Collingwood goalkeeper Sharni Layton says a new dimension will be brought to Super Netball when the two AFL-backed franchises go head-to-head for the first time in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Widely regarded as the teams to beat, the Magpies and the Greater Western Sydney-backed Giants have assembled sides packed full of star power.
The Giants have lived up to the early hype and are undefeated after two rounds, having secured wins against the NSW Swifts and West Coast Fever.
However, the Magpies were slower out of the blocks, losing their first match against the Melbourne Vixens before toppling the Queensland Firebirds last week.
"This game will have an extra dimension because it's franchise on franchise for the first time," Layton told AAP.
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"A lot of those Giants players coming under Julie (Fitzgerald, coach), they have so much experience and they've been building in every game and that's where the key battles are going to come right across the court.
"We really weren't happy with our first performance ... we've brought all of these strong players together but we want to be more than that."
Layton is one of five current Diamonds in the Magpies line-up and will come up against her former Swifts teammates in Giants shooter Susan Pettit and centre Kim Green.
But she says knowledge doesn't always mean an easier game.
"It's always harder because you do know each other so well, you think you know what they're going to do, but they'll be changing tactics," Layton said.
"Me and (Giants centre) Kimmy Green are both pretty full on, even when we're on the same team we're always razzing in to each other and having a few words. It's just a bit of fun."
Layton said she would welcome more of a footy vibe to the crowd at Hisense Arena, which she regards as one of the quieter stadiums she has played in.
"We did bring some football fans in last week and I think it's a great thing because they're not necessarily people who have watched netball before," Layton said.
"Bring the chanting, bring the noise - it's going to rub people up the wrong way but we don't care. It matches our personalities."
