NSW Swifts’ new goals and new coach for 2018 Super Netball
THEY were well known as the youngest and most inexperienced team in last year’s Super Netball competition but in 2018 the NSW Swifts want to reinvent themselves. SWOOP guide.
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THEY were well known as the youngest and most inexperienced team in last year’s Super Netball competition but in 2018 the NSW Swifts want to reinvent themselves.
In season two of the world class competition, the NSW Swifts are determined to be known as a major force.
Captain Abbey McCulloch says the time is right for the side to give its image a major makeover and be contenders for the Super netball crown.
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In 2018 the side wants to be known as a danger team, not a side bursting with potential.
And they want to be far higher up the ladder than they were last year.
Our guide to the SWIFTS team and their goals in the 2018.
HOW DOES THE TEAM LOOK?
There are only minor changes from last season which will help the Swifts make their mark.
Still leading the side is Abby McCulloch as part of a leadership group which also includes Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley.
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WHAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
There has been a change at the very top with former Swifts player Briony Akle now leading the side following Rob Wright’s move to Melbourne.
Akle already has the players trust and already has the, believing they can be a top four contender — or better- this year.
THE ROSTER
The NSW Swifts have re-signed their entire starting roster plus young gun Claire O’Brien for the 2018 Super Netball season.
Abbey McCulloch and English import Helen Housby signed two-year deals prior to the inaugural Super Netball season.
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Trinidadian shooter Sam Wallace and Diamond squad member Paige Hadley headlined the re-signings which also include up-and-coming defenders Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner and midcourt star Maddy Proud.
The new faces in the side are Kate Eddy and Sophie Garbin
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HOW DID THEY GO LAST YEAR?
The Swifts recorded three wins during the preliminary rounds to finish in sixth place overall on the points ladder at the end of the regular season.
They earned a reputation for being dangerous due to their unpredictability.
However, their inability to finish off games cost them dearly.
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SWIFTS FIXTURE FOR 2018
Round 1 — NSW Swifts v QLD Firebirds (Double Header)
3pm, Sunday 29 April — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 2 — Melbourne Vixens v NSW Swifts
3pm, Sunday 6 May — Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Round 3 — NSW Swifts v GIANTS Netball (NSW Derby)
1pm, Sunday 13 May — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 4 — West Coast Fever v NSW Swifts
3pm, Sunday 20 May, HBF Stadium, Perth
Round 5 — NSW Swifts v Magpies Netball
1pm, Sunday 27 May — QuayCentre, Sydney Olympic Park (formerly Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre)
CAPTAINS CALL: What Abbey McCulloch thinks
Round 6 — NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds
1pm, Sunday 3 June — QuayCentre, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 7 — NSW Swifts v Sunshine Coast Lightning (Double Header)
3pm, Sunday 17 June — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 8 — Queensland Firebirds v NSW Swifts
3pm, Sunday 24 June — Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Round 9 NSW Swifts v Melbourne Vixens
3pm, Saturday 30 June — QuayCentre, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 10 — GIANTS Netball v NSW Swifts (Return NSW Derby)
5pm, Sunday 8 July — International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Round 11 — NSW Swifts v West Coast Fever
7pm, Saturday 14 July — QuayCentre, Sydney Olympic Park
Round 12 — Magpies Netball v NSW Swifts
3pm, Saturday 21 July — Hisense Arena, Melbourne
Round 13 — Sunshine Coast Lightning v NSW Swifts
3pm, Saturday 28 July — University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD
Round 14 — Adelaide Thunderbirds v NSW Swifts
7.30pm, Friday 3 August — Priceline Stadium, Adelaide
All times AEST, ticket from Ticketek