NSW Swifts have signed dual premiership midcourter Verity Simmons as a replacement player

A dual premiership midcourter and code-switcher will come out of retirement to play with the NSW Swifts for the 2025 season, replacing the expecting co-captain, Maddy Proud.

Dual premiership midcourter and code-switcher Verity Simmons has come out of netball retirement to sign with the NSW Swifts as a replacement player for the 2025 Super Netball season.

Simmons will replace Swifts’ co-captain Maddy Proud, who announced in November she was expecting her first child next year.

The 33-year-old has won premierships with the Queensland Firebirds (2015) and with the West Coast Fever (2022) and also has three Test caps with the Diamonds.

After 11 seasons and 159 national league games, Simmons announced in November last year she was retiring from professional netball before making the switch to AFLW.

Simmons played seven games in her rookie season with the West Coast Eagles in 2024.

Originally from Grafton in NSW, Simmons said her time away from netball had made her realise she had more to offer and approached the Swifts about replacing Proud.

Verity Simmons is set to come out of retirement for the 2025 season. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

“I said back in 2023 that I was 11 years not out, and some time away has made me realise I still have more to give in netball,” Simmons said.

“When Maddy announced that she was taking time out to have a baby I reached out because I thought this could be a great new challenge at a club I have always respected.

“I grew up in NSW and played with current and former Swifts in the Netball NSW pathway so going back to the state where I first fell in love with the game is like coming full circle.

“After reaching out I was invited to trial and I would like to thank everyone at the Swifts for making me feel so welcome.”

Simmons is the second key replacement player named in as many weeks after her former team West Coast Fever announced the signing of Malawi international Mwai Kumwenda for 2025.

Kumwenda, who was playing for the Melbourne Vixens before taking time out to have her first child in 2024, will replace pregnant goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.

Simmons will replace co-captain Maddy Proud, who is expecting her first child in 2025. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle said Simmons had been a standout among the contenders to replace Proud.

“Verity is a champion athlete and big-game player with proven ability to deliver at Super Netball level,” Akle said.

“Losing an athlete of Maddy’s calibre and experience for next season meant we were looking for someone who could hit the ground running.

“We had plenty of competition for Maddy’s roster spot but Verity was a standout when she came into our environment.

“Not only did she fit in well on the court, she really impressed us with her approach to training and her fitness levels are as good as ever.

“While she has done great things so far in her career, especially with West Coast Fever, it is really nice to bring her to the Swifts given she is a NSW athlete born and bred.”

Akle said Simmons would join the Swifts to start pre-season training in January.

Originally published as NSW Swifts have signed dual premiership midcourter Verity Simmons as a replacement player