Giants Netball (2nd) will want to continue applying pressure on West Coast Fever above them, in hope that the ladder leaders might crack under the strain. NSW Swifts (6th) can’t afford another loss, as it might just signal the end of their prospects of a final’s position.
When: Sunday 8 July 5.00pm (AEST)
Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney
Broadcast: Telstra TV and the Netball Live app.
Last time they met in Round 3:
Swifts (55) defeated Giants (54)
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Swifts
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MATCH-UP
The Numbers
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GIANTS
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30
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Mins. in Possession
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30
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11
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Gain
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13
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8
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Intercepts
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7
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12
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Deflections
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14
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87
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Goal Shooting %
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90
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Giants held the lead for the majority of the game, until a final quarter flourish by the NSW Swifts put them one goal ahead with just seconds remaining on the clock. With a bit of late drama, where the umpire called contact on Giants Netball’s Jo Harten to be outside the shooting circle right on the siren, the Swifts held on for an upsetting win.
Game talking points:
- Both teams will be working hard to claim New South Wales state pride, Giants will want to set the record straight after their loss in the third round – whereas the Swifts will want to complete a season double over their nearest rivals.
- Giants are bringing their season home strongly and will have their sights set on finishing top of the ladder, so expect them to be ruthless in this game.
- Swifts display a strong mid court with 191 centre pass receives from Helen Housby and 156 goal assists from Maddy Proud. They will be tough to beat, especially in the final quarters of the game.
- Kim Green, Jo Harten, Sam Poolman and Serena Guthrie have all been cleared to play in this week’s clash after injuries last week, making the job for the Swifts that much harder.
- Jo Harten has been in fine form in recent games, and with the expected return to the team of creative mid-courter and captain, Kim Green, Swifts have a job on their hands to contain the talented pairing.
If Giants want to win…
The Giants will need to smoothly transit all their injured players back into the team. They are renowned for their consistency across the whole court and will have to keep that up against a young Swifts team, who are constantly changing their seven to run fresh legs. The experience of the Giants mid court trio of Serena Guthrie, Kim Green and Jamie-Lee Price will be the key to success for the home team. If they can dominate the ball and keep the Swifts key players, such as Helen Housby and Sam Wallace, quiet and without service – then they can be considered favourites to walk away with the honours come Sunday night.
If Swifts want to win…
The Swifts remain one of the youngest teams in the competition and they will need to use it to their advantage, including the full use of their bench to outrun the Giants. This is a big game for them, as their hopes of nicking a final’s place are slowly slipping away. They will need to keep their patience and not let the Giants build up a head of steam, because they know how to covert a lead into a win. The Swifts have been strong at the end of games though, due to their athleticism and youth, so as long as they can keep Giants within their cross hairs until late in the game – you fancy their chances to steal a win at the death.
Key match-ups:
The contest to watch is the mid court with both centres, Serena Guthrie (Giants) and Maddy Proud (Swifts), being the driving force behind the success of their respective teams this season. Guthrie is absolutely rampant in defence and will not allow Proud a inch of space, but Proud will be trying with all her might to gain some space and to start popping the ball around the court.
