Where and when: Nissan Arena, Saturday August 15, 3.00pm AEST
Last time they met: It’s been just over 12 months since the GIANTS and the Queensland Firebirds last met. It was the 4th of August in round 11 of 2019, at AIS Arena in Canberra. The Firebirds won the first and last quarters, but it was a 21-12 third quarter that the set the GIANTS up for a six-goal victory at their home away from home. Jo Harten was named player of the match.
TV and online: Channel 9, Netball Live App + Telstra TV
What it means for the GIANTS: The GIANTS redeemed themselves in round three after they were bitterly disappointed with their round two performance. They’ll be looking to build the momentum from their seven-goal win against the Fever and put out a similar performance against the hosting team. The GIANTS currently sit in fifth place on percentage, with four of the eight teams currently on four points (one win). The GIANTS still have two uncapped players in their extended squad, with Julie Fitzgerald waiting for the right opportunity to debut them in the orange.
Where’s the opposition at? The Firebirds are the only team yet to get a win so far this season. They had a tough 2019 campaign, recording just the one win for the season late in round 13. They are without key goaler Gretel Beuta (nee Tippett) for 2020, so will be relying on other key players Romelda Aiken and Gabi Simpson to step up and lead by example.
In the spotlight: Jo Harten and Kiera Austin were both top performers for the GIANTS in their round three win against the Fever; and will both feature in some of the key match-ups across the court for this match. Harten will most likely come up against Kim Jenner, with both Harten and Jenner featuring in the round three Nissan Net Points Team of the Round for their respective positions. Austin would be expected to match against Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson, who is no doubt determined to lead her team to their first win. Gretel Beuta’s replacement for the season, Tippah Dwan, has also showed some promising signs in her first three games. Dwan will most likely match up against GIANTS Vice-Captain Kristiana Manu’a.
Interesting Stat: After not taking the court last week, April Brandley is set to play her 100th National League game should she get the nod from coach Julie Fitzgerald. Brandley made her National League debut for the Firebirds when she was a replacement player for the Queensland side in 2011.
