Giants Netball go into the 2022 season with just a few changes after a Grand Final appearance. Can these moves change the fortunes of the club that is yet to taste success in the Suncorp Super Netball?
Last season:
The Giants haven’t had much luck when it comes to finals matches. They finished on top of the league for the regular season, which saw them receive a second chance, and they needed it after losing in the first week.
They bounced back with a win against a strong Fever team in the Preliminary Final, but as in the past they were unable to get the job done. They lost to the Swifts in the Grand Final 63-59 in what was a tight and fierce contest.
What’s made waves in the pre-season?
During the off-season the Giants acquired the versatile Lauren Moore, to fill the void of the retiring Sam Poolman.
Moore looked outstanding in the recent Team Girls Cup, as she caused plenty of match-up headaches for opposing coaches. She’s able to play all three defensive positions, and at a very high standard.
Even though she was unable to play most of the season last year, the Giants lost goal attack Kiera Austin in the off-season to the Melbourne Vixens.
With the emergence of young gun Sophie Dwyer, this loss may not be detrimental to the premiership tilt. However, it does leave them very reliant on the youngster and veteran shooter Jo Harten.
What needs to change?
The success that the Giants had in season 2021 would suggest that not much needs to be changed. But the defence will need to step up, having lost veteran Sam Poolman.
Matilda McDonell will most likely get the starting position this coming season, and will need to form a strong defensive unit, alongside April Brandley and Moore.
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Who’s in for a big season?
There are so many stars scattered right throughout this line-up, but the one player that is ready to explode is wing defence Amy Parmenter.
She was very unlucky not to feature in the Super Netball Team of the Year in 2021, narrowly missing out to long time Firebird Gabi Simpson.
Over the last few seasons, Parmenter has been working hard at her craft. Her ability to read the ball needs to be seen to be believed. The way she sticks to her player at all times and denies them the ball is quite the spectacle. Look out for her this season.
The games that matter:
Round 1 vs NSW Swifts @ Ken Rosewell Arena
It’s fair to say there’s no way you can leave this match off the list. The Grand Final rematch will certainly be one to watch, as these derbies are hard fought right to the final whistle.
Round 11 vs West Coast Fever @ RAC Arena
The Fever will be ruing the missed opportunity they had last year to make it to the Grand Final. Giants Netball are going to have to be up for the fight, especially with the home crowd against them. This match-up could get very interesting, with a huge task for the defensive unit of stopping the ever-dominant Jhaniele Fowler.
Round 14 vs Sunshine Coast Lightning @ Ken Rosewell Arena
There have been many great matches between these two clubs, and this will be exactly the same. It has produced some fiery games in recent times, so expect this to be exactly the same right from the first centre pass.
Ladder prediction:
This will be another strong season for the girls in orange and charcoal, finishing in second position in the 2022 season.
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