The NSW Swifts are saddened to announce that three-time Club MVP Sam Wallace will not take the court this season as she continues her recovery from a knee reconstruction.
In the aftermath of a season-ending ACL injury in Round 1 of the Swifts’ 2022 title defence, Wallace was aiming to return to action at the midway point of the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season, however, complications in the rehab process have ruled this out.
The Trinidad & Tobago international is a double Premiership winner with the Swifts, and was named MVP in the 2019 Super Netball Grand Final.
“We are devastated for Sammy but the most important thing is that she absolutely 100% percent right before hitting the court,” Swifts head coach Briony Akle said.
“Sam’s positive attitude and work ethic in her recovery has been top-notch, and despite the setbacks she remains a true champion in what she brings to our group.
“Only a few weeks ago she was braving the rain to support young grassroots netballers and she remains a vital part of our support team on Game Days, especially at home.”
Akle provided some additional context surrounding the delay to Wallace’s return.
“What people need to remember is that while Sam was injured in Round 1 last year, she was not able to have surgery for six weeks until the swelling went down – the injury was that bad.
“Despite that, we were very confident that she would be able to play this year. She is Sam Wallace, and you will always try everything to have her in your team.
“After Christmas Sammy was tracking very well for a 2023 return to competitive action, but everyone’s body is different and the rehab process with such a complex injury can deviate, and unfortunately that has come to pass.
“Both Sam and the medical team have been absolutely outstanding in their dedication and approach. The delay is just an unfortunate by-product of a very severe knee injury.
“When the recovery slowed it became obvious that rushing Sam back could be detrimental for her in the long-term and our priority will always be long-term athlete wellbeing and duty of care ahead of everything else.
“Sammy still has so much to give the game and we would never put that at risk for a quick sugar-hit.
“First and foremost, we want to get Sam’s knee to where it needs to be before we look at 2024 and beyond.”
While disappointed, Wallace said she was exceptionally thankful for the support she’d received from the Club and fans alike.
“It’s hard knowing that I won’t get the chance to play with the girls this year, and also miss out on the World Cup in South Africa,” Wallace said.
“I was so excited about getting back on court quicker and when my knee didn’t feel right again it was very hard to take.
“But everyone at the Swifts has been so good to me… our physio, the doctors, the girls, coaches, staff and fans.
“The Club has given me the best medical care and I feel very lucky and grateful because not everyone in the real world can get access to this.
“It’s like one step forward, two steps back, but at least I know it is going in the right direction.
“I have done so much recovery work that some more won’t break me because I know I have more to give at the highest level.”
