The NSW Swifts will be out to build on their Round 1 win of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season when they take on the Melbourne Mavericks in Round 2 at Ken Rosewall Arena this Sunday.
After a powerful 67–49 win over the West Coast Fever in Perth, the Swifts return home sitting at the top of the ladder, but Head Coach Briony Akle says there’s still plenty to refine.
“Our start was not great last week against the Fever – we were 5-1 down in the first few minutes – so starting well is important,” she said.
“It wasn't pretty at the start and I think even with a win there's things to learn from and to improve on,” added Co-Captain Paige Hadley.
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The Swifts will be looking to reverse the result from their last encounter with the Mavericks, a 64–58 loss in Melbourne in Round 8 last season. With both teams bringing firepower, Akle knows her side must be ready from the first whistle.
“The Mavs fight to the death and we certainly know they're a team that knock off all the top teams. We are not taking them lightly. We've got huge respect for them all down the court. We know that they'll be their game and that we're going to have to turn up and play our game,” she said.
Centre court matchups will be key, with Hadley preparing to face off against Mavericks midcourter Amy Parmenter.
“Who knows where we'll match up, whether in wing attack or wing defence or in the middle. But yeah, Amy is such a defensive player, so for me, it's about keeping it short, sharp, but sticking to my strengths,” Hadley said.
The Swifts will again look to Grace Nweke, who scored a Round 1-high of 51 goals on debut. The 21-year-old continues to impress, and Hadley says her mindset sets her apart.
“Grace is just a world-class player. I think the best thing about Grace is she just wants to get better, even though I think she's exceptional – she wants to keep getting better.”
With new signings Sharni Lambden and Verity Simmons also impressing in Round 1, and the red army returning to the stands, the Swifts are primed for a big afternoon at Ken Rosewall Arena.
“It’s so good to be back at KRA with our fans and just seeing a sea of red will be amazing. We didn't have that many wins last year so hopefully we'll get some wins on the board and do it for our fans,” Akle said.
The match will take place at 7pm, Saturday 12 April at the KRA.
Swifts Preliminary Team List:
Paige Hadley, Helen Housby, Sarah Klau, Sharni Lambden, Grace Nweke, Teigan O’Shannassy, Verity Simmons*, Allie Smith, Maddy Turner, Grace Whyte.
*Permanent Replacement Player
NSW Swifts
