After almost two seasons out due to a devastating knee injury, three-time NSW Swifts MVP Sam Wallace has signed on with the Club for the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season.
The Trinidad & Tobago attacker - who underwent knee construction after suffering the injury in Round 1 of the Swifts’ 2022 campaign - has travelled a long road to recovery but is ready to make her competitive return.
A Grand Final MVP in 2019, Wallace played a starring role in two Swifts Premiership-winning campaigns (2019 & 2021) and has also represented her country at two World Cups and the Commonwealth Games.
Before getting injured in 2022, Wallace amassed 77 appearances for the Swifts over five seasons and earned a reputation as one of the finest and most entertaining shooters in the game, both under the post and from range.
Head coach Briony said Wallace’s return would be emotional, but for the right reasons.
“Having had so much heartache over the past two seasons, I know it will be an extra-special moment when Sammy steps on court in front of our home fans for the first time.
“Knee injuries are complex, recoveries can fluctuate, and so much time is spent working hard by yourself to try and get back.
“Sammy has done a huge amount of work to get herself in this position, as have our amazing medical and conditioning team.
“I have always said: ‘she’s Sam Wallace!’
“You will try to move heaven and earth to keep her part of your team. She has a proven ability at this level and I think she can be the greatest goal shooter in our game again.
“That’s the challenge she’s relishing and we as a team can’t wait to support her.”
Wallace said returning to the court would be as sweet as winning titles.
“I’m not gonna lie, there were times when I thought it may have been the end for me but so many people at the Swifts helped me through and I will be grateful to them forever.
“Even though I wasn’t able to play over the past two seasons I always felt part of the Club, both on game day and in the community, and the medical staff who looked after me were so kind.
“Before getting injured, the last full game I played was the 2021 Grand Final win and that happy memory is a driving force for me.
“I know it won’t be easy because there are so many brilliant players that you come up against, but the basics of the game, and how to read it, have not changed. I want my smarts to help me while I get up to speed.
“I want to say how much I love my teammates, coaches, staff and fans of the Swifts and I cannot wait to hit the court.”
The Swifts will make further announcements regarding 2024 signings in due course.
