The QBE Swifts Academy will play in the 2026 Super Netball Reserves Grand Final on Sunday after a pulsating 54-52 win over the West Coast Fever Reserves.
Down by three goals at the first break, the Swifts Academy - the feeder side to the NSW Swifts - lifted strongly in the second and third quarters, establishing control of the contest and holding firm late.
Captain Charlotte Raleigh was a tower of strength in defence, ably supported by Paige O’Neill, while in the midcourt Eliza Burton and Courtney Castle were dynamic throughout.
In attack, Sophia Martinussen kept the scoreboard ticking over, but it was Lauren Woods who proved decisive against a surging Fever outfit, landing a Super Shot two minutes from time that piled pressure on the West Australians.
Forced to score back-to-back Super Shots to tie the game, Fever couldn’t find a clear path to goal when it mattered most, as the Swifts held on.
The Swifts Academy will now face the Sunshine Coast Lightning Reserves in the decider at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday (12pm).
The Queensland side pulled off a major upset earlier in the day, coming from behind to defeat Minor Premier Melbourne Mavericks Reserves in the first semifinal.
In 2026, the SN Reserves has once again run alongside the Suncorp Super Netball season, providing emerging talent with invaluable match-play opportunities as a bridge between state-level competition and the world’s best netball league.
