The challenge presented by ladder leaders GIANTS Netball has Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Kylee Byrne excited, with the two sides set to meet on Saturday at Ken Rosewall Arena.
By points alone, Lightning is locked with Giants and NSW Swifts at the top of the ladder after 6 rounds, and whoever emerges from this match victorious will be well-placed headed into the bye.
The fact that both sides are coming off a loss – Lightning to QLD Firebirds and Giants to Swifts – adds even more fire to the upcoming clash.
“This match is really exciting not only is there a 3 way tie at the top of the table it’s the last one of the round before we hit a bye,” Byrne said.
“We want to put our best performance out of this season so far.”
Byrne is confident her side has what it takes to outrun an in form Giants and said the determination shown in training this week only adds to that.
“This is the game, this is the challenge that you really want and we’re up against that team that has been at the top of the table for the first 6 rounds,” she said.
“We know we have to bring our A game.
“We know it will be really hard but the work we’ve done at training this week is leading towards what I think will be one of our best performances this year.”
Backing up against the Firebirds on the weekend, Lightning will need to prepare for the Giants trademark physical style of play.
Giants have also formed a reputation for their strong first halves, so gaining early control of the game will be high on Lightning’s agenda.
“Everyone has to get out and do their job first and whatever happens on the scoreboard happens,” she said.
“We are not taking the Giants lightly in any aspect.
“They have a totally different style than anyone else and we have to be prepared for that.”
Sunshine Coast Lightning will take on Giants Netball on Saturday 12 June 2021, from 3pm at Ken Rosewall Arena. Sunshine Coast fans can watch the broadcast live across Channel 9 and the Netball Live Mobile App.
