An MVP performance by Swifts stalwart Helen Housby has got the NSW’s 2026 Suncorp Super Netball campaign up and running with a thrilling 70-69 Round 2 win over the Melbourne Mavericks at Qudos Bank Arena.
In front of a record National League regular season crowd of over 13,400 fans, the Swifts overcame early jitters to grow into the contest and finish at a gallop for the first win of their 30th Anniversary season.
Double Premiership winner Housby had ample help in the goal circle from Silver Ferns superstar Grace Nweke, who delivered 44 goals, including two Super Shots, at a success rate of 97%.
Despite a poor first quarter, which the Mavericks won 22-16, Briony Akle’s team showed huge resolve to bounce back from last weekend’s 20-goal loss in Adelaide to win the next three quarters – saving their best for last.
“We love a tight game,” Akle said afterwards. “I do feel like we’re good at it though.
“We are good in those moments of coming back so I am very proud of my team tonight.
“We were very composed in the last minute to get Helen and Grace the chance to seal the win.
“Last year we didn’t have that composure against the Vixens in the Preliminary Final and it cost us. But today it showed that we can turn it around.
“Last week in Adelaide wasn’t the Swifts way and we let it get away from us. Today the Mavericks were excellent, and we stayed in the fight and pulled through against quality opposition. That’s really pleasing.”
In front of a massive crowd the Mavericks showed last weekend’s big win over the Giants was no flash in the pan and they were full value for their six-goal lead at the first break.
Shimona Nelson was outstanding in the goal circle while their midcourt of Jamie Lee-Price and Amy Parmenter harried well throughout the first half.
With 150-gamer Maddy Proud injected for the second half the Swifts found more flow and the Mavericks couldn’t maintain the pace they’d played at in the first 30 minutes.
As the mistakes came the Swifts swooped with Housby and Sharni Lambden to the fore, while Grace Whyte’s star continued to rise with an accomplished performance.
In a crazy endgame with Super Shots and turnovers exchanged aplenty, it looked like former Swift Uneeq Palavi would come back to haunt her old side when she scored from range but in a game of millimetres it would prove to be the Swifts’ night.
Off turnover possession the experienced heads of Sarah Klau, Maddy Turner, Gina Crampton and Proud played the clock down for Housby to seal the win.
The Swifts head to the Sunshine Coast next weekend to face the Lightning in Round 3.
