The NSW Swifts are on the hunt for their eighth national title – and in Round 3 of the Suncorp Super Netball, they face the ultimate litmus test in the form of reigning champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who are eyeing a historic premiership three-peat.
This clash is more than just a regular season game. It’s a meeting of two powerhouse clubs with unfinished business – and a rivalry that’s only intensified over the past 18 months.
Coming off a nail-biting win against the Melbourne Mavericks, Swifts head coach Briony Akle was quick to praise her side’s resilience and ability to shift gears under pressure:
“You’ve got to be able to read what is happening, what energy needs to shift, who can bring what at critical moments – and I certainly think Teigan coming on with her physical presence was very successful.”
However, Akle knows that improvement is still needed if they are to overcome the formidable Thunderbirds.
“As you know, we haven’t had a great track record in the last 18 months against the Thunderbirds. For me it’s about us – we know what’s coming. It’s about nailing the basics – centre pass conversion is key. Against the Thunderbirds, anything extra is a bonus.”
The Swifts will have to be at their clinical best to overcome the Thunderbirds’ world-renowned defensive trio: Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, and Matilda Garrett.
Jamaican superstar Sterling-Humphrey was again the backbone of the Thunderbirds’ 2024 success, leading the league with 44 intercepts, 96 deflections and 36 defensive rebounds. She also finished third overall in Nissan Net Points with 1292 and was named the Player of the Finals for her commanding performances in the big moments.
With the arrival of star recruit Grace Nweke, the Swifts have added serious firepower to their already potent shooting circle, which includes clutch-time queen Helen Housby. The English international has started the season in red-hot form sinking two super shots against the Mavs in critical moments, while Nweke continues to impress, showing incredible accuracy and strength in her debut SSN campaign.
The Thunderbirds have won the last five encounters against the Swifts, including two heart-breaking finals in 2023, when they won the major semi-final in overtime and then the grand final in the exact same scenario.
With championship ambitions burning for both sides, this clash is shaping up as a must-watch showdown.
📅 Match Details
NSW Swifts
