The next generation of NSW Swifts talent are ready to make their mark, with the club unveiling its 2027 QBE Swifts Academy squad, as the reigning Super Netball Reserves champions prepare for another exciting season.
Fresh off a championship-winning 2026 campaign, the Academy will head into 2027 looking to build on its success, with 16 athletes selected to represent the Swifts' development program.
The new squad features 13 returning athletes from last year's championship-winning group, joined by three fresh faces eager to make their mark in the famous Red Dress.
Joining the program for the first time is Xanthia Crookes, Marley Dighton, and Katarina Sincek, bringing a fresh injection of talent to the championship-winning group. Former 2026 Swifts training partner Brianna Martyn will also join the line up.
Alongside the selected athletes, 2027 Swifts training partners, Nicola Barge, Jess Conlan, Sophia Martinussen, Paige O'Neill and Freddie Schneideman will take part in the Super Netball Reserves competition to further their development within the club's elite environment.
The Academy will once again compete in the Super Netball Reserves competition, testing itself against the country's best emerging talent. After finishing in the top three in 2025, the 2026 group went one step further, claiming the competition title and setting a new benchmark for the program.
Leading the Academy for another season will be foundation Head Coach Lenore Blades, whose mentorship has played an important role in developing emerging talent and strengthening the Swifts' pathway to elite netball.
Blades congratulated every athlete selected for the year ahead, saying the 2026 triumph had lifted the standard and expectations within the program.
“Winning the Reserves competition was a proud moment for us. It's a testament to how much work the athletes put into their training on and off the court all year. It has lifted the standard of the player experience, and the athletes have embraced every challenge put in front of them,” Blades said.
“This is some of the best talent NSW has to offer, and I can’t wait to watch them take the court in 2027.
“Pulling on a Swifts dress is something special. I hope this group is ready to give their all and show why they deserve the Red Dress in the years to come.”
Established in late 2019 and supported by Netball NSW and Principal Partner QBE Insurance, the QBE Swifts Academy provides aspiring athletes with another pathway into Australia's most successful elite netball club.
The program continues to play an important role in identifying and developing the next generation of Swifts, with several members of the current senior playing group having also progressed through the Academy ranks.
The NSW Swifts extend their thanks to QBE Insurance for its ongoing support of the Academy and its commitment to investing in the future of netball.
With a championship title to defend, a blend of returning experience and exciting new talent, and five athletes taking the next step as NSW Swifts Training Partners, the 2027 QBE Swifts Academy is ready for the challenge ahead.
2027 QBE Swifts Academy Athletes
- Nicola Barge* (Sutherland Shire)
- Eliza Burton (Arawang, Canberra)
- Courtney Castle (Liverpool City)
- Xanthia Crookes (Northern Suburbs)
- Marley Dighton (Ku-Ring-Gai)
- Jess Conlan* (Barellan & District)
- Harlym Jennings (Sutherland Shire)
- Isabella Maher (Sutherland Shire)
- Sophia Martinussen* (Tuggeranong, Canberra)
- Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
- Brianna Martyn (Sunshine Coast)
- Ava Moller (Wagga Wagga)
- Paige O’Neill* (Northern Tasmania)
- Charlotte Raleigh (Armidale & District)
- Freddie Schneideman* (Randwick)
- Katarina Sincek (Camden & District)
*Denotes 2027 NSW Swifts Training Partner
