While the Giants enjoyed slick ball movement and strong shooting (Kristina Brice 29/29, Susan Pettitt 17/20, Jo Harten 25/32), it was their defence that resulted in the wide margin.
The Thunderbirds turned the ball over 23 times trying to break through the defence, which allowed the Giants to dominate. Coach Dan Ryan rotated his squad through the match as he continues to search for the right combinations.
Adelaide opened with the lineup of Shimona Nelson, Charlee Hodges, Chelsea Pitman, Bongiwe Msomi, Fiona Fowler, Leana de Bruin and Kate Shimmin – a revamped lineup designed to negate the Giants. Meanwhile, Giants started with Harten, Pettitt, Kim Green, Serena Guthrie, Jamie-Lee Price, Bec Bulley and Samantha Poolman, the same lineup as their Round 1 win.
The Giants started the better, skipping out to a three goal lead in the opening exchanges. That lead quickly ballooned out to a 10-3 advantage as they controlled proceedings, Pettitt shooting brilliantly from range.
Pettitt needed attention after receiving an accidental finger to the eye, exacerbated by the fact she wears contact lenses, but the Diamonds star was able to play on as the Giants took an 18-10 lead into the quarter time break.
Looking for points, Ryan brought Abigail Latu-Meafou into the fray to replace Hodges at goal attack.
It was hard work for the Thunderbirds, as the Giants defensive press made keeping possession a struggle. But the home side managed to claw some of the deficit back in the opening stages of the second quarter.
The quest for quick points led to turnovers, though, and in the blink of an eye Adelaide was trailing 23-12 as the Giants capitalised. The visitors were in complete control at halftime, leading 33-16.
Ryan continued to rotate his roster looking for answers, with Kaitlyn Bryce and Hannah Petty brought on to open the third quarter. The new combinations began to fight back, with a 6-4 run to start the term. While there were improvements, it was still the Giants leading 56-34 at the final change.
The Thunderbirds showed plenty of fight in the final quarter, just missing out on the final bonus point 15-14. While the result was already concluded, it has given them something to build on moving forwards.
The Thunderbirds will next travel to Melbourne to play the Collingwood Magpies at 7pm May 12 at Hisense Arena. Giants will play the NSW derby against the Swifts at 1pm May 13 at Qudos Bank Arena.
