The NSW Swifts will be determined to bounce back from their opening round loss when they host the Melbourne Mavericks in a Round 2 Suncorp Super Netball Double-Header at Qudos Bank Arena this Sunday (5pm).
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With the Club breaking it’s Membership record and Premiership Captain Maddy Proud hitting her 150th National league game, Head Coach Briony Akle says there’s plenty to play for this weekend.
“This weekend is really special for our club, to be coming home and doing so in front of a record membership base means a lot,” Akle said.
“Our fans have always been our backbone, and to see that support grow to this level is something the players really feel. We can’t wait to run out in front of them.”
There have already been 10,000 tickets sold to the Double Header with both the Swifts and Giants (who play the Melbourne Vixens at 3pm in the same venue) looking to set a League record crowd.
The head-to-head between the Swifts and Mavericks sides remains even, with two wins apiece from their four Super Netball meetings to date. Each contest has followed a clear pattern with home court advantage proving decisive.
The Swifts have won both previous clashe.s in Sydney, while the Mavericks have secured their victories in Melbourne, including the most recent meeting in Round 12 last season (68–64).
Saturday night will also be a special occasion for Proud, who is set to play her 150th national league match capping a remarkable return to elite netball after the birth of her daughter, Lily.
“To see Maddy come back into this environment after having Lily has been incredible,” Akle said.
“The way she’s balanced motherhood with returning to elite sport just shows the kind of person she is. She’s put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get back to this level.”
“She hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to her leadership and competitiveness. If anything, she’s brought an even greater perspective to the group.”
The match will take place at 5pm (AEST) on Sunday 22 March at Qudos Bank Arena. NSW Swifts fans can watch from the comfort of their home on Kayo Sports, Binge or Foxtel.
Swifts Preliminary Team List: Grace Nweke, Helen Housby, Grace Whyte, Gina Crampton, Tayla Fraser, Maddy Proud, Sharni Lambden, Maddy Turner, Sarah Klau, Teigan O’Shannassy.
Key Statistics:
- When the teams last met in round 12 last season the Mavericks claimed a 68-64 victory over the Swifts in Melbourne.
- The previous four meetings have been split two wins each with the results being decided by home court advantage.
- The Swifts have won five of nine previous Super Netball round two matches, including winning the past two against the Mavericks.
- All 10 Swifts and Mavericks players took the court their respective round one matches.
- The Swifts have won both previous meetings against the Mavericks in Sydney.
