The NSW Swifts and Giants may be sitting at opposite ends of the Suncorp Super Netball ladder but that will count for little when they go head-to-head in the first Sydney Derby of the year on Sunday (2pm).
While both teams call Ken Rosewall Arena home it is the Giants who host the first showdown with the Swifts reverting to their yellow Heritage Dresses as the visitors on the day.
Despite only entering the scene in 2017, the Giants have been quick to build a huge rivalry with the Swifts with the majority of Derbies going down to the wire.
Most famously the teams contested the 2021 Grand Final when the Swifts claimed their seventh Premiership, and each of the last four Derbies have been sold-out affairs.
Out of the 18 contests between the sides the Swifts lead the way with 12 wins, while the Giants have five victories and there has been one draw.
Briony Akle’s troops currently sit top of the Suncorp Super Netball ladder, two wins clear of the Adelaide Thunderbirds in second. The Giants, meanwhile, sit eighth but a win over their local rivals could elevate them as high as fifth.
Akle always says "a storm's coming" when her side takes on the Giants and Swifts co-captain Paige Hadley knows the dangers that lie in wait on Sunday.
“It’s always a battle,” she said.
“Playing for that Carole Sykes Trophy in front of a huge crowd and knowing that where you sit on the ladder doesn’t matter because both teams really want to win this one.
“To be sitting top at this stage is great but we know that we have to keep improving because we haven’t come close to playing how we know we can.”
Hadley is one of four players to have taken the court in every Derby since 2017 alongside teammate mate Sarah Klau and Giants co-captains Jamie-Lee Price and Jo Harten.
Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott, whose organisation owns and operates both teams, said the Derby was know a landmark event on the Sydney sports scene.
"The Derby is always one of the highlights of the Super Netball calendar — a true showcase of NSW’s world-class netball talent, fierce competition and passionate fans.
“Every year, this match delivers incredible moments on court and an electric atmosphere in the stands.
“We encourage all netball fans, families and sports lovers to get behind their teams and be part of something special at Ken Rosewall Arena this Sunday. Your support truly lifts the players and helps take the game to the next level.”
Swifts fans looking to attend the game can purchase remaining tickets via Ticketmaster Australia while the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Binge.
MATCH NOTES
- When the teams last met in Round 14 last season the Swifts defeated the Giants 72-71.
- The Swifts lead head to head in 18 previous meetings with 12 wins, five losses and a draw.
- The Swifts have won the past five meetings between the sides. The Giants' last win over the Swifts was in Round 1, 2022 with a 57-55 victory.
- In 18 previous meetings 16 matches have been decided in single digits or drawn. Three matches have been decided by one-goal all by the Swifts.
- The Swifts and Giants have met at Ken Rosewall Arena on seven previous occasions with the Swifts winning six and the Giants one.
- The Swifts are coming off a 59-51 win over the Vixens in Sydney and remain undefeated after five rounds to sit at the top of the Super Netball ladder.
- The Giants are coming off a 56-74 loss to the Lightning in Round 5 for a record of one win and four losses to sit at the bottom of the ladder.
- The Swifts have made their best start to a Super Netball season having won their first five matches of the season. The Swifts previous best start to a season was winning four of their opening five matches in 2019 and 2020.
- The Swifts have won six of eight previous Round 6 Super Netball matches including the past two.
- The Giants have won two of eight Round 6 Super Netball matches, they have lost their past two.
- The Swifts and Giants have met in two previous Round 6 matches (2021 & 2024) and the Swifts won both.
- The Swifts, despite being undefeated in 2025, have lost their past three opening quarters against the Thunderbirds (R3), Firebirds (R4) and Vixens (R5).
- The Swifts' best quarter this season is their fourth, winning four and losing one (R4 v Firebirds).
