Signing period review: GIANTS Netball

By Sophie Taylor 

Undeniably one of the most stable sides leading into to the 2024 signing period, the GIANTS have secured seven returnees across the court and have a lot to prove after a number of years amongst the middle ranks. 

A tough squad, built out by accuracy at one end and ball-winning ability at the other, the GIANTS do not need to do much to improve on their 2023 standing and push further into finals territory. 

Despite three departures – all in the defensive end – the squad still looks reasonably sound credit to some smart recruiting and great confidence in developing players. 

Head coach Julie Fitzgerald will achieve another significant milestone of her coaching career during the season, with her 400th national league cap looming in Round 10 as the squad looks to showcase just what it has to offer. 

Here’s a brief run through of the GIANTS’ signing period. 

Ins 
Jodi-Ann Ward (Collingwood Magpies) 
Sam Winders (Southern Steel) 
Erin O’Brien (GIANTS Academy) 
Chelsea Pitman (Injury replacement player for Maddie Hay) 

Outs 
Amy Parmenter (Melbourne Mavericks) 
Lauren Moore (Melbourne Mavericks) 
April Brandley (Retirement) 

2024 Squad 
Shooters 
Jo Harten 
Sophie Dwyer 
Matisse Letherbarrow 

Midcourters 
Jamie-Lee Price 
Maddie Hay 
Sam Winders 
Amy Sligar 

Defenders 
Jodi-Ann Ward 
Tilly McDonnell 
Erin O’Brien 

Predicted Starting Seven 
GS: Jo Harten 
GA: Sophie Dwyer 
WA: Chelsea Pitman 
C: Jamie-Lee Price 
WD: Sam Winders 
GD: Jodi-Ann Ward 
GK: Tilly McDonnell 

Despite a reasonably calm signing period, the predicted starting seven showcases how many movements actually occurred across the GIANTS’ potential starting lineup. 

The introduction of former Collingwood defender Jodi-Ann Ward is a huge opportunity for the GIANTS, continuing their strength in the backline alongside the exciting Tilly McDonnell and raw talent of newcomer Erin O’Brien.  

McDonnell and O’Brien offer height and reach where Ward offers excellent elevation and timing, making for a hugely difficult defensive combination to combat. 

The midcourt is set for a shakeup following the GIANTS’ announcement regarding Maddie Hay’s ongoing injury. With Hay unlikely to return prior to the season commencing in mid-April, Chelsea Pitman has been confirmed as an injury replacement player and is more than capable of stepping into that role. 

That said, the GIANTS have become very accustomed to the Hay and Jamie-Lee Price combination in attack, making for an interesting transition period as Sam Winders joins the fray and Amy Sligar continues to work for greater court time.  

Price will be a key part of the midcourt as per usual, offering stability as well as her winning attitude and ability to seamlessly adjust to changes across the court. Pitman’s court craft will be a huge bonus despite her time away from the court. 

Expect Winders to bring her A-game and combine the New Zealand style of play with an already defence-heavy lineup, while Sligar offers great versatility and plenty of youth to the experienced group. 

The GIANTS goal circle is undeniably the most settled shooting lineup heading into the season, with the trio of Jo Harten, Sophie Dwyer and Matisse Letherbarrow reuniting for a fourth season together. 

Harten is an experienced head in goal shooter, able to shoot and score accurately from anywhere within the circle. A consistent threat and able to provide both a stable and moving target, Harten is one of the best in the business when going to post.  

Dwyer continues to develop her craft year on year, and has become a constant thorn in the side for opposition teams. Despite her youth, the smooth mover boasts a great bag of tricks and has added more strings to her bow year on year. 

Letherbarrow earned greater court time during the 2023 season, and proved more than capable of holding her own against some of the best in the business. 

Still young, Letherbarrow will want to build on her previous seasons to bolster her confidence and prove that she is one to watch in the future.