A FOURTH-quarter flop cost the Firebirds as the fast-finishing GWS Giants claimed a 53-51 victory in a Super Netball stoush in Sydney on Saturday.

The Firebirds led 51-49 with three minutes left in the physical affair but two critical turnovers allowed the home side to score the last four goals of the game.

It is the second time in a month the Firebirds have let victory slip from their grasp in Sydney — after the Round 1 loss to the NSW Swifts — which could have serious ramifications in the race for the top four.

With more polish and poise under pressure, the Firebirds (2-2) could be 4-0.

Apart from the last quarter calamity, they will also lament a sluggish second quarter when the Giants outscored the mistake-riddled visitors 16-11. It was the only quarter that the Giants won all day after the last two terms were tied.

Queensland goalshooter Romelda Aiken hit 32 goals but had six shaky misses while goal attack Gretel Tippett had a perfect 19 from 19.

Giants goalshooter Kristina Brice (27/31) had a ding-dong battle with Laura Geitz after coming off the bench while Jo Harten (18/20) hit three of the last four goals for GWS.

The Firebirds appeared to be continuing on their merry way after impressive wins over the Lightning and Vixens in the past fortnight with a strong first quarter.

But the Giants went on a 10-4 run in the second to turn a three-goal deficit into a three-goal lead approaching halftime when the home side had a two-goal buffer.

Giants goalshooter Kristina Brice (27/31) had a ding-dong battle with Laura Geitz after coming off the bench while Jo Harten (18/20) hit three of the last four goals for GWS.

The Firebirds appeared to be continuing on their merry way after impressive wins over the Lightning and Vixens in the past fortnight with a strong first quarter.

But the Giants went on a 10-4 run in the second to turn a three-goal deficit into a three-goal lead approaching halftime when the home side had a two-goal buffer.