A Derby win over the Giants was exactly the tonic Briony Akle’s NSW Swifts needed after a mad-dash rush to Queensland last week, but with games coming thick and heavy from now on the work is just beginning.
Next up for the Premiers is a clash with 2018 Grand Finalists the West Coast Fever at University of Sunshine Coast on Sunday (3.30pm – live on Telstra TV and the Telstra Netball Live app).
It’s the first of two games the Swifts are set to play in four days with NSW backing up on Wednesday night against the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Round 3.
Given the condensed nature of the league in 2020, Akle said the team that manages its squad rotation best would be in the box seat to claim the Premiership.
“We had a very tough game against the Giants at the weekend and we really needed to get a lot of our players out on court as everyone is vital in this campaign.
“There are no tourists in our group and I have been really impressed by the commitment and attitude shown by everyone so far.
“By the time Sunday comes we’ll have had a week between games, but that will be a rarity from now on so the real rollercoaster starts this weekend.”
On the Fever, Akle said they were impressive in Round 1 against the Thunderbirds and very like the side which did the double over her team in 2018.
“We had two great wins over the Fever last year and that was a massive deal for us as they schooled us a big the year before,” Akle added.
“They missed out on Finals last year but they had a poor start to 2019 and things didn’t seem to click for them after that.
“It looks like they are back to their best and with Jhaniele Fowler probably being the best target in the competition for feeders it will be another massive challenge for our defence – especially Sarah Klau.
“They also have a very speedy midcourt and in Verity Charles they have one of the finest athletes in the competition so it’s going to be a big, big challenge.”
Diamonds defender Maddy Turner will miss this Sunday’s game as she recovers from an ankle injury but, other than that, the team are in good health.
Akle said Turner was responding well to treatment and was a great addition to the backroom team.
“Maddy has been going really well with our medical team and also been fully involved in running sessions.
“She is a world class player and having her in the team environment, even when she’s injured, is very important to us as a unit.
“I was delighted to see Lauren Moore play to her potential last week and with both her and Maddy in our roster it’s fantastic to have options like that.”
NSW Swifts Team List v Fever – Round 2, 2020
Sophie Craig (nee Halpin), Tayla Fraser, Sophie Garbin, Paige Hadley, Natalie Haythornthwaite, Helen Housby, Sarah Klau, Lauren Moore, Maddy Proud, Leilani Rohweder, Nicole Styles, Sam Wallace.
