NSW Swifts Training Partner Nicola Barge has been elevated to 11th Player status for the Club’s 2026 Suncorp Super Netball campaign.
The Sutherland Shire junior, and former National Netball Championships MVP, is a shooting specialist and a product of the Netball NSW and QBE Swifts Academy pathway programs.
The 20-year-old has represented both NSW and Australia at underage level and was a stand-out for the Swifts Academy’s Super Netball Reserves campaign last year.
In 2025 she became a Swifts Training Partner for the first time and is now taking one step closer to an elite debut for the Club.
Swifts Head Coach Briony Akle congratulated Barge on the latest milestone in her netball journey.
“Nicola is a hugely talented netballer who has been an important member of our wider team over the past couple of years.
“She has a maturity beyond her years and an exceptionally high ceiling, and we know that she’s ready for the challenge of Super Netball should she be called upon.
“The QBE Swifts Academy and Netball NSW pathway programs do an excellent job of bringing through the next wave of talent, and her performances and leadership at Nationals demonstrate she is a special player.
“I want to congratulate Nicola and everyone whose played a part in her journey to this point.”
Barge said her elevation was the proudest moment of her career to date.
“It is my dream to play for the Swifts and the Australian Diamonds and this step takes me closer to that goal.
“I have always loved this Club since I was a young netball fan.
“Growing up and playing in Sutherland, famous Swifts like Kim Green and Abbey McCulloch came through there and I always wanted to follow in those footsteps.
“Being part of the wider group is special and I treasure every moment I spend on court with the world-class athletes around me.
“I want to thank Briony and Dylan (Nexhip, Swifts Assistant Coach) for having this faith in me and can’t wait for the challenge ahead.”
ABOUT 11th PLAYER
The 11th Player initiative was introduced in 2024 by Netball Australia to provide SSN clubs the chance to bring in an additional athlete to the match day squad. This player is available for tactical purposes, not just in the event of injury or illness to a regular squad member. It gives rising players, like Barge, more opportunities to step onto the court, gain valuable match experience, and continue their development at the top level of netball.
