The GIANTS hit the road as they look to replicate their performance against the reigning premiers.
When and Where: Sunday, June 8 at 4pm at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
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: The GIANTS have already tasted victory over the Thunderbirds this season following a thrilling 64-63 win in round four earlier this year. An explosive 21-16 opening quarter saw the GIANTS jump out to an early lead before an epic final quarter saw them hang on for an exciting one-goal win at Ken Rosewall Arena
What it Means for the GIANTS: Inconsistency has plagued the GIANTS so far in 2025, but they showed what their best is capable of the last time they faced the Thunderbirds and they’ll be hoping they can reproduce that performance in the City of Churches on Sunday. The GIANTS will enter Sunday’s matchup following a spirited showing against the Vixens in which they led for more than half the game but were let down by a poor final quarter to go down 71-61 at Ken Rosewall Arena.
What it Means for the Opposition: The Thunderbirds will welcome the GIANTS to town looking to atone for their upset loss to the orange and charcoal in round four. Currently sitting fourth at 4-4 on the season, the Thunderbirds will also be aiming to bounce back from a 66-64 loss to the Swifts last week. Similar to the GIANTS, Adeliade will be hoping for more consistency on Sunday, with the Thunderbirds leading by eight goals at the half last week against the Swifts before a poor second half saw them go down by two goals to the ladder leaders at Ken Rosewall Arena. A key to victory on Sunday will be Adelaide’s stifling defence, with the Thunderbirds holding the best defensive record in the league this year, conceding a league-low 59 goals per match.
The Name: Casey Kopua – After the GIANTS lost star defender Jodi-Ann Ward for the rest of the season to an ACL injury in round seven, the club called upon Silver Ferns legend Casey Kopua. The 39-year-old – who exited retirement to represent the GIANTS - played a key role in defence for the full 60-minutes, supporting youngster Erin O’Brien to deliver a career-best performance. The club and Kopua are currently in negotiations as to what the remainder of the season will look like, with the intent for Kopua to line up for the GIANTS this weekend.
The Number: 9 – Sunday’s clash will be the ninth time the GIANTS and the Thunderbirds have met in Adelaide, with the GIANTS holding a 6-2 advantage despite the unfamiliar territory. However, the Thunderbirds have won two of the last three meetings in Adelaide.
