The NSW Swifts will be aiming to secure their third win of the season when they take on the Melbourne Mavericks at John Cain Arena on Saturday at 5:00pm.
Head Coach Briony Akle said last week’s 72-59 win over the Giants was an important step forward, but warned the challenge only intensifies from here.
“Last Saturday was a good day to get us back in contention, but the games get more difficult from now on as everyone is getting more desperate to stay in contention,” Akle said.
The Swifts edged a 70–69 win in Round 2 in Sydney and hold a 3–2 advantage in the overall head-to-head with the Mavericks. Notably, the past five meetings between the teams have alternated winners, with home court advantage proving decisive on each occasion.
Akle acknowledged the growth of their upcoming opponents but said the Swifts are improving and are ready to face the challenge head on.
“The Mavericks are probably the most improved side in the competition this year and with Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter driving their midcourt we’ll have to be much better than we were last weekend,” she said.
“Our Round 2 game took us right down to the wire and in Shimona Nelson and Reilly Batcheldor they have an attack that can rack up a big score very quickly.
“That said we have a lot of champions in our group who aren’t used to being in this position, outside the play-offs at the halfway mark.
“I’m challenging them to step up again and negate the strengths the Mavericks bring by ensuring we have two options for every ball and remaining calm to convert bonus possession.”
With renewed confidence and a slight edge in recent history the Swifts will see this as a strong opportunity to go back-to-back and continue closing the gap on the top four.
The match will take place at 5pm (AEST) on Saturday 2 May at John Cain Arena. NSW Swifts fans can watch from the comfort of their home on Kayo Sports, Binge or Foxtel.
MATCH NOTES
When the teams last met in Round 2 the Swifts claimed a 70-69 victory over the Mavericks in Sydney.
The Swifts lead head to head with three wins and the Mavericks two.
The previous five meetings the result has alternated between the teams. All five previous meetings between the teams have been decided based on home court advantage.
The Swifts are coming off a 72-59 victory over the Giants in round seven for a record of two wins and five losses to sit in seventh place on the ladder.
The Swifts 13-goal win over the Giants in round seven snapped a four match losing run and recorded their second win of the season.
The Mavericks are coming off a 58-57 win over the Firebirds in round seven for a record of three wins and four losses to sit in fourth place on the ladder.
The Swifts haven’t lost a first half quarter in their past two matches but they have won just one second half quarter in their past four matches.
At the halfway point of the 2026 Super Netball season the Swifts have the best attacking record averaging 63.3 goals per match.
