The NSW Swifts are back on the winners list after a resounding 72-59 Derby win over the Giants in Round 7 of Suncorp Super Netball.
Seeking their first win since Round 2, the Swifts put their frustration at letting recent games slip out on their local rivals with their best display of the season to date.
Briony Akle’s team dominated the first half, winning it by a whopping 40 goals to 26, and when they won the third quarter there was no way back for the Giants.
The Swifts' defence was superb all evening with MVP Sharni Lambden a colossus, while captain Maddy Turner and temporary replacement Katrina Rore were consistently disrupting the Giants at will.
Unlike in previous games on this night the Swifts were deadly with bonus possession with Maddy Proud and Tayla Fraser using all of their experience to work the ball up to the attack end were Grace Nweke was imperious.
The Silver Ferns shooter scored 61 of her team’s goal tally as her connection with Grace Whyte continued to grow. When Whyte hobbled off with a cork complaint young NSW junior Nicola Barge stepped in and the Swifts didn't miss a beat.
The seven-time Premiers only scored one Super Shot in the game but they didn’t need any more such was their dominance in all areas.
By contrast the Giants needed Super Shots to keep them in the game. The hot hand of Sophie Dwyer helped their haul of 12 two-pointers but despite this they never really all the races.
The Swifts won the first three quarters by margins of seven, seven and five and while the Giants won the last quarter (20-14) it was only scant consolation.
The result means the Swifts retained the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy with the Giants still seeking a first win over them since Round 1 of 2022, while they have put some renewed hope into their efforts to return to Finals netball for a record 23rd time in 30 years.
The game also carried significance beyond the scoreboard, as it shone a spotlight on Women Veterans Australia and the ongoing push for gender equality with an all-female ANZAC Ceremony taking centre stage pre-game.
