The Giants have sent off former Silver Ferns star Jane Watson in style, beating the NSW Swifts 66-65 to post their first win of the Super Netball season and spark wild celebrations.
Entering Sunday's match at Ken Rosewall Arena with a 0-13 record, there was heavy pressure on the Giants to ensure retiring Kiwi defender Watson ended her decorated career with a win in the last game of the regular season.
In a thrilling finish, Sophie Dwyer hit her fifth Super Shot of the match with 82 seconds remaining to put the Giants up by a goal.
Swifts goal attack Nicola Barge missed a Super Shot with 33 seconds remaining, with the Giants keeping possession from there to end their losing streak.
The GIANTS have DONE IT! They've ended their seasons with their first win in 2026 over the Swifts. pic.twitter.com/RkqiMUbYsp
— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) June 14, 2026
Dwyer nailed all five of her Super Shot attempts as well as going 15-of-16 from normal range in a player-of-the-match display.
The tears flowed after full-time as Giants players soaked up their first win of the year in front of a sell-out crowd.
"Oh my god, I don't even know how to describe it," Dwyer said through tears.
"It's been such a hard season for us. We never lost belief.
"I'm just so proud we got over the line there. In the last 20 seconds, I was so excited because I knew we had it."
The win marked the first victory for Nerida Stewart in her maiden season as Giants coach.
"I'll take that," Stewart told Fox Sports.
"We've talked a lot about resilience with this group, and having the faith to still take the leap even when it hasn't been falling your way.
"They decided to take a really big leap tonight, and they brought it home.
"I'm really pleased with them. It's a great way to finish off."
The Swifts (5-9) end the season in fifth spot, but a whopping four wins off fourth spot and a place in the finals.
Barge ended Sunday's match with an impressive 5-of-7 from Super Shot range, while Swifts goal shooter Grace Nweke scored 43 goals.
