By Briony Akle, NSW Swifts Head Coach
There is no denying that this weekend will be a tough one for myself and the group of players I have the privilege of coaching.
To miss out on a Finals Series is never easy, especially when you know from experience how wonderful and exciting the playoffs are for not just the playing group, but the entire Club and its members and fans.
Throughout our proud 28-year history the Swifts have played more Finals Series than any other Club and contested an unprecedent 13 Grand Finals with seven Premierships to our name.
To say that the standard we set for ourselves is high would be an understatement. This Club will always aim for the ultimate success and it should never settle for anything less.
“Honest Me” is part of our ethos at the Swifts and recognizing our own shortcomings is vital to ensure we learn and put ourselves in a position to rebound in 2025 and beyond.
While there is immense disappointment that we are not part of the Finals Series in 2024, I also know you cannot enjoy the highs without experiencing some lows. Recent and historical success doesn’t give you a divine right to play in the business end of a competition, and Suncorp Super Netball is the most intense and elite netball competition in the world for a reason.
The four best teams in 2024 are playing Finals this weekend and I wish each of them the best of luck for what will be a hugely exciting last sprint for this year’s Premiership.
However, I also really wanted to write a special thank you to our amazing Swifts in the stands and watching on TV for everything they have provided us with this year.
Our General Manager always says that the Swifts are far more than a Club and this year I saw that more than ever.
I have been lucky enough to be part of many Swifts Premierships and Grand Final seasons both as a player and head coach. It is always fantastic when you are winning because a winning team is something everyone wants to jump onboard with. The real test comes when things aren’t going your way.
Despite us experiencing one of the most difficult seasons in our history, Swifts members and fans turned up week in and week out, in record-breaking numbers in terms of Club Membership and Game Day attendance.
I cannot tell you how much it meant to run out at a full Ken Rosewall Arena, especially when the chips were against us. I now know why our General Manager tells me daily that the Swifts are more than a club. It’s because we are family.
Our players are proven winners who have given me and our Swifts Family many wonderful days and I know they will again. Despite giving their absolute all, and showing bravery and guts aplenty, it just wasn’t their year.
But our Swifts Family appreciates guts and effort and that’s why it will always be our honour to represent them, the NSW netball community and women in elite sport.
Standing together through thick and thin is the definition of what it means to be a Swift, because a Swift always does more. We cannot wait to see you in the stands again next year.
Until 2025. Always A Swift.
Briony x
