England’s Helen Housby hoping to shoot Swifts to Super Netball success
SHE might be the Diamonds’ No. 1 enemy after netting England’s winning goal at the Comm Games but to the Swifts, Helen Housby can help shoot them to new success in Super Netball.
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SHE might be the Diamonds No. 1 enemy after netting the winning goal to seal England’s win over Australia at the Commonwealth Game but to the Swifts Helen Housby is the woman who can help shoot them to new success in Super Netball.
The English star is already back in training with her teammates at the Sydney club ahead of their first game of the year against the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday week.
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Housby says she has encountered no ill-feeling from fans about her role in Australia’s demise as Commonwealth Games champions and does not expect to in the future.
“There are no Diamonds in the Swifts currently so it’s not as awkward as it could have been,” laughed Housby.
“The girls have been so supportive and welcoming for me.
“I don’t expect any animosity from anyone.”
The crack shooter says the unexpected Games win has already had an effect on the sport in the UK with the result front and back page news.
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There has also been a surge in ticket sales for next year’s World Cup in Liverpool and such an increase in the sport’s profile the likes of David Beckham sent football-mad Housby a personal congratulations after the win via Instagram.
“That was one of the best things. I am a huge Man United fan. I lost it a little. I never dreamt he would reach out and contact me,” Housby said.
But for the next four months Housby’s attention won’t be on the anticipated rematch between Australia and England in September in the Quad series. It will be on helping the Swifts crack the playoffs in season two of Super Netball.
The Swifts finished sixth last year with final-quarter fade-outs a major issue for the least experienced team in the competition.
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They kick off this season with a match against the Laura Geitz-lead former champion team, the Queensland Firebirds, at Qudos Arena as part of a NSW double-header.
“It is really important to win at home. Having a home game does give you an advantage,” Housby said.
“I think last year we had nothing to lose, were deemed as young and inexperienced, and we came out and shocked teams.
“We didn’t have the mental capacity to win games. I think the nerves got ahead of us and we let it slipped.
“We’ve been working on that. This year we will have much more composure and maturity.”
The Giants will take on Lightning in a Grand Final replay in their first outing of the year prior the Swifts v Firebirds match on April 29.