The practice match was the first time the two teams had met since the GIANTS were victorious in last year’s semi-final, knocking the Magpies out of the race for finals. It was GIANTS who walked away with the win again on this occasion, defeating the Magpies at their home away from home, 52-46.
The game highlighted five of Australia’s best netballers, with Kim Ravaillion, Madi Robinson, Caitlin Thwaites, April Brandley and Susan Petit, all selected in the Commonwealth Games Squad earlier that week.
The game also highlighted the purpose of the Tasmanian Magpies ANL program, with former Tassie Magpie Matilda Garrett in action as a full squad member for the pies. 2018 squad members Sharni Lambden and Mary Livesey were also part of the 12-person team.
Despite some of Australia’s best talent out on court, it was the half-time entertainment of the NetSetGo players that stole the show.
Netball Tasmania CEO, Aaron Pidgeon said he was really pleased with the night.
‘Over 2000 people for a practice match was fantastic and the DEC presented itself as excellent venue for elite Netball.’
‘I would hope that everyone that attended enjoyed the match and we are excited about bringing more world class Netball to Tasmania very soon. It is important that our Tasmanians are able to see these amazing athletes and role models in person’ Pidgeon said.
The Collingwood Magpies, along with the Tasmanian Magpies will participate in the Tasmanian Netball Invitational Series (TNIS) in March.
