Where and When: Sunday, May 8 at 4:00pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Where to Watch: Foxtel + Kayo Freebies (Australia), Spark Sport (New Zealand) or NetballAustralia.Tv (International)
Tickets: Be there at Ken Rosewall Arena for the second edition of the highly-anticipated NSW Derby. Tickets are available via Ticketek and start from $30 for Adults, $27 for Concessions, $25 for Juniors or just $49 for a family!
Last Time They Met: The two teams last met in the opening round of the 2022 Suncorp Super Netball season. A grand final re-match and a grand return to Ken Rosewall Arena, for both sides, the stage was set for a cracking match before the first whistle was even blown. The Swifts led at the first break, but a 20 to 15 goal second quarter from the GIANTS set them up to hold the lead at the second and third breaks. The Swifts levelled the score 14-seconds into the final quarter, with the crowd at KRA knowing they were in for a yet another thrilling finish to this bi-annual match. Composure by the GIANTS, led by captain Jo Harten, saw the GIANTS secure a narrow two-goal victory over the reigning premiers.
What it means for the GIANTS: Wanting to continue on their winning-ways and build on momentum, the GIANTS enter Sunday’s match with zero complacency. The NSW Derby brings with it extra motivation and Julie Fitzgerald and her GIANTS know that when the Derby comes around, ladder positions mean nothing. Currently sitting one-game clear in the top four, a win and the four points will set the GIANTS up nicely as they begin the second half of the season.
Where’s the opposition at: Currently sitting in eighth position, but just two wins out of the top four, the Swifts will be seeking a consistent performance from their new-look line-up to try and trump cross-town rivals, the GIANTS. The Swifts come off a scrappy loss to the Queensland Firebirds, but will keen to rebound from that match with a class performance. Helen Housby currently leads the league for Suncorp Super Shots with 37.
The Name: Lauren Moore – the former premiership-winning Swift signed with the GIANTS during the off-season. Amidst the build-up to the round one derby, Moore was ruled out of the match under the COVID Health and Safety Protocols – meaning Sunday will be the first time she comes up against her former side. Having taken the court in five of the GIANTS’ seven matches, the versatile defender has picked up three intercepts and seven deflections.
The Number: 14 – Sunday’s match will be the 14th time the two teams have met since the inception of the GIANTS and the Suncorp Super Netball Competition in 2017. It’s one of the fiercest and most thrilling rivalries in the SSN competition and in Australian women’s sport. The W-L record currently sits in favour of the Swifts with 7 wins and one draw.
The News: Should she take the court, Amy Parmenter will this Sunday play in her 50th National League match. The Randwick junior first debuted for the GIANTS in round one of the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season, which was also played against the Swifts.
