In her time at the NSW Swifts she became a fan favourite and despite missing out on a Premiership with the Club after two heartbreaking Grand Final losses, Sharni Layton remains one of the most popular players to ever wear the Red Dress.
The Australian Diamonds World Cup winner became a cult hero in the Swifts defensive end between 2013 and 2016 and her connection still endures today.
As part for the Swifts’ 30 Years, 30 Voices series Layton reflected on her time at the Club.
“My time at the Swifts was by far my favourite out of my whole netball sporting career,” she said.
“It was just the kind of club culture we had with the girls, we all got along so well.”
It wasn’t just the team that Layton paid homage to. She loved the fans too.
“Always playing in front of a Swifts crowd, they were so loud, they had so much energy, I remember I had my own Sharni Layton chant, and they were a big part as to why the Swifts were the best of my career, not just how I played but enjoyment-wise as well”, she said.
Despite her vast career and achievements, Layton emphasised the history of the Swifts, which she says is the most memorable.
“It is about the players that came before today, you know, Liz Ellis, Cath Cox, they built the foundations of players getting paid and for netball being recognised as a professional sport.
“They were go-getters who fought so hard not only on the court but off it as well.
“The fact that their sweat and tears went into this and they did it for the love of the sport has really leveraged women’s sport to where it is today.
“Clubs like the Swifts have always been at the forefront of that. The AFLW and women’s cricket wouldn’t be where it is today without them.”
