2023 never got going for the GIANTS.
The 2022 preliminary finalists found themselves behind the eight-ball early in the running thanks to three losses to open the season and despite showing signs of life at different stages of the year they were unable to play the consistent netball required to overturn their slow start and sneak into the top four.
The GIANTS will rue their two losses to the Queensland Firebirds in particular.
On both occasions Julie Fitzgerald’s side had strung back-to-back wins together and seemed like they could pose a genuine threat to the top four and on both occasions the GIANTS were unable to capitalise on their momentum, going down by four goals in Round 6 and by 18 goals in Round 11.
With the likes of Sophie Dwyer, Jo Harten, and the up and coming Matisse Letherbarrow in attack the GIANTS once again looked to take advantage of the Suncorp Super Shot in 2023, having 67 more two-point attempts than any other side across the home and away season.
This eagerness to attack the super shot wasn’t enough to make up for their less than desirable attacking record with the GIANTS ranked 6th for overall points scored in 2023 and 8th for one-point shots attempted and converted.
BEST WIN
The GIANTS still had plenty of good moments in 2023 and their round 14 win over the Vixens was definitely one of them, with the context around the match making it their best win of the season.
The GIANTS were playing purely for pride – and for the retiring April Brandley - with their finals chances officially finished a week or so prior, they were expected to go down comfortably as the Vixens looked to tune up for the minor semi final against the West Coast Fever.
Everything was going to plan for the visitors with 13 minutes to go.
They led the GIANTS by six and were set to cruise to victory before an incredible nine-goal turnaround from the hosts, eventually running out three goal winners, 60-57, with every player getting court time across the four quarters.
Skipper Jo Harten showed her class, nailing 33 shots from 36 attempts whilst Brandley signed off in style, bowing out with four gains, three deflections and three interceptions to her name.
GAMECHANGER
What a season for Jamie-Lee Price.
Named as the centre in the Team of the Year, she averaged 92.5 Nissan Net Points across 2023 (1,296 in total – third highest for any position) and played every single game for the GIANTS.
The powerful midcourter had 443 feeds and 234 assists to go along with 34 deflections, 31 gains, 23 interceptions and 18 pick-ups in a season that saw her also finish with a World Cup Winners medal.
Price’s consistency across the SSN season was the real standout. She had just one game where she had less than 25 feeds, against the Lightning in Round 10. To make up for it she collected a season high five deflections and led her team to a six-goal win.
FOCUS AREA
The number one priority for Julie Fitzgerald and the rest of the GIANTS backroom staff is to find a replacement for the retiring April Brandley.
CODE Sports recently linked the club to Jamaican star Jodi-Ann Ward who is fresh off a big 2023 on both the domestic and international stage.
Should this rumour become fact it would make the GIANTS defensive end one of the more dynamic ones in the competition, with the intercept heavy Ward sitting behind Amy Parmenter in wing defence and in front of either Matilda McDonnell or Lauren Moore in goal keeper.
Yes please.
