The QBE Swifts Academy have claimed the 2026 Super Netball Reserves title with a dominant 69-55 win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts at Netball Central.
Building on their tight semifinal win over the West Coast Fever Reserves on Friday, the Lenore Blades-coached side were the better team from the outset.
Imperious in defence and clinical in attack, the Swifts Academy produced a hugely impressive performance that highlighted the depth of talent coming through the NSW Swifts' ranks.
After finishing second on the regular-season ladder with five wins and two losses, they emerged as the standout team of the Finals weekend.
The Lightning Bolts played their part in a three days of SN Reserves action at Sydney Olympic Park, most notably with their comeback semifinal win over minor premiers - the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves. However, they had no answer for a home side buoyed by strong crowd support from start to finish.
In attack, Lauren Woods provided a steady and calming influence, while Sophia Martinussen again showed why she is one of the most exciting prospects in Australian netball, standing up under sustained defensive pressure.
Eliza Burton, Harlym Jennings and Courtney Castle continued their dynamic work in the midcourt, while the defensive pairing of captain Charlotte Raleigh and Paige O’Neill was among the best in the competition all season.
Given the Academy side lost Swifts Training Partners Jess Conlan, Freddie Schneidemann and Brianna Martyn to injury, as well as Academy stalwart Brooke Paterson, while Nicola Barge was elevated to the senior Swifts squad in place of the injured Helen Housby, this was a momentous result.
“The strength and mindset of this group is just amazing and they are a pleasure to coach,” Blades said.
“Being the feeder team to the NSW Swifts means they take huge pride in the dress they wear and they have really stepped up this year.
“We had a lot of injuries, but this group never lost belief, and everyone at the NSW Swifts and Netball NSW is really proud of this result.
“We are also lucky to have a brilliant wider coaching and support team around us, and I want to thank everyone who came out and supported us today.”
SN Reserves is Australia’s premier second-tier netball competition, designed to bridge the gap between state leagues and elite Suncorp Super Netball. The 2026 season featured eight reserve teams aligned with the current SSN clubs.
The QBE Swifts Academy replaced the Netball NSW Waratahs as the main feeder team to the NSW Swifts in 2020. It provides a daily training environment for pathway athletes with the potential to progress to the NSW Swifts.
The NSW Swifts would like to thank QBE Insurance for their continued support of the Academy program.
