Defender Kate Eddy will not return to the NSW Swifts for the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season after deciding to return home and take up a contract with the Melbourne Vixens.
Eddy, 22, joined the Swifts ahead of the 2018 Super Netball season and went on to establish herself as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the Australian game.
In her time at the club, Eddy went from being a rookie to an established member of the Swifts’ starting seven and played a huge role in the club’s 2019 Premiership-winning campaign before injury ruled her out of the Finals Series.
NSW Swifts head coach Briony Akle said she was sad to see Eddy leave, but understood the reasons behind the decision and thanked her for her contribution to the club.
“We have a saying here ‘once a Swift, always a Swift’ and I know Kate will be leaving us with very happy memories,” Akle said.
“Kate has really become one of the best defenders in the Australian game and I think only injury prevented her from achieving even higher honours this year.
“While it’s always hard to say goodbye to players of Kate’s calibre, we understand that being able to return home and having the opportunity to be closer to your loved ones is very hard to turn down.
“Kate leaves us as a Premiership winner and her contribution to the Swifts both on and off the court over the past two years has been immense.
“On behalf of everyone at the NSW Swifts I would like to wish Kate the best of luck for what comes next and we look forward to seeing her in the future.”
The NSW Swifts will make an announcement regarding the final vacant position on the club’s 2020 roster in due course.
