A loss or draw for the Collingwood Magpies in tonight's Suncorp Super Netball Round 13 clash with the West Coast Fever would guarantee the NSW Swifts a playoff place with two games to spare, however, head coach Briony Akle isn't looking anywhere but within as the six-time Premiers try to build momentum.
Having suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season (against the Giants and Magpies), the Swifts are acutely aware their form must improve if they are to secure a second Premiership in three years.
Akle's team face the Adelaide Thunderbirds at a closed Nissan Arena in Brisbane tomorrow (3.30pm AET) knowing it will be a must-win game to secure a Finals spot should Collingwood upset the Fever.
Even if the Swifts are already qualified, the game is set to be a test of the team's character after a challenging few weeks of state relocations and separation from Akle, who was in COVID-enforced isolation.
The Thunderbirds are out of Finals contention but they've proven themselves a force to be reckoned with in 2021. They upset the Swifts 58-53 the last time sides met in Round 7 and are entering the game on the back of successive victories.
"There is very little to separate all teams in this competition and Adelaide will be looking end their season on a massive high, so that makes them very dangerous," Akle said.
"We went to Adelaide earlier this year and got taught a lesson after producing a very sloppy game. Our defence performed well but we couldn't reward them when it came to converting turnovers.
"I think when you look at last week's loss to the Magpies that same failure to be composed with bonus possession cost dearly again, so we've been working hard to remedy that.
"Every game now is a must-win for us. Firstly we need to secure our spot in the Finals so the only focus is on what's in our control. We don't want to limp into playoffs looking for form.
"Adelaide have proven themselves to be a top side this year and been in a rich vein of form so this is a massive game."
The Swifts will return to their original yellow and blue uniform for both Round 14 games (they also play the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday) as the club celebrates 25 years.
Akle won two Premierships with the club in the famed yellow dress and she hopes its legacy will inspire the players to get back on track this week.
"It is a very special moment for the club to bring back the yellow dress into its uniform repertoire," she said.
"The Swifts' legacy was founded in those early days and it's one that all of our playing group, wider staff, members and fans buy into.
"I want the team to go out this week and do the legacy and history of this dress proud. It is those who've gone before who've given us the opportunity to compete at the level we do today, so honouring it is imperative."
The Swifts' clash with the Thunderbirds will be broadcast live on Nine Gem and Telstra's Netball Live App.
