Verity Simmons’ first match with the NSW Swifts is about to be a dramatic showdown—against none other than her former team, the West Coast Fever. The Round 1 clash in Perth will be a full-circle moment for the 33-year-old athlete, who has spent years battling for titles with both the Queensland Firebirds and West Coast Fever, winning two National League titles along the way. But this match isn’t just any debut—it's Verity’s return to Perth, her old stomping ground, where she’s ready to face her former teammates and the fierce Fever fans.
How are you feeling about facing your old team, the Fever, in Round 1?
“I'm really keen. I feel prepared with the girls, and I’m excited to get back to Perth and be at RAC again. Hopefully, we get a few cheers and see some red shirts in the crowd. I’m just excited to open up round one, be back in WA, and face the old side. It feels like fate has lined everything up. I’m just keen for the match.”
The Fever may have changed since her departure, but Verity knows the strengths of her former team better than anyone. As she steps onto the court against them, it’s not just about skill—it's about bringing the toughness and adaptability she gained during her time in the AFLW with the West Coast Eagles.
You’ve played with the West Coast Fever, so what are you looking to target in this match?
“They play a very different game now than when I was there. At Team Girls Cup, I saw how they’ve evolved—very strong, quick, and fast with the ball. Their speed and movement are their strengths. But that’s where we’ll look to interrupt them, slow things down a bit. We’ve got a strong game plan for our attacking style, and it’s about sticking to the basics and focusing on what we can control.”
In netball, things can shift quickly, and Verity’s time in AFL gave her the physical and mental toughness to adapt to any situation— it taught her a new kind of resilience that will help her face the physicality of netball with an entirely new perspective.
What did you take away from AFL that you can use in netball?
“Definitely the physicality. In AFL, you’re getting those hits coming in and you have to bounce back up, so now when I get a knock in netball, it doesn’t faze me as much. It toughened me up and taught me adaptability—playing for the West Coast Eagles was all about being everywhere, doing everything, and not knowing exactly what to expect. Netball is the same way—every game is different, and you’ve got to stay calm, stay focused, and adjust quickly. I guess that experience helps me stay calm under pressure and be the energy for the team, no matter the situation.”
While Verity’s first match with the Swifts will be against the Fever, it marks more than just another game—it’s a homecoming for the netballer who was born and raised in Grafton, NSW. After years of playing in Queensland and Western Australia, Verity is finally representing her home state, something that holds deep personal significance.
What does it mean to come home and play for the Swifts?
“It’s really special. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back home, and it’s just incredible to come back and have my family and friends around me. My grandparents are coming to every home game this year, which is really special to me. And my old family and friends in Grafton—who’ve always wanted to support Sydney but had to cheer for West Coast—are really excited to finally wear a red shirt. It’s amazing to have that network back and to play for my home state.”
Verity’s return to NSW and the Swifts isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a deeply personal journey, coming full circle from her roots in Grafton to playing for the team she grew up watching.
And what about those Fever fans? You’ve seen their fierce energy up close…
“Oh, I’ve definitely heard about them! They’re so loud and passionate. I think my family and friends have picked up a thing or two from their time out in Perth. I’ll put the word out—let’s make some noise and get the crowd involved when we score!”
As Verity lines up for Round 1 against the Fever, she’s not just facing a former team. She’s bringing everything she’s learned—her toughness, adaptability, and home-state pride—into a match that promises to be electric. Whether it’s the support of her family, the experience from her AFLW days, or the intense rivalry with the Fever, Verity Simmons is ready to show why she’s a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
Watch the NSW Swifts play their first game of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball league – 4pm AEST, Sunday 6 April 2025 – on Kayo, Foxtel or Binge.
NSW Swifts
