The NSW Swifts head north for a crucial Round 6 Suncorp Super Netball clash against the Queensland Firebirds at Nissan Arena on Saturday (5pm), with both sides searching for momentum in what has become a pivotal early-season encounter.
There’s little separating the teams historically, particularly in the Super Netball era. While the Swifts hold a 12-6 advantage since 2017, the rivalry has been defined by tight contests. Half of those 18 meetings have been decided by four goals or fewer, including two that went to extra time.
Their most recent clash was another thriller, with the Swifts edging the Firebirds 79-75 in Brisbane after extra time in Round 14 last season.
Leadership group member Tayla Fraser says the team needs to stay in the entirety of the match if they want to defeat the Firebirds.
“We’ve been building, we’re building in the right direction, but we need to put it all together for 60 minutes,” she said.
Both teams enter Round 6 in similar positions on the ladder and in form, the Swifts sit seventh while the Firebirds are just ahead in sixth both coming off a loss in Round 5.
With a clear focus on sharpening their defensive edge, head coach Briony Akle says the team has been intentional with their training focus this week.
“We’ve done a lot of hard work this week at training around confusion,” she said.
“In the past we’ve been too close on the body and that makes it really easy for attackers to read.”
Akle says there are also promising signs in attack, particularly with the developing connection between Grace Nweke and Grace Whyte.
“The combination between Grace Nweke and Grace Whyte will only continue to grow,” she said.
Given the history between the sides, another close finish wouldn’t be a surprise when they go head-to-head on Saturday 18 April at 5pm at Nissan Arena. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo and Binge.
MATCH NOTES:
- When the teams last met in Round 14 last season the Swifts defeated the Firebirds 79-75 in Brisbane after extra time.
- The Swifts lead the Firebirds with 12 wins to six in 18 previous Super Netball meetings since 2017.
- Nine of the 18 previous meetings between the teams have been decided by four goals or less and two of those after extra time.
- The Firebirds and Swifts have met in Brisbane on 10 previous occasions in Super Netball and the Swifts have won six and the Firebirds four.
- The Swifts have won seven of nine previous Super Netball round six matches.
