The NSW Swifts have secured the services of world-class defence duo Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner for another two seasons of Suncorp Super Netball.
Current members of the Australian Diamonds squad, Klau and Turner have formed a formidable defensive unit over the past five years and were the bedrock of the Swifts’ seventh Premiership success in 2021 with both players producing MVP performances throughout the season.
Klau joined the Swifts in 2017 after initially making her elite debut with the Adelaide Thunderbirds and has played 75 games for the club.
A two-time Swifts Premiership winner and now a stalwart of the Australian international setup, Klau said she was delighted to re-sign.
“I have loved playing for the Swifts since joining back in 2017 so I’m stoked to be on board for another two years,” Klau said.
“It is not just what we’ve been able to achieve on the court, but the way we connect off it which makes it a special club to play for.
“We haven’t had much of a chance to play at home so I felt it was only right to sign for another two years and get back out in front of our NSW fans and members after almost two full seasons away.
“Winning another Premiership this year was amazing but now we’re excited to go back and defend our title on our home court.
“Sydney has been good to me since I moved there and I want to help continue our success and add to the legacy of the Swifts.”
Turner, who debuted for the Swifts in 2016 has gone from a rookie defender in the final year of the ANZ Championship to one of the best in Super Netball and a double champion.
With 87 Swifts games under her belt already, the specialist goal defence could join an elite group of Swifts centurions in 2022 and play her 100th game for the club.
This year’s Grand Final MVP, and a member of the Swifts leadership team since 2019, Turner is pumped for the challenges ahead as the club resets after two titles in three years.
“What I love most about the Swifts is the culture and the inclusiveness both on and off the court,” she said.
“I made the move as a rookie but the club has been like second family since then and helped make Sydney a home away from home for me.
“Getting to play with Sarah for another two years really excites me too. I think she is the best goal keeper in the world and she’s also one of my best friends so to play alongside her is a pretty cool job to have.
“I never thought when I joined back in 2016 that I’d have two titles and be close to playing 100 games for a club as prestigious as the Swifts. This team has allowed me make my dreams a reality.
“Winning titles only makes you hungrier for more and while we’ll have some changes in our team next year, we are ready to build on what we’ve achieved already.”
Klau and Turner have joined co-captains Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley as players who’ve recommitted to the Swifts for the next two years. The club will make further roster announcements in the coming days. All squads for the 2022 Super Netball season must be finalised by October 8.
