Giants Netball have christened their new stadium and unveiled a new generation of talent in their 66-54 Super Netball win against the Collingwood Magpies.
Due to the impact of the global pandemic, it has been 623 days since the Giants last hosted a match and they turned their homecoming to the redeveloped Ken Rosewall Arena into a party against the disappointing Magpies.
Coach Julie Fitzgerald's outfit had Kiera Austin, Kristiana Manu'a and Amy Parmenter sidelined with injuries but their understudies stepped up.
Goaler Sophie Dwyer, wing attack Maddie Hay and defender Amy Sligar have less than 20 games' experience between them yet they played with impressive poise.
Dwyer looked instantly comfortable in the mostly homegrown line-up, shooting 23 goals at 74 per cent accuracy while her circle partner Jo Harten shot 37 goals.
Australian Diamonds midcourter Jamie-Lee Price, with 34 circle feeds, was at the heart of it all as she shone in her duel with Magpie Ash Brazill.
"We were lucky to have a good start to the game," Price said.
"Last season was really disappointing and we've really wanted to enjoy ourselves this year.
"Having a good start to the year helps and we've put ourselves in a good position."
Despite a second-half fightback, rookie Magpies coach Nicole Richardson is still searching for a first win.
Not even a sublime shooting performance from Shimona Nelson (40/43) could make a difference.
The Magpies could barely have imagined a sloppier start.
With captain Geva Mentor missing her first game in the Super Netball era, Collingwood imploded under the weight of 17 first-half turnovers.
To make matters worse, midcourt leader Brazill was responsible for four of them.
Collingwood clawed back some ground after shifting former Diamond Kelsey Browne to centre in the second half but by then the margin was too much to bridge.
Richardson will also have to address discipline after her Magpies conceded 54 contact penalties to the Giants' 32.
Australian Associated Press
