NSW Swifts Training Partners Jess Conlan and Freddie Schneideman have been ruled out of action in 2026 due to injury.
Both athletes suffered Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries while taking part in pre-season training ahead of the Suncorp Super Netball season, which starts in March.
The standout talents, who have come through the Netball NSW and QBE Swifts Academy Pathways, will also miss the Academy’s 2026 Super Netball Reserves competition.
A native of Griffith and an Australian 21U representative, midcourter Conlan played a huge role in the Swifts Academy’s third-place finish in the Reserves competition in 2025 and has been a Training Partner for the past two years.
Schneideman, who hails from Randwick, made her Super Netball debut for the Swifts against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in 2025 and also won the Youth World Cup with Australia in Gibraltar. One of the best defensive talents in the game, she has also been a Training Partner since 2024.
Swifts Head Coach Briony Akle said she was devasted for both athletes but backed them to bounce back.
“First and foremost, this is a huge blow for Jess and Freddie who have been amazing in our senior setup and putting their hands up for future selection.
“Our Training Partners push our roster and that competition drives standards, so we are devasted for both of them personally, but also for us as a group.
“What I can guarantee is that they will have the best of care and they will bounce back from this. Our medical team is already working to ensure this is just a blip in their respective journeys.
“So many greats in the history of our Club and wider game have suffered similar injuries and it lit a fire in them to come back stronger.
“I know Jess and Freddie have that drive and we will be there to support them every step of the way.”
The Swifts will make further announcements regarding Training Partners for 2026 and the QBE Swifts Academy Squad in due course.
