Giants’ tall order
ONE of the tallest targets in Super Netball stands in the way of the Sydney Giants getting another win for the season this weekend.
Today’s tussle between the second-placed Giants and third-placed Queensland Firebirds comes down to the wellworn game plan of stopping service to Romelda Aiken.
At 196cm, Aiken is an easy mark for the Firebirds’ feed to the circle and as the competition’s leader for offensive rebounds, if she misses, she’ll probably get another shot.
Teams have been trying to overcome the Aiken challenge for years and it’s not made any easier by the Firebirds having the athletic, 192cm Gretel Tippett at goal attack.
“They offer height both in the goal attack and goal shooter position, rather than just having a tall target at the back,” Giants goalkeeper Sam Poolman said.
“Gretel also provides height and can jump as well.
“They’re definitely a challenge.
“But I think Firebirds and Romelda have always been one of my favourite teams and players to play against because you always know that you’re up for a battle and a challenge.
“You have to just get the ones that go wrong or that don’t quite get there and if you can capitalise on those as a team, that’s kind of how you win those type of games.”
Giants captain Kim Green has been around long enough to know defence must start at the attacking end.
“Having Romelda in any team, it’s going to be bloody tough. I know everyone says this but we need to stop the ball before it even gets to the circle,” Green said.
“We need to be doing a job down the front to help our defenders.”