Defender Lauren Moore has informed the NSW Swifts that she will not take up the club’s offer of a new contract for 2022 and will instead ply her trade elsewhere next season.
The Central Coast native, who came through the Swifts and Netball NSW Pathway, debuted for the seven-time Premiers in 2016 and has been a part of three Grand Final campaigns, winning Suncorp Super Netball Premierships in 2019 and 2021.
The 23-year-old played 39 games for the Swifts and, like co-captain Maddy Proud, made up for the disappointment of missing the 2019 Grand Final win through injury by taking the court in the 2021 decider against the Giants.
Moore said the decision to leave the Swifts was the hardest she ever had to make, but felt it was the right move at this time.
“I honestly love this club so much,” Moore said. “I have shared some of the best moments of my life with my Swifts teammates, coaches, staff members and fans over the past six years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club, its supporters and Netball NSW for supporting me to this point in my career and I feel so lucky to have been part of two title-winning campaigns.
“As you can imagine this was a decision I thought long and hard over and it’s been an exceptionally difficult one to make, but I feel it is the best one for me to take my game to the next level.
“Like Sophie (Garbin) and Nat (Haythornthwaite) said earlier in the week, the Swifts will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m leaving with very happy memories and a lot of friendships.”
Head coach Briony Akle thanked Moore for her contribution to the Swifts over the past six years.
“We are obviously sad to see Lozzie go but we understand her decision and we respect it,” Akle said.
“I have had the privilege of coaching her through the Netball NSW pathway right up to Swifts level and I’ve been hugely impressed by how she’s bounced back from big injury setbacks to establish herself as top level player.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Lozzie has had offers from other clubs and we all wish her the best for what comes next. She will always be a Swifts Premiership champion I’m delighted that we were able to achieve that during her time with us.”
The Swifts will announce further updates regarding the club’s 2022 roster in the coming days. All rosters for next season must be finalised by October 8.
