoping for a better four-quarter performance against the Mavericks on Sunday to kickstart their season and claim early bragging rights against the newcomers.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Mavericks have overcome a tough 0-3 start to their debut season and will enter Sunday’s match having won two of their last three games. In their most recent outing, the Mavericks got the jump on the Firebirds in Brisbane before holding on to register an impressive 69-62 win at Nissan Arena to sit at 2-6 after six rounds.
The Name: Maddie Hay - On Sunday the GIANTS will welcome back popular wing attack Maddie Hay for her first game in GIANTS colours in nine months after completing her recovery from off-season hip surgery. Making her long-awaited return to the court two weeks ago for her junior association, Sutherland Stingrays, in Netball NSW’s PROVIDOOR Premier League competition, Hay has now been deemed fit to return to the SSN for the clash against the Mavericks. The 28-year-old’s return is sure to add a spark to the GIANTS as they look to rebound from a slow start to the 2024 season.
The Number: 1 – Sunday’s match will go down in history as the first official meeting between the GIANTS and the Mavericks following the newcomers’ addition to the competition for the 2024 SSN season. With a clean slate, both sides will be out to get early bragging rights as they compete for four points for the first time.
