The NSW Swifts have crowned rising star Grace Whyte as their QBE Most Valuable Player for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, recognising a standout campaign that confirmed her emergence as one of Australian netball’s brightest young talents.
The 21-year-old Tumut native, who joined the Swifts’ full-time senior list for the first time in 2026 after being named the club’s eleventh player in 2025, was rewarded for a season defined by composure, versatility and clutch performances in high-pressure moments.
With seasoned Swifts champion Helen Housby ruled out for most of 2026 through injury, Whyte stepped into a leading role in the attacking circle, forming a potent partnership with Silver Ferns international Grace Nweke.
A product of the QBE Swifts Academy and the Netball NSW pathway, Whyte’s performances earned her an invitation to the Australian Diamonds squad for their 2026/27 program.
“The MVP honour caps a rapid rise for Grace,” Swifts head coach Briony Akle said.
“Her recognition continues a recent trend of young Swifts players stepping into big shoes when injuries have hit this year.
“While it’s been disappointing to miss finals, Grace’s emergence alongside players such as Nicola Barge shows the Swifts are consistently producing outstanding talent, setting the club up strongly for the future.
“Like other great regional athletes the Swifts have produced, such as Susan Pettitt and Sophie Fawns, she is an inspiration to players across the state who can dream of following in her footsteps.”
The MVP award, presented by Principal Partner QBE Insurance since 2008, was the second honour of the night for Whyte, who also claimed the Members’ Player of the Year Award.
Maddy Proud, who returned to elite netball in 2026 after welcoming her first child last year, received the Coaches’ Award, while returning Swifts champion Tayla Fraser was named Players’ Player of the Year.
In other awards, Dani Mace (High Performance Manager) was named Club Person of the Year (Team Support Staff), and Maddy Towells (Events Manager) received the Club Person of the Year (Administration Staff).
The Aware Super Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Leanne Bambe.
2026 NSW Swifts Awards winners
- QBE Most Valuable Player: Grace Whyte
- Members’ Player of the Year: Grace Whyte
- Coaches’ Award: Maddy Proud
- Players’ Player of the Year: Tayla Fraser
- Club People of the Year: Dani Mace (High Performance) & Maddy Towells (Administration)
- Aware Super Volunteer of the Year: Leanne Bambe
