MATCH PREVIEW: Round 1 – Swifts v Giants
The NSW Swifts return to Sydney as Premiers tomorrow night (Saturday 26 March) with a huge Grand Final rematch against local rivals the Giants at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park with the first centre pass at 7pm.
5.30pm Gates Open
5.40pm - Pre Match Swifts Academy v Giants Academy
From 6.30pm the Team Call On
7-m - First Centre Pass for Swifts v Giants Match
TICKETS: Great seats are still available via Ticketek (HERE) https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SWIFTS22A
TOP TIP: We advise Member and fans to allow extra time for the attending the first home game of the season with a busy Sydney Olympic Park, and many fans and Members attending matches for the first time!
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The last time the sides met competitively was in the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball decider with the Swifts controlling the game from start to finish to register their seventh Premiership in the Club’s 25th season.
And while the Grand Final went the Swifts’ way, head coach Briony Akle knows the Giants will be out for revenge in the Round 1 NSW Derby.
“It was a pretty special journey for both sides last year in the heat of a very intense COVID hub, and it was a testament to the strength in the two camps that we made it all the way to the Grand Final,” she said.
“Once we hit the court on Saturday however we are no longer Premiers as it’s a new season and the Giants will be out to make a statement early.
“A lot of people will be coming to see our first home game back at home as Premiers but the Giants won’t want to be a part of that – to them it’s all about starting their season on the right note.
“In as much as we are proud of last year’s title win, they will feel they should’ve performed better in the decider and will want to get a measure of revenge… they are going to unleash hell on us and we need to be ready.”
The Swifts have had a hampered pre-season campaign with players ruled out at various times due to injury and COVID isolations, but Akle says that’s just part and parcel of life in 2022.
“Injuries have always been a constant on our game, so we’ve just had to deal with those as they’ve arisen.
“And COVID? Well, that’s part of our daily lives and every team is in the same boat.
“Last year I think we managed the challenges thrown at us the better than most and we need to draw on the positive mental approach that’s severed us well over the past three years.
“Once we control what’s in our power to control, we are halfway to securing the rub of the green we may need further down the track.”
The Swifts’ Round 1 clash with the Giants will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
ENDS
STATS PACK:
Previous Meetings
2017 – R1, Giants 58 def Swifts 53 – Quaycentre, Sydney
2017 – R7, Giants 59 def Swifts 56 – Quaycentre, Sydney
2018 – R3, Swifts 55 def Giants 54 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
2018 – R10, Giants 66 def Swifts 56 – International Convention Centre, Sydney
2019 – R1, Swifts 63 def Giants 56 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
2019 – R9, Swifts 59 def Giants 55 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
2020 – R1, Swifts 63 def Giants 61 – Nissan Arena, Brisbane
2020 – R14, Swifts 77 drew with Giants 77 – Nissan Arena, Brisbane
2021 - R6, Swifts 63 def Giants 51 – Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney
2021 – R11, Giants 59 def Swifts 55 – Netball SA Stadium, Adelaide
2021 – Major Semi Final – Swifts 62 def Giants 61 – Nissan Arena, Brisbane
2021 – Grand Final – Swifts 63 def Giants 59 – Nissan Arena, Brisbane
OTHER STATS:
- When the teams last met in the 2021 Grand Final, the Swifts won 63-59 to claim their seventh National League title since 1997.
- The Swifts have claimed two Suncorp Super Netball titles in 2019 & 2021 to go with one in the former Trans-Tasman Championship in 2008 and four in the former Australian National League in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007.
- The Swifts lead head-to-head with seven wins, the Giants four and one draw in the 12 previous Suncorp Super Netball meetings between the teams.
