The NSW Swifts have little time to reflect on Sunday's loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning with Tuesday night’s clash against the Queensland Firebirds looming large on the horizon.
The Suncorp Super Netball Round 5 tie will be the Swifts’ second game in the space of just over 48 hours as the defending Premiers look to bounce back from a first defeat of the season at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.
The Swifts and Firebirds, both foundation clubs of the inaugural National Netball League in 1997, have a rich history and famously played in back-to-back Grand Finals in 2015 and 2016 with the Queenslanders edging both deciders at the death.
NSW have a poor record in Brisbane against their old rivals, however, they did secure victory there last season en route to winning the 2019 title.
The Firebirds are coming off a hard-fought draw with the Giants on Saturday – their first points of the season – but have shown a first win isn’t far off, and Swifts head coach Briony Akle has put her troops on notice.
“This is a big test for us, to see how we come back after being knocked off our perch on Sunday and I want a response,” she said.
“We spoke about the great rivalry that exists now with the Lightning but the Firebirds are probably up there with Vixens as the Swifts’ biggest rivals historically.
“No one can forget those epic clashes in 2015 and 2016 and the respect between the two clubs is as strong as ever. For players like Paige Hadley, Lauren Moore and Maddy Turner – who were involved in those games – they know what the Firebirds can do.
“I have been very impressed by Kim Jenner in defence and in Romelda Aiken they have a formidable target, while Gabi Simpson is still one of the best midcourters in the world. Any team with those players is an outfit to be reckoned with.
“At the end of the day, this is a NSW v Queensland clash and I’m not expecting anything less than a massive physical battle from both sides.”
The Premiership-winning coach also had some nice words for Trinidad & Tobago shooter Sam Wallace, who will play her 50th game for the club on Tuesday night.
“We said to Sam last year that you can be the world’s best and I don’t think she is far off that,” Akle added.
“To see the growth in Sam over the past few years makes me so happy as a coach and winning MVP in last year’s Grand Final can be just the start of great days for her in a Swifts uniform.
“She has gone through so many highs and lows in her time at the club, and losing her father last year was a massive blow – but she has shown she’s not just a force on court.
"She has a beautiful and steely mind to match her physical attributes, and we are very proud of her.
“Be better, that’s all I ask of my team every day and it’s what I hope we’ll see tomorrow night.”
The Firebirds-hosted clash with the Swifts will be broadcast live on Telstra TV and on Telstra’s Netball Live App at 7.30pm.
