The GIANTS return home to Ken Rosewall Arena ready to bring the heat against the Firebirds.
When and Where: Sunday, June 9 at 4pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Where to Watch: For fans residing in Australia, you can watch Saturday’s game via Foxtel or Kayo Sports. Meanwhile, international viewers can watch the game via Netball pass. For more information click here.
Last Time They Met: An epic encounter full of momentum swings saw the Firebirds triumph 65-62 the last time the sides faced off in round two at Nissan Arena earlier this season. The home side got the jump on the GIANTS with a 21-11 opening quarter before the GIANTS hit back with a strong term to cut the margin to just four at the main break. Momentum continued to sway in the second half and despite a strong final term, the GIANTS were unable to pull off the comeback to fall short by three goals.
What it Means for the GIANTS: Having won two of their last three games before last weekend, the GIANTS were unable to overcome the fast-starting Vixens in Melbourne and will enter Sunday’s clash looking to get back on the winners list. The GIANTS have often been slow out of the blocks this season and it was again the case last week as the Vixens jumped out to a 19-12 quarter-time lead to set up the 74-60 win. Sitting at 2-6 but with strong wins over the Lightning and Mavericks in the past month, the GIANTS will look to correct their slow starts on Sunday as they seek revenge on the Firebirds for the result earlier in the season.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Firebirds also sit with a 2-6 record but will enter Sunday’s encounter following an impressive 10-goal win over last year’s Premiers, the Thunderbirds, last round. The firebirds had lost five straight games heading into the clash at Nissan Arena but proved too good for the visitors to register a 52-42 victory in a low-scoring affair. The Firebirds won each of the first three quarters and tied the fourth to earn themselves just their second win of the season ahead of the showdown with the GIANTS.
The Name: Jamie-Lee Price – there’s no doubting the importance and impact of GIANTS co-captain Jamie-Lee Price, who is a chance to return to the court on Sunday after missing last week’s loss to the Vixens through injury. The star Diamond was forced to sit out the GIANTS’ round eight clash with a minor knee injury and is now looking to prove her fitness in a bid to return on Sunday and help lead the GIANTS to victory against the Firebirds.
The Number: 16 – GIANTS defender Tilly McDonell leads the entire competition with 16 defensive rebounds this season. The GIANTS’ fan favourite has played in all eight games this season where she’s also recorded 11 intercepts and 21 deflections to continue her rise as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
