In a fitting Christmas story, NSW junior Lili Gorman-Brown has made her dream a reality by signing her first-ever fulltime Swifts contract for the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The Sutherland Shire midcourter, who has already played eight games for the Swifts as an injury replacement across 2022 and 2023, completes the seven-time Premiers’ roster for next season when they will aim to return to the top of Super Netball.
Gorman-Brown, 24, played a major role in the Swifts’ Minor Premiership success last season and only just missed out on a Premiership medal after the team’s extra-time Grand Final loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
A versatile midcourter and QBE Swifts Academy graduate, Gorman-Brown’s resilience over a number of years has impressed head coach Briony Akle.
“I have coached Lili from her pathway days right up to Super Netball and she’s always been the ultimate team player, whose been selfless and chipped away and now her time has come,” she said.
“To make it to Super Netball you can’t just be good: you have to be exceptional.
“Not only do you need to be among the best of the 1 million-plus netballers in Australia, you’re also battling the best from an additional 19 million playing around the globe for a contract in the world’s best league.
“Your talent must also be matched with resilience and Lili is a testament to that.
“There were times when she could’ve walked away but she never did. Instead, she always asked what she could do better for the team, and how she could improve her own game.
“Every young pathway netballer should look at Lili and take note. Just because you don’t have an SSN contract at 21 doesn’t mean your time won’t come, but you have to be prepared to graft and prove you’re good enough. Lili has done that.
“Lili came in and did an exceptional job for us, particularly in 2023, and has really earned her shot in 2024. I can’t wait to see what she can do next.”
Gorman-Brown said the good news was still sinking in.
“When Briony said she wanted to chat I always had hope she’d pick me for 2024, but it was obviously still a bit nerve-wracking.
“I have followed the Swifts since I can remember and getting to play alongside so many champions of the game such as Paige Hadley, Maddy Proud and Helen Housby is not just a dream come true, it is a daily learning experience that I cherish.
“I see first-hand why they’ve been so successful and consistent in recent years. Most of them have won multiple Premierships and they instill a hunger in you to join them in that club.
“The passion the playing group has is incredible, and that passion is shared across our coaches, Swifts staff and fans in the stands and all over NSW.
“My journey to a fulltime contract has been a long one, but that makes it all the sweeter. Now I want to go out and repay the confidence that’s been put in me.”
