Briony Akle up for top coaching award against Origin boss Brad Fittler and four others
Briony Akle has already overcome the odds to lead the NSW Swifts to a maiden Super Netball title. Now she has another challenge ahead.
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In only her second year at the helm of the Swifts Bryony Akle has made the finalists list for coach of the year at the upcoming NSW Sports Awards.
Akle, who took over the top netball side two seasons ago, transformed them from a team who had failed to even make the semi-final of Super Netball in 2017 and 2018 into the first NSW team to win the elite competition.
But the Castle Hill based mother of two is modest about the achievement - and her chances of winning.
“I saw Brad Fittler’s name and I think I might be done,’’ Akle said of being pitted against the NSW Origin coach for one of the top awards.
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Akle and Fittler are joined by Steve Corica (Football), Joe Costanzo (Judo), Simon Cusack (Swimming) and Matthew Horsnell (Athletics) as Coach of the Year finalists.
The Swifts defied a string of injuries to starting seven players to win their maiden Super Netball crown in 2019, beating defending champions, the Sunshine Coast Lightning, 64-47 in a major upset in September.
“It is only now that is sinking in what an amazing job the girls did in the grand final,’’ Akle said.
“How they went about that week of the grand final, how they played, how they won.
“I’m super proud of them.’’
The NSW Swifts are also up for Team of the Year against the NSW Blues, the NSW Breakers, the Waratahs women’s, Rowing NSW’s Interstate Team and Sydney FC.
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Akle said people were surprised by the success of the NSW Swifts.
“When we said we wanted to do it, win, a lot of people didn’t believes us,’’ she said.
“I absolutely think people are surprised we won it but we have the trophy to prove it.’’
And with nine of the 10 contracted players back for season 2020, Akle said the teams goal is to be Super Netball winners again.
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The winners of the NSW Sports Awards will be announced at the NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony at The Star Sydney on November 18.