By Chloe Pilkington
A clinical GIANTS Netball put their injury disruptions behind them to produce a crucial 71-67 win over the Queensland Firebirds to keep their season alive. In a see-sawing match, momentum swung between both sides but ultimately it was the GIANTS who kept their cool and now see themselves tied fifth on the ladder.
Desperate to bounce back after a tough defeat handed to them by the Melbourne Vixens, the GIANTS Round 9 line up was bolstered by the return of Captains, Jo Harten and Jamie-Lee Price. For the Firebirds, it was no surprise to see an unchanged starting seven coming off a massive win last week against heavyweights West Coast Fever.
Setting the tone with a 3-0 start, it was the home side who came out firing. Player of the match Jamie-Lee Price spearheaded the GIANTS’ attack line and made her presence known across all thirds of the court. It was an impressive return from injury for Price, racking up two intercepts, two deflections and 21 goal assists.
Amy Sligar was another stand-out for the GIANTS, causing confusion early between the Firebirds’ attack line. As the GIANTS continued to push out their lead, a tactical timeout was called by Firebirds’ coach Bec Bulley to address the gaps within her side. The timeout played into the Firebirds’ favour, with the purple army rallying together to level the score at 12 a-piece going into the first Power Five.
Sophie Dwyer was ice cold in the super shot zone, nailing the first two-pointer of the match. Dwyer went on to sink another seven super shots throughout the game, with her pinpoint accuracy vital in the GIANTS securing the all-important win.
The hosts surged again with a powerful start in the second quarter, thrilling their home crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena. Fans were ecstatic to see the dynamic duo of Harten and Dwyer reunited in the circle, as Harten showed no signs of her previous injury slowing her down.
Tippah Dwan made her first appearance of the game, with Emily Moore going to the bench. After a full court lift, the Firebirds went on a 5-goal run, clawing their deficit back to one. However, momentum swung between both sides and the GIANTS were able to steady the ship first, forcing another Firebirds’ timeout.
The super shot was well and truly utilised by both teams in the first half, with Dwan, Harten, Wallam and Dwyer all sinking two-pointers in the clutch moments of the match.
Huge efforts from Macy Gardner saw contested balls be rewarded down the other end with a super shot from Dwan and the Firebirds took the lead for the first time of the game. But a two-pointer from the hot hands of Dwyer locked the scoreline up at 37-all going into the main break.
Desperate to take home the 4-points, both teams put their bodies on the line with the intensity of the game ramping up in the second half. Both sides struggled to settle early in the third term, with plenty of fumbles and turnovers across the court.
Despite the loss, the Firebirds can celebrate the debut of youngster Ali Miller as she replaced Wallam at goal shooter. For the GIANTS, it was young gun Charli Fidler who made her debut, coming up with an impressive intercept for her first touch in a Super Netball game.
It was even across the board going into the third Power Five, with both sides unable to make a run for it. Two super shots from Dwyer put the GIANTS in front but Wallam’s reentry into the game brought instant confidence for the Firebirds, as they fell 3-goals short to the hosts at the end of the third quarter.
Control stayed with the GIANTS in the fourth term, as pressure began to build for both sides. Trailing by 1-goal going into the final Power Five, the Firebirds were forced to drain super shots, but it was Sophie Dwyer who kept the GIANTS in front.
The home side finished with a 4-goal lead and now move to fifth on the Super Netball ladder, tying with the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Mavericks. The Queensland Firebirds remain on the bottom of the ladder after a tough start to their season.
