Sport
4 April, 2025
Netball Preview: Avoca v Maryborough Giants
Reigning premiers Avoca will aim to start their championship defence with a tough test against the Maryborough Giants.
The Giants couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural season, losing only two games in the regular season to finish in third behind perennial powerhouses Avoca and Natte Bealiba.
Despite their regular season form, the Giants were unable to convert it in the finals, losing in straight sets to Natte Bealiba in the qualifying final by five goals and Talbot in the semi-final by only two goals.
With their first season ending in disappointment, the Giants will prepare to come out this season firing early to prove last season wasn’t a fluke.
They will need to be if they want to conquer Avoca in the opening round, a team who hasn’t tasted defeat since their round five loss to Natte Bealiba in 2023.
The Bulldogs are currently on a 30-game winning streak, with their 30th win coming against Natte Bealiba in the 2024 grand final, capping off an undefeated season.
Avoca will unveil its 2024 premiership flag on Saturday at Avoca Recreation Reserve and will be keen to add another flag to its collection at the end of the 2025 season.
One of those thirty wins came against the Giants in round 13 last season in which the Bulldogs pulled away to a 29-goal victory at Princes Park.
Maddy Egan showcased all her talent in that fixture, scoring 53 goals with only four misses to lead her team to the 69-40 win.