MATCH MAG ROUND 1 V SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING SUNDAY 29 APRIL 2018 QUDOS BANK ARENA
JULIE FITZGERALD COACHING 300 + KIM GREEN HERE COMES OUR CAPTAIN + KIERA AUSTIN & KRISTIANA MANU’A A GIANT OCCASION
Playing sport builds confidence for life. Start playing, keep playing. suncorp.com.au/teamgirls
IN THIS ISSUE 04 2018 ROSTER 05 SPOTLIGHT 06 COACHING 300 09 PLAYER MATCH UP 10 TEAM GIANTS 11 HERE COMES OUR CAPTAIN 12 EMPOWERMENT LUNCH 14 A GIANT OCCASION
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HERE COME THE GIANTS Welcome to Suncorp Super Netball 2018, members and fans! Thank you for joining us for our first game of the season. We are so excited to finally be back on the court and the team are once again ready to give it their all to deliver the biggest and best netball action. It was an impressive inaugural year for GIANTS Netball and I couldn’t be more proud of the players and what they achieved as a team in 2017. This season, with your voices behind us, we aim to go even higher and bring a grand final victory to our fans. Our first test will be the strong Sunshine Coast Lightning team and it is wonderful to be here at Qudos Bank Arena for such a crucial opening match. The GIANTS have been training hard in preparation for another competitive Suncorp Super Netball season. I am thrilled to welcome back Captain Kim Green to the active roster after she has fought hard to come back from last season’s injury. Today’s match also marks the return of Kristiana Manu'a, who missed the 2017 season with a torn Achilles tendon. In addition, it will likely be the first game for Kiera Austin, who has been promoted from training partner this season. These players make wonderful additions to an already impressive roster. We hope that you enjoy the world-class netball on display today and we look forward to seeing you at GIANTS Netball games throughout the season.
GIANTSNETBALLTV CONTACT US: GIANTSNETBALL@NETBALLNSW.COM GIANTSNETBALL.COM.AU (02) 9951 5000 PHOTOGRAPHY: NARELLE SPANGHER
Julie Fitzgerald Head Coach
2018 ROSTER GA/GS
GS
GD/GK
WA/C
LEADERSHIP TEAM
WD/C
KIERA AUSTIN
KRISTINA BRICE
BEC BULLEY
KIM GREEN CAPTAIN
SERENA GUTHRIE
26/08/97 @KIERA_AUSTIN
09/07/94 @KRISTINA_BRICE
18/08/82 @BECBULLEY
05/03/86 @KIMMYGEE8
05/01/90 @SERENABOB
GS/GA
LEADERSHIP TEAM
GA/GS
GK/GD/WD
GK/GD
LEADERSHIP TEAM
WD/C
JO HARTEN VICE CAPTAIN
KRISTIANA MANU'A
SUSAN PETTITT
SAM POOLMAN
JAMIE-LEE PRICE
21/03/89 @JOHARTEN
03/09/95 @KRISTIANAMANUA
23/03/84 @SUSANPETTITT
04/03/91 @SPOOLMAN
10/01/96 @JAMIELEE_PRICE
WA/C
TRAINING PARTNER
TRAINING PARTNER
GD/GK
TRAINING PARTNER
GS/GA
TRAINING PARTNER
GK/GD
TRAINING PARTNER
WD/C
TAYLAH DAVIES
STEPH MACGOUGAN
GEORGIA MARSHALL
TEIGAN O'SHANNASSY
AMY PARMENTER
03/10/94 @TAYLAHD4
26/05/95 @STEPHMACGOUGAN
24/07/96 @G_MARSH_
14/04/99 @TEIGAN_OSHANNASSY
01/08/97 @AMYPARMENTERR
SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING CAITLIN BASSETT
KELSEY BROWNE
CARA KOENEN
MADELINE MCAULIFFE
GEVA MENTOR
ERENA MIKAERE
KARLA PRETORIUS
JACQUI RUSSELL
LAURA SCHERIAN
STEPH WOOD
SPOTLIGHT GIANTS V LIGHTNING The last time that the GIANTS faced the Sunshine Coast Lightning was in the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball 2017 Grand Final at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. It was a hard-fought match that saw Lightning walk away with the win the final score being 65-48. After a strong start for the GIANTS, Lightning soon took control of the game, winning the second, third and fourth quarters by margins of seven, five and five respectively. While the result wasn’t what the GIANTS hoped, the team displayed passion and tenacity right until the final whistle. Tension will be high during their first rematch and both teams will be looking for a strong start to the season. It’s going to be a grudge match that may very well set the tone for future match ups to come. Captained by Geva Mentor, Lightning are a strong side, being able to play with a relentless attack, dominant defence and smart play, which makes them a tough opponent to face.
COACHING 300 As Julie Fitzgerald prepares to coach her 300th game, we take a look back at the extraordinary and inspirational career of the coach known as Fitzy. It started at the Association level, like it does for so many netballers. Today she might be coaching her 300th national level game, but GIANTS Netball Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald is the coach she is today because she put in the time, effort and commitment to develop her craft - just like the players she works with. From a grassroots start with Ku-ring-gai Netball Association, Fitzgerald came up as a coach through State Age and State Championships and then State League. It was leading a team to victory at State League that propelled that club into the National League - rebranded as the Sydney Cenovis with Fitzgerald at the helm. Following on from that was an impressive 15 years with the Swifts (Sydney and then NSW). She led the Swifts to many successes, including a Premiership with the Sydney Swifts in 2001, 2004 and 2006-07 and the NSW Swifts in 2008, and helped to elevate them to a new level - both as a team and also as a major part of the Australian sporting landscape. Fitzgerald sums it all up succinctly, “it was an amazing time”. Fitzgerald also spent two years coaching at the Australian Institute of Sport, where she savoured the opportunity to acquire new skills. “I learnt an enormous amount down there. Coaching developing athletes, after having athletes who were at the top of their game, all of that brought me back to coaching basics and that was a real turning point for me,” she says of her time in Canberra. In 2012, she acted as the Australian Diamonds Assistant Coach, representing the country at the national level, a huge honour for any coach and reflective of the respect that is felt for her within the netball community. A trip across the ditch was the next thing on the cards for Fitzgerald, and she spent two years as the Head Coach of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Of her time in New Zealand, she shares, “I loved it over there. I loved the team and the people I worked with. I made friends for life”.
Coming on board with GIANTS Netball was a new test, but one that Fitzgerald relished. “To have the opportunity to build a team from the ground up was such a challenge and I’ve loved every minute of it,” she shares. “The first few months were the most challenging. We didn’t have players, colours, a team name… anything. Although the team itself came together quite quickly. Finding the right support staff to fit the mix; all of that took a bit of time and you were always nervous you weren’t going to get it right.” It soon became obvious that the worries were groundless and they had found the perfect mix, as the GIANTS made the grand final in their inaugural year, stunning the league. A key part of that mix of course was Fitzgerald, who brought together the players and support staff into one cohesive unit that embraced the GIANTS message and plan. Looking at her impressive career, Fitzgerald explains how she has been able to face challenges and keep on top of her game. “Seize any opportunity to improve,” she advises. “Stay refreshed, stay interesting and keep learning.” The most satisfying part of it all though has been seeing the progress and development of the players she works with. “Watching the players grow into mature women and to see the success they have, both on and off the court, that is without a doubt the most rewarding thing,” Fitzgerald reflects. It’s an accomplishment achieved by no other national coach and Fitzgerald is grateful for the journey that she has taken to get to where she is now. “I think I’ve been lucky to be able to coach for as long as I have,” she says. “I’ve met some wonderful players and I’ve worked with some really great people. It’s been pretty fabulous". We think you’re pretty fabulous too, Fitzy. ¼
SEIZE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE. STAY REFRESHED, STAY INTERESTING AND KEEP LEARNING.
PROUD PLATINUM PARTNER
I like
PLAYER MATCH UP
V SUNSHINE COAST LIGHTNING
GIANTS NETBALL
WATCH THESE PLAYERS ON COURT AS THEY GO HEAD TO HEAD IN ROUND 1.
SAM POOLMAN
CAITLIN BASSETT
Position: GK, GD Age: 27 Height: 189cm Debut: 2013 National League Games: 41 Test Caps: 0
Position: GS Age: 29 Height: 193cm Debut: 2005 National League Games: 164 Test Caps: 83
2018 FIXTURE 1
DOUBLE HEADER
Sunday, 29 April 1PM Qudos Bank Arena Sydney
3
DERBY
SWIFTS V GIANTS
Sunday, 13 May 1PM Qudos Bank Arena Sydney
4
GIANTS V FIREBIRDS
Saturday, 19 May 3PM Quaycentre, Sydney
5
GIANTS V VIXENS
Sunday, 27 May 5PM Quaycentre, Sydney
7
DOUBLE HEADER
Sunday, 17 June 1PM Qudos Bank Arena Sydney
9
ACT
Sunday, 1 July 3PM AIS Arena, Canberra
10
DERBY
GIANTS V SWIFTS
Sunday, 8 July 5PM International Convention Centre, Sydney
14
GIANTS V FEVER
Saturday, 4 August 7PM International Convention Centre, Sydney
GIANTS V LIGHTNING
GIANTS V MAGPIES GIANTS V THUNDERBIRDS
Times are AEST. Fixture is subject to change. Quaycentre previously Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre. Full fixture at GIANTSNetball.com.au.
SYDNEY AND CANBERRA GAMES BE A PART OF THE GIANTS NETBALL 2018 SEASON.
TEAM GIANTS DON’T MISS THE DERBY! ROUND 3: SUNDAY, 13 MAY, 1PM It’s just two weeks until state rivals GIANTS Netball and the NSW Swifts meet in The Derby on Sunday 13 May, at Qudos Bank Arena! Join us at the game and support Team GIANTS! Don your orange and get ready to cheer loudly as GIANTS Netball and NSW Swifts face off in a bid to claim state bragging rights. Show your support and secure your tickets via Ticketek to be there for this unrivaled sporting event. Plus, pre-order your limited edition Team GIANTS Derby Tee at C2CSport.com, while stock lasts.
IT'S TEAM GIANTS V TEAM SWIFTS.
Aussie apples ready for the picking Sweet and crisp, Australian apples are a family favourite. From the rosy blush of a Royal Gala to the classic green Granny Smith – get inspired to use freshly picked apples in cakes and crumbles, sliced in salads or simply a snack on their own. Discover delightful recipes at woolworths.com.au/now-in-season
HERE COMES OUR CAPTAIN
Kim Green has the all clear to rejoin her GIANTS teammates for the Suncorp Super Netball 2018 season. We look at her journey from season-ending injury to Round 1 return. When Kim Green went down with a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament in her knee during the GIANTS' fifth round game against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, fans feared the worst. It soon became apparent that the GIANTS Netball Captain was out for the remainder of the season, with an injury that required surgery and an almost year-long recovery process. All hope was not lost though, as Green vowed to return to the court and her GIANTS Netball teammates. In the GIANTS season opener against Sunshine Coast Lightning on Sunday 29 April she will deliver on that promise.
It has been a long road to recovery for Green, and while the team carried on to complete a successful inaugural season, Green’s loss was keenly felt. Bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the table, with 74 caps and 183 national league games played, Green is known for her tenacity and exceptional on-court strategic vision. It’s not just the game-changing plays and game-sense that make Green an irreplaceable player; it’s also her drive and leadership.
positive. “I felt the support all the way through from the fans and family and friends,” she shares. Green couldn’t be more thrilled to get back out onto the court and we can’t wait to see her back in action. Welcome back, Captain! ¼
It comes as no surprise then that her return is being lauded by the GIANTS Netball team and Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald. “It was a big hole to fill. It took us a while to find the right combination without her there,” Fitzgerald says of the loss of Green on court. “Having her energy on court and in the time outs, that’s invaluable to us. She also brings enormous leadership and experience,” she concludes. Green is also anticipating her return to the court. She has been training hard with the GIANTS’ Strength & Conditioning team to rebuild her strength and fitness in preparation for the 2018 season, and though it’s been an extraordinarily long pre-season for her, she’s feeling ready to rejoin the action. “I’ve done all the work and I feel good,” she explains. “It’s really exciting. I can’t wait for that moment when we run out onto the court in that first game.” While it’s been a difficult time for Green, she shares that there is one thing that has made a huge difference and kept her
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EMPOWERMENT LUNCH DOLTONE HOUSE AT DARLING ISLAND – TUESDAY, 22 MAY, FROM 12 NOON GIANTS Netball Empowerment Lunch is the newest addition to the club’s event calendar and will support Netball Australia’s Confident Girls Foundation. Join the GIANTS on Tuesday, 22 May and hear stories of passion and commitment, perseverance and shared journeys which have shaped the players and learn how the GIANTS are building a culture of empowerment. Enjoy delicious canapés, a seated lunch and dessert platters at Doltone House’s stylish function room, The Parkview.
BOOK AT GIANTSNETBALL.COM.AU Tickets: $95 Single Ticket | $86 Members Ticket | $860 Table of 10 (Additional Booking fee applies).
construction & fitout
A GIANT OCCASION Kristiana Manu’a and Kiera Austin prepare to compete in their first Suncorp Super Netball game as GIANTS. Two GIANTS Netball team players will likely make their Suncorp Super Netball debut when the team takes on Sunshine Coast Lightning in Round 1. While they might both be officially taking the court as GIANTS for the first time during the Suncorp Super Netball regular season, both are doing so in very different circumstances. Defender Kristiana Manu’a has played 29 national league games and has two Test Caps (AUS). Known for her defensive drive and competitive focus, Manu’a was all set to don the orange in 2017, but an unfortunate accident in the pre-season left Manu’a with a ruptured Achilles tendon, which sidelined her for almost a year. For Manu’a, it has been a studied recovery and a long rehab, but it’s been necessary to make sure she is 100% ready to make her return and contribute to what the team hopes is another stellar GIANTS season. “It takes a while to get your timing and everything right,” Manu’a acknowledges, but adds “I love a good challenge. I’m excited to get back into that intensity and that level of play.” Working hard to be healthy and prepared for the new season, Manu’a has been training and taking part in pre-season games with her GIANTS teammates. Reflecting on the whole journey to game-ready form she shares, “to finally get out there with the girls, it means so much more than I can explain.
It’s humbling. I’m grateful to be at the end of the process and I’m ready to return.” There is a different tone to the anticipation felt by rookie Kiera Austin who will hopefully be playing her first official game for GIANTS Netball against Lightning. The attacker, just 20 years old, showcased a dangerous aim and shooting accuracy as a GIANTS Netball Training Partner in 2017 and it was this level of play that prompted her elevation to the team in 2018. Austin can’t help but feel the excitement building and has been able to flex her muscles in the pre-season, playing with the team during their games against West Coast Fever and the England Roses. What’s it like to be playing with and against the best players in the world? “I was amazed by the physicality of it all,” Austin explains. “It’s something that is a new level to me and I’m learning to incorporate that into my game.” Working hard to prepare for the elite play on display in the Suncorp Super Netball league is paying off for Austin, “being stronger is something I wanted to achieve this year and I’m looking to bring things to a new level in the coming season,” she concludes. GIANTS Netball will be playing with a formidable team in 2018, and Manu’a and Austin bring valuable experience and stunning skill to the side. Both players will be indispensable assets to the GIANTS as they face-off against the other teams throughout the season. With an action-packed road to the finals ahead, they are sure to make a huge impact at both ends of the court. ¼
READY WHEN YOU ARE. Mid-Year Entry Information Day. Saturday 19 May. Parramatta City campus. westernsydney.edu.au/midyear
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MAJOR PARTNERS construction & fitout
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CORRECT AS OF 20 APRIL 2018