The 2020 NAB AFL Women’s competition is here at last! The GIANTS start their campaign against league newcomers the Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown International Sportspark this Saturday as they look to hit the ground running in the new season.
The Details
GIANTS v Suns
Saturday, February 8 at 1:10pm
Blacktown International Sportspark
Entry is free
The Match
The GIANTS, and AFLW competition as a whole, will get their first proper look at one of the four new teams entering the league in 2020.
While there are a few familiar names at the Suns – including former GIANT Britt Perry and a host of ex-Lions, such as Lauren Bella, Leah Kaslar and Sam Virgo – the list and team as a whole carry an element of the unknown.
The GIANTS won’t be taking the contest lightly, though, as they look to carry impressive pre-season form into the season proper. They moved well and looked confident in their practice match against the Lions on January 26, but with premiership points on the line, the ante has been upped.
Ruck Ingrid Nielsen played as a key forward and looked impressive in the practice match, kicking two goals, while Alyce Parker was explosive through the midfield. Ellie Brush, Pepa Randall and Tanya Hetherington combined brilliantly in defence to keep the Lions goalless at Tom Wills Oval.
The GIANTS have brought in some new and returning faces over the off-season, including former Adelaide ruck Jess Allan, young gun Maggie Gorham while also re-listing Tait Mackrill, Rebecca Privitelli and Lisa Whiteley. Plenty of interest centres around team selection on Thursday evening.
The Key Points
1. The GIANTS are yet to win an opening round clash in the AFL Women’s competition, but on the back of a strong pre-season will look to hit the ground running in their first-ever opening round at home.
2. With former captain Amanda Farrugia announcing her retirement on the eve of pre-season, GIANTS fans will get their first look at Alicia Eva in her new role.
3. Cora Staunton is up and running after a horror broken leg suffered during the local AFL Sydney season in May. The hardworking and determined GIANT has nailed every step of her rehab and featured in the GIANTS’ practice match against the Lions.
4. Reigning Gabrielle Trainor Medallist Rebecca Beeson thrived with a move to the midfield last season, averaging 16 disposals and three tackles a game. She’ll be looking to bring more of that form into AFLW 4.0
Who to Watch
Yvonne Bonner made an outstanding AFLW debut last season, with the crosscode Gaelic footy star playing all seven matches in 2019 and kicking goals like she’d been playing with the Sherrin since childhood.
After an off-season spent studying the game and working to give herself the best base possible in her second season, Bonner is striving to have an even bigger impact this year, starting from game one against the Suns.
How to Watch
If you can’t make it to the game, the match will be broadcast live on 7Mate in Sydney and Brisbane, and can be watched on Foxtel or the Kayo App with a subscription.
All AFL Women’s matches will also be streamed live via womens.afl and the AFLW Official App.
Heading to the Game
Joining us at Blacktown International Sportspark? You’re in for a big day!
Our annual fan day, the GIANT Day Out, presented by Harvey Norman, kicks off at 11.30am in the cricket centre at Blacktown International Sportspark. You can find more information here.
Get all your match day information, including what’s on, parking and public transport information, check out our match day information here.
