After the spectacular end to the last season, NSW Swifts will be looking for straight wins when the league resumes its operation after the break.
The team
Re-signed members include Sam Wallace, Maddy Proud, Helen Housby, Maddy Turner, Sarah Klau, Lauren Moore, Nat Haythornthwaite, Sam Wallace, and Paige Hadle. From training partner, Sophie Craig has been elevated and will be part of the season. Kate Eddy (Melbourne Vixens) and Katrina Rore (New Zealand) are out, with the latter being a temporary replacement player.
Last season results
The Swifts had given a great performance and emerged as champions in their first premiership since 2008. The road to winning has not been an easy one for them. Their start was great but it came to a halt when the Swifts lost their captain Maddy Proud in an ACL injury during a match against the Firebirds, followed by young defender Kate Eddy.
However, as a replacement, they managed to get a very experienced player on board, Silver Ferns Katrina Rore.
Looking forward
Maddy Proud will be making a return from her injury. She was not able to be a part of last year’s winning team, but adding Proud to the midcourt, it will not be an easy team to beat.
The fans can prepare themselves to see a strong Swifts lineup in 2020 after the string of injuries last season.
Integral players
The England Rose Goaler “Helen Housby” is a game-changer. She showed off her skills exceptionally well in the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal match, scoring the winning goal for England.
Her long-range shooting capacity is capable of turning any game. She is a threat in the circle and is a good reader of the game.
One of the most consistent midcourters in the game series is Paige Hadley. Her goal-circle deliveries are simply outstanding and the way she connects defenders and attackers between plays is worthy of applause.
Sarah Klau has performed extremely well in the last season and at 2020 Netball World Cup, she will be joining the Australia Diamonds.
Klau combined with Maddy Turner, works as a great pair and leave shooters in distress. The best of Klau is yet to come as she is one of the rising defenders in this competition.
Keep an eye out for this player
Sophie Craig is one to watch. This season will be her first playing as a permanent listed player for the Swifts. She has the ability to play anywhere in midcourt.
With Kate Eddy being injured, Craig carries the potential to play that now empty position well. Craig had been a replacement player in the last season. She played a part in the 2019 premiership and won also over the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Craig’s future appears bright and she shared with Swifts Media her thoughts on making it to the senior list.
“It’s a dream come true. Hopefully, I can get on the court and perform and go back to back.”
