Fresh off a dominant start to their 2025 Suncorp Super Netball campaign, the NSW Swifts are gearing up to host the Melbourne Mavericks in Round 2 at Ken Rosewall Arena — and they’re bringing plenty of momentum with them.
The Swifts stunned the West Coast Fever with a powerful 67–49 win on the road in Round 1, laying down an early marker in the race for the title. Now, all eyes turn to their first home game of the season.
"What we're most excited about is playing in front of our home crowd again," said defensive star Sarah Klau.
"Having the Whoop Towels back and just having that electric energy, having an asterisk army there to support us. We love playing at Ken Rosewall Arena."
Get your tickets now!
The Melbourne Mavericks come into the clash after a 59–69 loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning at John Cain Arena — a result that handed the Lightning their first-ever win over the relatively new SSN outfit.
Despite the Round 1 stumble, Klau knows not to underestimate the Mavericks.
“The Mavericks finished top four last year, so they're looking strong this season,” she said. “It was a really tight hustle in the Team Girls Cup, so we got a glimpse into what they'll bring. It'll be another full 60-minute performance.”
The head-to-head between the two sides stands at one win apiece from their two clashes last year — the Swifts taking the points in Round 2, before the Mavericks hit back in Round 8.
Klau is especially wary of the threat posed by Mavericks shooter Shimona Jok.
“They've got Shimona Jok, who is a really strong holding shooter — you know, there's only so much you can do if the feed's on,” she said. “I think it's about creating doubt in those feeders and creating that chaos and that pressure up nice and early before it gets to the circle, hopefully, to make my job a little bit easier, or Tegan's or whoever's in there.”
The Swifts defender also praised the return of another key Mavericks player.
“It’s really great to see Sarah Glasgow get back after that horrific injury,” Klau said after the shocking leg fracture Glasgow endured in a pre-season practice match in February 2024.
With the Mavericks still building on their debut season in 2024, Klau sees plenty of promise in the squad.
“I think they've got a lot of depth and will have a few things up their sleeve,” she said. “But not only that, I think they're quite a young side with a few experienced players leading the team. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
As for the Swifts, they’re staying grounded despite last week’s emphatic win.
“Now it’s about not getting complacent,” Klau said. “Obviously we had quite a solid win, but every week is just a challenge, so I think it's just bringing our best on the day because it's anyone's game at the end of the day. So again, it's about putting that foot down and yeah, hopefully, good.”
And when it comes to playing at home, the Swifts Army is front and centre.
“I think we look at our Swifts Army as the 11th player,” Klau said. “To hear people call out and to cheer — it just lifts you as a player, it lifts your spirits, it lifts your energy.”
“It was a really great atmosphere to run out in front of the Fever's crowd, but for our Army to have that voice and cheering for us is something really special.”
NSW Swifts v Melbourne Mavericks
Saturday 12 April - 7.00pm AEST
Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney (Wangal)
WATCH: Kayo, Binge, Foxtel and SEN
UMPIRES: Tim Marshall & Shauna Winchester
NSW Swifts
