As the NSW Swifts gear up for another exciting season of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN), the club has unveiled its leadership group for 2025, highlighting a powerful mix of experience, resilience, and excellence. Helen Housby and Sarah Klau join Co-Captains Paige Hadley and Maddy Turner.
With all members of the leadership group being Swifts Centurions, each having played over 100 games for the Club, the 2025 leadership group is set to be a powerful force on and off the court. The Swifts will rely on these seasoned leaders to guide them through another exciting season, where their goal is nothing short of a third premiership.
At 30 years old, Helen Housby is not just a pivotal figure for the NSW Swifts, but one of the brightest stars in world netball. She has developed from a fresh-faced rookie to a leader and is a shining example of growth and resilience.
Joining the Swifts in 2017 at the start of the SSN era, Housby quickly cemented her place as a club legend, making her mark with a spectacular combination of skill, flair, and an unshakable ability to perform in the most crucial moments.
The English Roses star has played in three Grand Finals, winning two (2019 and 2021), and was named Club MVP back-to-back. Most notably, she was crowned the 2023 Netball World Cup MVP, after leading England to the Final. Her clutch shooting in those high-stakes moments is legendary, with Housby’s expertise in long-range shots often proving the difference when the Swifts need it most.
At the other end of the court, Sarah Klau, also 30, is one of the most formidable defenders in Australian netball. Also a Swifts centurion and three-time Grand Finalist, Klau has won two Premierships (2019 and 2021) and is known for her impenetrable defensive tactics that have earned her a spot in the Australian Diamonds squad. Her achievements speak volumes, from World Cup gold in 2023 to Commonwealth Games Gold in 2022.
She and fellow defender Maddy Turner form one of the longest-serving defensive pairings in the SSN. The duo’s chemistry, both on and off the court, has contributed to their dominance.
At the helm of the leadership group are Paige Hadley and Maddy Turner, the club’s trusted Co-Captains. Hadley, at 32, is the longest-serving Swift in history, with over 150 games to her name. Known for her versatility in the Centre, Wing Attack, and Wing Defence positions, Hadley has played in five Grand Finals, with the Swifts winning two titles (2019 and 2021). A vice-captain of the Australian Diamonds, she has an extensive list of accolades, including two Netball World Cup wins and Commonwealth Gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Hadley is a club icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest Swifts players of the modern era. Her leadership, both on and off the court, sets a benchmark for the entire team.
Maddy Turner, 29, is another cornerstone of the Swifts’ success. A double premiership winner (2019 and 2021), Turner has been a consistent force in defence. Her leadership journey began in 2019 when she was elevated to the leadership team, and in 2021 she was voted Grand Final MVP. Known for her thoughtful, collective-first mentality, Turner commands attention when she speaks and is regarded as one of the league’s most respected players. Her leadership qualities and fierce commitment to the team have made her a key figure for the Swifts.
As the team prepares for the Suncorp Team Girls Cup in Adelaide, all eyes will be on the Swifts and their leadership group, which brings a mix of experience, passion, and excellence to the court. With Paige Hadley, Maddy Turner, Helen Housby, and Sarah Klau leading the way, the NSW Swifts are poised for another incredible season of SSN action.
NSW Swifts
