Giants Netball have hit back in the Sydney derby, earning three bonus points in a 66-56 win over NSW Swifts.
In the first Super Netball clash to be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney's CBD, Giants countered Swifts coach Briony Akle's tactical change-ups to earn revenge for a heartbreaking one-goal loss in the sides' last meeting.
Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald was thrilled with her side's ability to wrest the clash back in their favour.
"We know with the Swifts they never say die," Fitzgerald said.
"In every match they play - win or lose - they keep coming at teams.
"Very often when we get caught up in a high-pace match like that where a lot is happening we start to lose control of the pace of the game, whereas I thought today we did a much better job of perhaps controlling that pace."
NSW departed from their usual setup in the second quarter, with shooter Sam Wallace drifting from her home under the post to add seven assists to 40 goals from 45 attempts.
The movement from Wallace reflected wider change throughout. Swifts goal keeper Sarah Klau earned a stint at goal defence while the Giants moved Serena Guthrie to wing defence to make room at centre for Jamie-Lee Price late in the clash.
The game became a much closer affair as Giants gave up a four-goal streak early in the third period - cutting into their five goal lead at half time - after which they brought on target woman Kristina Bryce at goal shooter (18/21).
She paired beautifully with Giants goal attack Jo Harten (29/37) who along with 14 assists and countless impacts off the stat sheet was influential and pivotal in the home side's win.
