The Adelaide Thunderbirds came into the final quarter three goals behind after a disappointing first quarter, and it was their co-captain Georgie Horjus that sealed victory with three super shots to keep the GIANTS without a win.
Coming into the encounter, it was the Thunderbirds that were the favourites, undefeated with the best winning record the club has had in 20 years. However, it was the winless GIANTS that got the hot start in the first half in front of a stunned Adelaide home crowd.
The GIANTS brought a lot of confidence into the game, having beaten the Thunderbirds on both occasions last season, making up two of their five wins.
With Kiwi defender Jane Watson ruled out of the clash through injury, the GIANTS looked like they would lack the experience that she brought. The lack of expectation on them as a side looked to free them up as they put the clamps on the home team.
Defence was the key for the GIANTS, Amy Sligar was successful in keeping Horjus quiet which stopped the ball coming into the circle as easily for Adelaide. Jodi-Ann Ward and Erin O’Brien were crucial to their side, with Elmeré van der Berg lacking confidence with the additional physicality that they brought.
As a result of the pressure she was under by the opposing defence, Van der Berg was unusually quiet, missing three shots in the first quarter alone.
Down the other end, the pairing of Sophie Dwyer and Matisse Letherbarrow was a winner, keeping Lucy Austin on the bench. They were not overawed by the Jamaican defenders, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Latanya Wilson.
The GIANTS shooters were able to capitalise on their centre passes, which became their avenue to goal with a lack of gains won back from them. In contrast, the Thunderbirds were unable to convert their centre passes, operating at just 64 per cent centre pass to goal conversion during the second quarter.
Whitney Souness, Sligar and Casey Adamson were important in their team in shutting down Kate Heffernan, Horjus and Tayla Williams in the first half particularly.
Souness was taken off for the final quarter after contributing 13 centre pass receives and 13 feeds.
In their charge to get back into the match, Latanya Wilson and Williams were important. Wilson added two intercepts in the second half which cut the margin down on one occasion, while Williams held down wing attack while Horjus was able to swing into goal attack.
Horjus was put into the attacking circle with great effect, adding 10 goals as well as her composure. She paired with van der Berg for a great last quarter surge which included three super shots to seal the comeback win.
The contest was a game of two halves, with GIANTS Head Coach Nerida Stewart using an unchanged line-up to half-time, whereas Tania Obst used her bench to its fullest.
The Thunderbirds will travel to play the undefeated Vixens next Saturday night, while the GIANTS host the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday afternoon.
