Latest news with #JulieFitzgerald
The Australian
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Emotions run high as Giants farewell netball legend in Super Netball win
Emotions ran high as Giants Netball farewelled their retiring skipper Jo Harten in style, celebrating a 15 point win over the Melbourne Mavericks in Sydney. One of her club's foundation players, Harten announced this week that she was calling time on a decorated 20 year playing career. Jo Harten celebrates victory in her farewell match. Picture:With her long term coach, Julie Fitzgerald, in tears on the sidelines before the match even started, the former English Rose played a pivotal role in the win, using her game smarts to outfox opponents in the 74 to 59 point Super Netball victory. Harten went on to finish the match with 33 points, including seven from range, with a buzzer beater as her last ever touch of the ball. Speaking post match, Fitzgerald said, 'Watching her grow into the person she's become is probably more important to me than the netball. 'It's going to continue. She might take her bib off but she'll still have a big impact on netball in the world.' Jo Harten with Julie Fitzgerald post-match. Picture:Giants started slowly without youngster Erin O'Brien, who'd been named at goal defence but was missing when the opening whistle blew. One of her side's most consistent performers, O'Brien appeared halfway through the first quarter with a heavily strapped shoulder, after tweaking it in their warmup. With her return, the Giants upped their tempo after a poor start, to bring the scores back to almost level at quarter time. O'Brien went on to have a huge influence on the game, picking off five gains, as she underscored her credentials for a possible Diamonds' callup. With both sides ramping up their defensive pressure, while also making a range of attacking errors, there were multiple changes of possession in the second quarter. Centre Molly Jovic ran a marathon for the Mavericks as the ball pinged from end to end, finishing with 42 feeds and two valuable pickups. With the game locked on level terms at half time, Giant Jamie-Lee Price told commentary that the game was 'messy'. She said, 'We're getting plenty of ball, but we're just not scoring off it.' 'It's so simple, just score goals. I feel like we should be ahead by way more, but we're just making errors.' Despite most Mavericks playing for contracts, a blistering Giants second half saw them take the eventual win. Eight spaces still remain on the Melbourne based side's roster, and they could snaffle Jamie-Lee Price. Commentator Kim Green potentially let the cat out of the bag, letting slip that she has played her last game for the Giants. While the co-captain has a year left to run on her contract, there's been plenty of speculation that she will be released to head south and join her AFL-playing partner in Melbourne. HARTEN HANGS UP HER DRESS Jo Harten retires as one of netball's greats, having played 202 National League games and 117 tests for England. Among those was the Roses' historic Commonwealth Games medal in 2018, where they upset Australia on home soil. Known for her leadership, court craft and accuracy under the post, Harten has coaching experience with the Roses already under her belt, as she views a possible career in that space. MAVERICKS ON A MISSION As the Super Netball season comes to a close, Mavericks will be on a mission to bolster their ranks. Currently, captain Amy Parmenter and defender Kim Brown are the only two players contracted for 2026, with even the future of coach Tracey Neville up in the air. If the injury plagued side is hoping to climb the ladder next year, they will need a mixture of better luck and stronger roster in several areas of the court. With teams unable to talk to players from other clubs until the season has ended, it could explain why they still have a number of contracts waiting to be filled. THUNDERBIRDS THROUGH AFTER THRILLER The equation was simple for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning, win and play finals, lose and it's season over. And it was the Adelaide Thunderbirds who set up their chance at Super Netball history, with a 59 to 55 point victory and the chance to contest for their third premiership. With finals essentially starting a week early for the two sides in a do or die clash, it was MVP Matilda Garrett who led the way for the Thunderbirds, as they jumped to third on the ladder, with the chance to host the minor semi final pending results of the final game of the round. With their season on the line, both teams did well to hold their nerve and play measured netball in the first quarter. Thunderbirds defender Matilda Garrett pressures Lightning's Sophie Fretwell. Picture: Getty Images It was just before half time that the Thunderbirds cracked the game open. In a defensive unit normally headlined by Latanya Wilson, it was some Garrett magic that turned the fates of the Thunderbirds. She reeled in two intercepts and a rebound in the second quarter that allowed her side to jump out to a seven point lead heading into the main break. After her buzzer-beating two point shot to win the game last week, it seemed Fretwell's same accuracy to post failed to make the trip to Adelaide. Missing all three of her attempts, it was left to Reilley Batcheldor and Cara Koenen to do the heavy lifting, scoring three and four shots respectively. But with the damage already done, it was too late for the Lightning. With Courtney Bruce out for a second week in a row with a calf injury, Ash Ervin was tasked with quelling the impact of sharp shooter Romelda Aiken-George. While they matched each other for height, the strength of Aiken-George reigned supreme as she finished top scorer with 43 from 54. Romelda Aiken-George was key again for the Thunderbirds. Picture: Getty Images Highlighting the importance of the game, Aiken-George barrelled into the crowd on multiple occasions, running at speeds rarely seen since her glory days. Never in Super Netball history has a team won the premiership from third place, and only once has it been done from fourth, so the Thunderbirds face an uphill battle to be the first club to win three titles. They will be sweating on the fitness of goal attack Lauren Frew, who left the court in the last quarter with either a cramp or calf injury. Liz Watson holds possession for the Lightning under pressure from Thunderbirds' Sanmarie Visser. Picture: Getty Images THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO The thrilling win gives the Adelaide Thunderbirds the chance to defend their premiership, and strive for the elusive threepeat. They are just the second team to have the chance at this impressive feat, with the Lightning falling short in 2018 after succumbing to the Swifts in the Grand Final. With both NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens dropping form in the back half of the season, West Coast Fever are set to be their biggest hurdle on the way to a historic victory. Ashleigh Ervin could have a decent shot at selection for the Diamonds. Picture: Getty Images DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH With the Australian Diamonds squad set to be announced next week, there are a few players on the fringe of the squad who will be hoping for reselection. There is yet another injury cloud now looming over Courtney Bruce, who has missed the last two games and spent a significant portion of 2024 on the sidelines. Enter Ash Ervin. The 190cm goal keeper was named in the squad last year, but failed to get out on court. With minimal experience other than Sarah Klau, this could be her chance to nab a spot ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Emotions ran high as the Giants farewelled legend with inspirational Super Netball win
Emotions ran high as Giants Netball farewelled their retiring skipper Jo Harten in style, celebrating a 15 point win over the Melbourne Mavericks in Sydney. One of her club's foundation players, Harten announced this week that she was calling time on a decorated 20 year playing career. With her long term coach, Julie Fitzgerald, in tears on the sidelines before the match even started, the former English Rose played a pivotal role in the win, using her game smarts to outfox opponents in the 74 to 59 point Super Netball victory. Harten went on to finish the match with 33 points, including seven from range, with a buzzer beater as her last ever touch of the ball. Speaking post match, Fitzgerald said, 'Watching her grow into the person she's become is probably more important to me than the netball. 'It's going to continue. She might take her bib off but she'll still have a big impact on netball in the world.' Giants started slowly without youngster Erin O'Brien, who'd been named at goal defence but was missing when the opening whistle blew. One of her side's most consistent performers, O'Brien appeared halfway through the first quarter with a heavily strapped shoulder, after tweaking it in their warmup. With her return, the Giants upped their tempo after a poor start, to bring the scores back to almost level at quarter time. O'Brien went on to have a huge influence on the game, picking off five gains, as she underscored her credentials for a possible Diamonds' callup. With both sides ramping up their defensive pressure, while also making a range of attacking errors, there were multiple changes of possession in the second quarter. Centre Molly Jovic ran a marathon for the Mavericks as the ball pinged from end to end, finishing with 42 feeds and two valuable pickups. With the game locked on level terms at half time, Giant Jamie-Lee Price told commentary that the game was 'messy'. She said, 'We're getting plenty of ball, but we're just not scoring off it.' 'It's so simple, just score goals. I feel like we should be ahead by way more, but we're just making errors.' Despite most Mavericks playing for contracts, a blistering Giants second half saw them take the eventual win. Eight spaces still remain on the Melbourne based side's roster, and they could snaffle Jamie-Lee Price. Commentator Kim Green potentially let the cat out of the bag, letting slip that she has played her last game for the Giants. While the co-captain has a year left to run on her contract, there's been plenty of speculation that she will be released to head south and join her AFL-playing partner in Melbourne. closing things out in style ðŸ�� Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 12, 2025 HARTEN HANGS UP HER DRESS Jo Harten retires as one of netball's greats, having played 202 National League games and 117 tests for England. Among those was the Roses' historic Commonwealth Games medal in 2018, where they upset Australia on home soil. Known for her leadership, court craft and accuracy under the post, Harten has coaching experience with the Roses already under her belt, as she views a possible career in that space. MAVERICKS ON A MISSION As the Super Netball season comes to a close, Mavericks will be on a mission to bolster their ranks. Currently, captain Amy Parmenter and defender Kim Brown are the only two players contracted for 2026, with even the future of coach Tracey Neville up in the air. If the injury plagued side is hoping to climb the ladder next year, they will need a mixture of better luck and stronger roster in several areas of the court. With teams unable to talk to players from other clubs until the season has ended, it could explain why they still have a number of contracts waiting to be filled.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Giants send retiring legend Harten out a winner
Jo Harten's legendary 19-year career has ended in fairytale fashion as the Giants concluded their 2025 Super Netball campaign by steamrolling the Melbourne Mavericks 74-59 at a full-voiced Ken Rosewall Arena. Four-time club MVP Harten racked up 33 goals, including seven two-pointers, and eight assists on Saturday as the Giants (5-9) finished the season strongly with four wins from their last six games to leapfrog the Mavericks (4-10) into sixth place. Harten, 36, announced her retirement during the week, drawing the curtain on a glittering career that featured 117 Tests for England - including Commonwealth Games gold - 202 national league games and an MBE for services to netball. Hot hands Harten 🔥Watch every game live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and Binge. — Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) July 12, 2025 The Giants rode an unstoppable wave of emotion to the finish line, swamping Melbourne 25-14 in the fourth quarter. With only seconds remaining, Sophie Dwyer gave up a wide-open super-shot to spot up Harten, who, fittingly, finished the job with a long-range bomb on the fulltime bell before being swarmed by teammates and teary coach Julie Fitzgerald. "For my sins, I'm just a born winner and I was getting a bit touchy at three-quarter time when we were neck and neck in a really competitive game," Harten said, holding baby daughter Eddie, after receiving a bouquet of flowers from Netball NSW. "It was an awesome game to finish on. "I was once one of those little girls dreaming of making it to the big time. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be here today." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suncorp Super Netball (@supernetball) The Giants started sluggishly, falling behind 8-3, before tidying up their penalty count and closing the gap to 18-17 at quarter-time. Molly Jovic was prolific through the middle for the Mavs but with Erin O'Brien subbing on and subduing Sasha Glasgow, the Giants were able to square the scores at halftime. Hope White was injected at wing attack for the hosts and did a fine job on Melbourne captain Amy Parmenter, while some late cough-ups from the Mavericks' frontcourt saw the Giants finish the quarter on a 6-0 run, turning a deficit into a 49-45 advantage. From that point, the Giants - and the great Harten - were simply unstoppable.
The Advertiser
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Mission Improbable: derby key to Giants' finals hopes
After managing a sole win in the opening two months of the Super Netball season, the Giants have reignited finals hopes that had seemingly been extinguished. Julie Fitzgerald's crew head into Sunday's derby against the NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena aiming to extend a two-game winning streak. With just four rounds left this season, there is scant time for the sixth-placed Giants (12 points) to leapfrog third-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning (24) or the fourth-placed Melbourne Vixens (24). Go-to goal attack Sophie Dwyer accepts the road to finals would be tough, but not impossible. "Mathematically, it's not out of the equation," she told AAP. "It will be hard for us. We left it pretty late in the season to be in good form, and it will depend on other results as well." A round-10 win over the Lightning marked the first time the Giants had scored back-to-back wins in two years. The match reminded Dwyer of the 2021 season, when her team were crowned minor premiers. "I'm not usually one to smile, and I was smiling and having so much fun," she said. "We're playing with freedom, and I think our attacking unit does work the best when we are playing like that. "There's a lot of belief and confidence in the group at the moment ... definitely a very special one for us." The 23-year-old's breakout season came in 2021, after an injury to teammate Kiera Austin presented her with an early opportunity to excel. Dwyer has paired perfectly under the ring with veteran shooter Jo Harten, tallying 181 goals this season. "We've been playing for a few years now together, and it felt like back to 2021 Sophie and Jo which is really exciting," Dwyer said. "Jo's been in some of her career-best form, and at her age, it's just amazing." The experience of Kiwi great Casey Kopua, who returned from retirement in 2025 to replace injured Giants defender Jodi-Ann Ward, has also boosted the Giants. Rival goal attack Helen Housby, a staple English Rose and Swifts centurion, described Kopua's recruitment as "huge" for the Giants. "She can use her body well. She's strong, but I also think the way that she's leading the defence is probably something they were desperate for," Housby told AAP. The Swifts' top ladder position is on the line after Briony Akle's side copped back-to-back losses, against the Vixens and West Coast Fever. The results were out of character for the previously undefeated side, but Housby wasn't focused on the ladder. "The top of the ladder, it's not ours," she said. "It could be anyone's at any point in the season, and it's not ours to defend. "We want a premiership and that can happen in a lot of different ways." After managing a sole win in the opening two months of the Super Netball season, the Giants have reignited finals hopes that had seemingly been extinguished. Julie Fitzgerald's crew head into Sunday's derby against the NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena aiming to extend a two-game winning streak. With just four rounds left this season, there is scant time for the sixth-placed Giants (12 points) to leapfrog third-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning (24) or the fourth-placed Melbourne Vixens (24). Go-to goal attack Sophie Dwyer accepts the road to finals would be tough, but not impossible. "Mathematically, it's not out of the equation," she told AAP. "It will be hard for us. We left it pretty late in the season to be in good form, and it will depend on other results as well." A round-10 win over the Lightning marked the first time the Giants had scored back-to-back wins in two years. The match reminded Dwyer of the 2021 season, when her team were crowned minor premiers. "I'm not usually one to smile, and I was smiling and having so much fun," she said. "We're playing with freedom, and I think our attacking unit does work the best when we are playing like that. "There's a lot of belief and confidence in the group at the moment ... definitely a very special one for us." The 23-year-old's breakout season came in 2021, after an injury to teammate Kiera Austin presented her with an early opportunity to excel. Dwyer has paired perfectly under the ring with veteran shooter Jo Harten, tallying 181 goals this season. "We've been playing for a few years now together, and it felt like back to 2021 Sophie and Jo which is really exciting," Dwyer said. "Jo's been in some of her career-best form, and at her age, it's just amazing." The experience of Kiwi great Casey Kopua, who returned from retirement in 2025 to replace injured Giants defender Jodi-Ann Ward, has also boosted the Giants. Rival goal attack Helen Housby, a staple English Rose and Swifts centurion, described Kopua's recruitment as "huge" for the Giants. "She can use her body well. She's strong, but I also think the way that she's leading the defence is probably something they were desperate for," Housby told AAP. The Swifts' top ladder position is on the line after Briony Akle's side copped back-to-back losses, against the Vixens and West Coast Fever. The results were out of character for the previously undefeated side, but Housby wasn't focused on the ladder. "The top of the ladder, it's not ours," she said. "It could be anyone's at any point in the season, and it's not ours to defend. "We want a premiership and that can happen in a lot of different ways." After managing a sole win in the opening two months of the Super Netball season, the Giants have reignited finals hopes that had seemingly been extinguished. Julie Fitzgerald's crew head into Sunday's derby against the NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena aiming to extend a two-game winning streak. With just four rounds left this season, there is scant time for the sixth-placed Giants (12 points) to leapfrog third-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning (24) or the fourth-placed Melbourne Vixens (24). Go-to goal attack Sophie Dwyer accepts the road to finals would be tough, but not impossible. "Mathematically, it's not out of the equation," she told AAP. "It will be hard for us. We left it pretty late in the season to be in good form, and it will depend on other results as well." A round-10 win over the Lightning marked the first time the Giants had scored back-to-back wins in two years. The match reminded Dwyer of the 2021 season, when her team were crowned minor premiers. "I'm not usually one to smile, and I was smiling and having so much fun," she said. "We're playing with freedom, and I think our attacking unit does work the best when we are playing like that. "There's a lot of belief and confidence in the group at the moment ... definitely a very special one for us." The 23-year-old's breakout season came in 2021, after an injury to teammate Kiera Austin presented her with an early opportunity to excel. Dwyer has paired perfectly under the ring with veteran shooter Jo Harten, tallying 181 goals this season. "We've been playing for a few years now together, and it felt like back to 2021 Sophie and Jo which is really exciting," Dwyer said. "Jo's been in some of her career-best form, and at her age, it's just amazing." The experience of Kiwi great Casey Kopua, who returned from retirement in 2025 to replace injured Giants defender Jodi-Ann Ward, has also boosted the Giants. Rival goal attack Helen Housby, a staple English Rose and Swifts centurion, described Kopua's recruitment as "huge" for the Giants. "She can use her body well. She's strong, but I also think the way that she's leading the defence is probably something they were desperate for," Housby told AAP. The Swifts' top ladder position is on the line after Briony Akle's side copped back-to-back losses, against the Vixens and West Coast Fever. The results were out of character for the previously undefeated side, but Housby wasn't focused on the ladder. "The top of the ladder, it's not ours," she said. "It could be anyone's at any point in the season, and it's not ours to defend. "We want a premiership and that can happen in a lot of different ways."
NZ Herald
02-06-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua completes shock comeback for Giants in Australia's Super Netball
Former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua 'absolutely loved every minute' of court time six years after retiring from professional netball. The 39-year-old made a shock return on Sunday for the injury-depleted Giants in the Suncorp Super Netball competition, answering an SOS call from coach Julie Fitzgerald.
