O F F I C I A L
NSW Swifts v Queensland Firebirds ANZ Championship - Round 4 Sunday 23 March, 2014 Volume 7, Issue 2
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
N S W
S W I F T S
INSIDER
CARLA DZIWOKI
CROSSROADS
MADDIE HAY
HER SURREAL SWIFTS START
SONIA MKOLOMA MAKING HER OWN MARK
QBE Supporters’
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Welcome After back to back games on the road, it is great to be playing on our home court this afternoon. There is nothing like competing in front of our fantastic Members and fans who provide such wonderful support from the RED ZONE! Before I touch on today’s game, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the amazing support you’ve provided Paige Hadley. Unfortunately injuries are a part of sport but this reality still doesn’t make it any easier when they occur. While this season-ending injury is a setback for both Paige and the team, the overwhelming support you have all afforded Paige has certainly helped her during this difficult time. As she starts her recovery from last week’s operation she will have her ups and downs, but one constant will be the support she has of every member of the extended Swifts Family.
roster, and those we’ve drafted in, have taken their chance to contribute on court. As we’ve shown in our first three games, this team is gutsy, it has character, and a never-say-die attitude which is infectious. We are building a very special culture here at the NSW Swifts, something we hope you, our fans, will be proud of both now and in years to come. Today’s game is going to be another tight match. Last season’s Runners Up, the Queensland Firebirds, are coming off an impressive come-from-behind win against the Melbourne Vixens at Hisense Arena and today is going to be equally intense. I am particularly looking forward to the midcourt match up today. Both teams boast exciting talent across all three positions and a key to securing the two points will be winning the centre court battle.
I never like to see any player sidelined through injury but unfortunately we’ve had our fair share so far this season. As I write this Welcome, we’ve not yet received the results of scans on both Brooke Miller and Taylah Davies who sustained injuries during Monday’s game; so we could be facing further personnel challenges in the coming weeks.
I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Rosalee Jencke, her staff, players and the fans of the Queensland Firebirds and hope everyone enjoys today’s game.
For me, the only upside to injury is that it presents opportunity and I’ve been very happy with the way our
Rob Wright Head Coach
IN THIS ISSUE 4-5
NEWS CENTRAL
Get all the latest NSW Swifts’ news from both on and off the court.
7
SONIA MKOLOMA
One of the world’s most decorated netball defenders opens up about her other passion – painting!
8
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Ever wondered what the players do before taking the court on game day?! Swifts Insider takes you exclusively behind-the-scenes.
10-11
MATCH CENTRE
Team profiles, Coaching Bench, Head to Head History and the One to Watch.
13
MADDIE HAY
At just 18, Maddie Hay is living the netball dream having made her ANZ Championship debut in Round Two.
15 This Tuesday 25 March 2014, the NSW Swifts are asking our supporters and the wider netball community to help mark 500 days until Sydney hosts the Netball World Cup 2015. From 7-16 August 2015, the world’s top 16 netball nations will gather in Sydney for the 14th edition of the World Cup (formerly World Netball Championships). Remarkably, this will be the first time Australia has hosted netball’s pinnacle event since 1991, when the home team claimed a famous 53-52 victory over New Zealand. The first opportunity to secure your seats will be in May this year, when packages go on sale. Visit nwc2015.com.au and subscribe to Centre Circle for all the latest event news and information (turn to page 16 for further details).
During Round 4 of the 2014 ANZ Championship, all five Australian Franchises will use their respective games as an opportunity to celebrate Harmony Day 2014. Harmony Day, which was officially marked on Friday 21 March, is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it. The NSW Swifts are proud to support a number of Netball NSW Sport Development initiatives and programs within multicultural communities throughout NSW. Netball is not only a great sport, but it promotes teamwork, positive communication, good health and inclusiveness, all in a fun and safe environment. Orange is the chosen colour of Harmony Day and during today’s game you will notice the two teams will play with orange Gilbert netballs. In addition, all NSW Swifts and Netball NSW staff, including the bench, will be wearing a Harmony Day ribbon to show our support for Harmony Day. To find out more about Harmony Day, go to: www.harmony.gov.au.
SWIFT IN THE KITCHEN
Shooting sensation Caitlin Thwaites shares her famous Chicken Cous Cous salad.
17
CROSSROADS
Carla Dziwoki talks to Swifts Insider about setting goals and never giving up on a dream.
18
LARA WELHAM
Swifts Insider takes a trip down memory lane and catches up with former NSW Swift, Sydney Sandpiper and Hunter Jaeger, Lara Welham.
INSIDER
THE TEAM EDITOR Rebecca Trbojevich WRITERS Victoria Bain, Kimberley Lewis, Rebecca Trbojevich, Rob Wright, Sharni Layton DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sarah Sugar PRODUCTION Imagination Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY SMP Images, Dave Callow, Fiora Sacco, Netball NSW, Carla Dziwoki
CONTACT US PHONE +61 2 9951 5000 EMAIL nswswifts@netballnsw.com WEBSITE nswswifts.com.au TWITTER @thenswswifts FACEBOOK /nswswifts YOUTUBE /nswswiftstv INSTAGRAM @nswswifts MAIL Swifts Insider Editor, PO Box 396 Lidcombe NSW 1825
News Central HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Today, Sunday 23 March, is NSW Swifts shooter Susan Pratley’s 30th Birthday. 2014 is Susan’s ninth year as a Swift and today will be her 87 ANZ Championship appearance for the NSW Swifts. From everyone at the NSW Swifts – Happy Birthday Susan!
TIPPETT AND DAVIES NAMED IN AUSTRALIAN 21/U SQUAD NSW Swifts goal shooter Gretel Tippett and replacement player Taylah Davies have been named in the Australian 21/U squad following the conclusion of the 2014 21/U National Netball Championships
The 21/U squad will attend a selection trial between Sunday 14 to Tuesday 16 September at the new Netball Centre of Excellence at the AIS Canberra campus, which coincides with an Australian Diamonds training camp.
Tippett and Davies were announced alongside three NSW athletes in the 22 athlete-strong squad, with Kristina Brice (Baulkham Hills), Kristiana Manu’a (Liverpool City) and Kimberley Ravaillion (QLD Firebirds/Eastwood Ryde) were also named.
A week-long tour of New Zealand is also planned in late September and October.
THE ULTIMATE SOURCE If you haven’t been on the NSW Swifts Official Website then you are missing out!
• •
nswswifts.com.au is THE ultimate source for everything NSW Swifts. For season 2014, there is more content than ever before including; • Sharni Layton’s exclusive blog “In the Zone”. • “In the Huddle” – where NSWSwiftsTV probe the players on a range of topics. • “April Asks” – no question is off limit when April interviews a teammate.
Weekly video interviews with players and coaches. Photo galleries and much more.
While you’re sitting in the RED ZONE today or when you get home this afternoon, you must; LIKE us on facebook.com/NSWSwifts FOLLOW us on twitter.com/theNSWSwifts FOLLOW us on instagram.com/NSWSwifts BOOKMARK our website; nswswifts.com.au Become the ultimate supporter by following the ultimate source!
#GOLDENBIB This season the official ANZ Championship statistics as collated by Champion Data will be used to determine which players statistically have been the best performed during each round. To acknowledge this, the ANZ Championship has introduced a new digital campaign called The #GoldenBib recognising the top attacker, top midcourter and top defender from each round based upon these statistics. To work out a player’s game ranking, Champion Data’s system is as follows: • 10 points for starting a game; • 3 points for every goal scored, 10 points deducted for every goal missed;
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INSIDER
• • • • • • • • • •
5 points for an offensive rebound; 2 points for a goal assist, 1 point for a feed; 1 point for a centre pass received; 10 points for a blocked goal; 8 points each for a defensive rebound and intercept; 6 points for a deflection; 4 points a pick-up; 12 points deducted for a turnover; 4 points deducted for a penalty turnover; 1 point deducted for a penalty.
Congratulations to Brooke Miller who tied with the Vixens’ Madi Robinson as the top ranked midcourter for her Round Two debut game against the Mainland Tactix.
VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
QBE SUPPORTERS’ MOMENT OF THE MATCH Vote at every home game for your NSW Swifts player of the match to win a prize pack on behalf of QBE. Enter by scanning
the QR Code or via the URL on the inside cover of Swifts Insider. Listen out at the end of match to see if you’re a winner!
YOUR MIGHTY NSW SWIFTS
“Brave”, “Gutsy”, “Character” and “Inspiring” – just a few words people used on social media to describe the NSW Swifts’ performance against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Monday night.
The “best game of ANZ Championship ever” is how Fox Sports Commentator Kelli Underwood described the game during their call. Social media was in meltdown after this encounter, with nothing but praise for the way in which the NSW Swifts battled against such adversity to almost claim an historic victory. These two Franchises are building a reputation for classic encounters, so the return Blockbuster at Allphones Arena on Sunday 19 May is bound to be something special!
TrevorjctLive @trevorjctlive
b e c @bec_895
Kimberlee Green @Kimmygee8
@TheNSWswifts wow that was close against undisputed form team. So proud & keep building, gotta feeling something special is here #goswifts
Holy wow! What a game! So proud @TheNSWswifts fought to the very very end!
A bloody tough contest against a quality team that’s what the @ANZChamps is all about! Proud of the girls, never giving up!
Marie Cook @Cookys_Girl
Elise C @elincar
Gus Worland @GusWorland
another great game by @TheNSWswifts in the @ANZChamps - win, lose or draw they’re still # 1 :) #anzchampionship #netball #closegame #loveit
Be proud @TheNSWswifts . That was an amazing game of netball. @ Abbey_McCulloch was a standout. @ Kimmygee8 exceptional as always.
Very gutsy effort @TheNSWswifts #veryproud
G E O R G I A @georgiamckk
Trent Copeland @copes9
David Faulks
@TheNSWswifts couldnt be anymore proud of you guys ! you fought til the last second ! couldnt wish for a better group of girls to support
Unbelievable game of netball! 50-49 but could’ve been so different. @ TheNSWswifts courage with so many injuries. So close!
Held my breath as I chewed my nails throughout the entire last quarter - girls you were absolutely courageous in the effort and commitment.
Megan Anderson @MegzAnderson
Nikki D @nik_noodle
Jodi Devine
So proud of the @TheNSWswifts great effort, character building #toughcookies
Awww bad luck to @TheNSWswifts but what a game! With all the injuries in Camp Swifts atm what a gallant effort! Very proud fan here tonight!
Brilliant effort and showed our resilience! Imagine us at our very best! That’s the thing - we still have lots of room for improvement....
Jim Wilson @Jim_Wilson7
_ciararogers @_ciararogers
That’s why we love @TheNSWswifts courage & that was unbelievable tonight! Congrats & well played too @ AdelaideTBirds @ANZChamps #thriller
After watching that game, I know why I support @TheNSWswifts Very an intense game! Couldn’t be prouder #swiftsfamily #THUvSWI #goswifts
Like
Like
Susan Pratley @SusanSwifts
Nicole Hume
What a fight by the amazing Swifts. Tough to swallow- but gee we had some fight in us. Onto the next game. #swifterstrongertogether
Can’t wait for the rematch. Sonia you did an amazing job, tireless workhorse Like
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NSW SWIFTS V
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS Sunday 19 May, 2014
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VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
5
Love netball? Love Netball Nation. As part of our commitment to supporting netball from the grassroots to the elite ANZ Championship, we have launched Netball Nation.
Now we want you to enjoy the benefits – grants to support clubs, Netball Nation carnivals with the country’s best players and coaches, and a National Netball Day to celebrate all things about the sport. Join the action now.
Find out more on NetballNation.com or follow us on:
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trademark of ANZ. 2/14
16243
NSW SWIFTS SUPPORTERS TOUR
Join the team as they take on the Northern Mystics at The Trusts Arena on Sunday 1 June 2014.
Package includes: • 2 nights twin share accommodation at Rydges Auckland incl. breakfast • Officially supplied ‘A’ reserved ticket • Exclusive access to the Swifts supporters welcome function • Airport & match transfers • Official NSW Swifts supporters apparel
Members & Fans alike have enjoyed the away game experiance and the team love to hear our vocal RED ZONE cheer squad in the stands. Contact Horizon Sporting Events Phone (02) 9764 3421 or enquiry@horizons-sport.com.au
SONIA MKOLOMA Making her own mark There is a lot behind the mask of our English Swift Sonia Mkoloma. Literally! Swifts Insider has recently discovered that this boisterous, friendly and vibrant Londoner has an artistic side to her that not even her teammates had seen before. Sonia discovered the sport of netball at the age of 13 during a PE lesson at school. But before she got her hands to the ball, her fingers had already discovered the paintbrush. “I was 11 when I found art at our local play centre. They use to paint wall murals which I would get involved in. The more I experimented with art, the more I enjoyed it,” explained Sonia. Through school her interest continued, and at the age of 16 she decided to pursue her favorite subject into College which in the UK is called their ‘A-levels’. “The standard of the art I produced went up a notch once I went into my A-levels, as I started to use different paints and materials which allowed me to experiment further.”
After completing her A-levels with flying colours, Sonia returned to College to collect her portfolio only to find that it had gone missing. “I was so gutted because all of my paintings and tools had been thrown out.”
From artworks of caves and roses, to masks she created for a Masquerade Ball, Sonia just loves to paint. Being the perfectionist she is the 35-year-old admits that painting can become all-consuming.
It was because of this that Sonia left the canvas blank for over ten years and focused her attentions on her other love, netball.
“I get into it. It’s like all or nothing. I can’t concentrate because I just want to finish it off. And when I walk away from it, I end up walking back to it and thinking ‘okay I’m just going to finish this off’. It consumes me.”
During her time out, Sonia’s netball career would bring her to the Southern Hemisphere where she was recruited by the Canterbury Tactix ahead of the inaugural ANZ Championship in 2008.
When asked if she would ever consider holding her own art exhibition she admits it would take a long time to build up enough artwork, and for now will continue to enjoy the work of others.
It was being away from family and friends, and having time on her hands which reignited Sonia’s desire to revisit her creative roots.
“I like going to art galleries. I have been to random art shows in Glebe and also at the State Library. They often have interesting collections from across the world.”
“I bought a notepad when I first moved to New Zealand and started drawing again with pastels. It’s only been the past 2 to 3 years that I have actually started painting again,” Sonia said.
Even if her wall is as far as her creations go, Sonia will keep admiring the Australian landscape, capturing images on film to recreate on canvas whilst continuing her own performance art on court for the NSW Swifts. Sharni Layton
VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
7
Season 2014
Exclusive Game Day Access Exclusively for Swifts Insider, NSWSwiftsTV went behind-the-scenes of the NSW Swifts’ first home game as the team prepared to take the court against the West Coast Fever on Sunday 2 March at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre. From the moment Head Coach Rob Wright stepped into the building until the players ran out into
the main arena for their warm up, the team’s preparations were captured on NSWSwiftsTV. Go inside the change room as the players prepared for the big match, find out which players love a pre-game ice bath who likes to get a look at the arena before they run out and watch the team come together for the final time before they hit the court.
To view the exclusive video, use your chosen QR Code App on your smartphone and scan the code above.
COURTSIDE SHOTS Here are some of our favourite photos from the NSW Swifts’ Round One, ANZ Championship game against the West Coast Fever as taken by SMP Images.
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VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
2014 ROSTERS
SWIFTS FIREBIRDS
40
Average ANZC games
Height - SHOOTING CIRCLE
NSW Swifts
186.5cm 185.5cm
Average Height - SHOOTING CIRCLE
STATS PACK
34.42
Queensland Firebirds
Gretell Tippett
192cm
Romelda Aiken
196cm
Caitlin Thwaites
188cm
Ameliaranne Wells
186cm
Carla Dziwoki
186cm
Stephanie Puopolo
181cm
Susan Pratley
180cm
Amorette Wild
179cm
H EAD
TO HEAD
8 WINS
D OWN
5 GOALS
4 WINS
or less between the teams
in favour of the Queensland Firebirds
No. 28 Caitlin Thwaites No. 29 Abbey McCulloch No. 30 Sharni Layton
No. 31 Brooke Miller No. 32 Madeline Hay
TO THE WIRE
Ten meetings have been decided by
No. 33 Taylah Davis No. 33 Micaela Wilson
LAST 10 MEETINGS 2009
L
L
W
W
L
2014 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER Team Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
C/M/Y/K
W
L
P
W
L
GF
GA
GD
%
Waikato BOP Magic
3
3
0
181
139
42 130.20%
Adelaide Thunderbirds
3
3
0
150
141
9
Melbourne Vixens
3
2
1
170
Central Pulse
3
2
1
NSW Swifts
3
2
Queensland Firebirds
3
West Coast Fever
as at 14/3/2013
Pts Form (last 3)
2013
L
L
L
SWIFTS RESULTS Home Team
Away Team
6
W W W
Swifts
54 Fever
51
106.40%
6
W W W
Tactix
57 Swifts
68
138
32 123.20%
4
W W
Thunderbirds
50 Swifts
49
164
148
16
110.80%
4
1
171
158
13
108.20%
4
W W
2
1
156
146
10
106.80%
4
W
L
W
Fever
79 Tactix
43
3
1
2
186
162
24
114.80%
2
L
L
W
Vixens
47 Firebirds
48
Southern Steel
3
0
3
157
188
-31
83.50%
0
L
L
L
Mystics
47 Pulse
53
Northern Mystics
3
0
3
117
161
-44
72.70%
0
L
L
L
Thunderbirds
50 Swifts
49
Mainland Tactix
3
0
3
146
217
-71
67.30%
0
L
L
L
Magic
61 Steel
57
0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0 100/0/0/100 White
L
L
W W L
ROUND 3 RESULTS Home Team
Away Team
*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2014 ANZ Championship Ladder from Rd 2 to the conclusion of Rd 3. Ladder does not include any results from Rd 4.
VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
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Team Match Centre NSW Swifts
/NSWSwifts
Nickname: Woki Date of Birth: 29/8/82 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 29 Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2011 Austalian Fastnet Team 2011 NNSW Waratahs Captain, Australian Netball League Premiers
Carla Dziwoki
@carladziwoki
@theNSWSwifts
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 84 International Caps: 56
Nickname: Paigey Date of Birth: 26/08/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 21 International Caps: 2
Netball Career facts: 2014 NSW Swifts Captain 2013 Aus Diamonds Vice-Captain (Malawi Tests) 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership
Netball Career facts: 2013 Aus Diamonds (Malawi Tests) 2013 Aus 21/U Player of the Year 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2013 World Youth C’ship Silver 2011, 2012 Aus 21/U team 2011 Aus 19/U team captain
Kimberlee Green C
@kimmygee8
Nickname: Sharnz Date of Birth: 6/1/88 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 56 International Caps: 12
Nickname: Ape, Pril, Prilly Date of Birth: 19/4/90 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 21 International Caps: 1
Netball Career facts: 2014 NSW Swifts Leadership Group 2011, 2013 Aus Diamonds 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2010, 2013 Two time ANZ C’ship Premiership Player (Thunderbirds) 2009 World Youth Cup Gold Medal
Netball Career facts: 2013 Aus Diamonds (tour of Eng) 2010-2012 FastNet Diamonds team 2011 NSW 21/U Team Captain - Premiers 2011 Australian 21/U Team 2010 AIS Anne Clark Award
Sharni Layton
@sharni_layton
/NSWSwiftsTV
April Letton
@aprilletton
Paige Hadley
@paigehadley2
Abbey McCulloch
@abbey_McCulloch
Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist and Co-Captain 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2007 World C’ships Gold Medallist 2006 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership
Netball Career facts: 2012/13 Aus Diamonds 2009 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens)
Paula Peralta
Jason Howell
Anita Keelan
Brett Doring
Mo’onia Gerrard
Toni Kidwell
Daniel Vukovic
Megan Simpson
Technical Assistant Coach
Rob Wright
Team Manager
Head Coach
Caitlin Thwaites
Megan Anderson Specialist Shooting
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
@caitlinthwaites
Brooke Miller
Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2013 World Youth Netball C’ship Silver Medallist
Gretel Tippett
Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst
Contracted Midcourt Specialist Coach
NSW Swifts v queensland firebirds Matches: 12 Series Record: 4-8 Swifts Home Record against the Firebirds: 3-3 Swifts Streak against the Firebirds: L-L-W-L-L First Meeting: 10/05/2008, Firebirds win 66-52 at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Last Meeting: 16/06/2013, Firebirds win 52-48 at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre The Firebirds held off a fast-finishing Swifts side to seal victory 52-48 in Round 13 of the 2013 ANZ Championship. It was a slow start from the Swifts, trailing by eight goals at the first break, 8-16. In front a capacity BCEC crowd the Swifts started to fight their way back, reducing the margin by one goal at halftime. The Swifts put in a monster effort in the third quarter, capitalising on Firebirds turnovers forced by the defensive pressure, wining the quarter 16-11. Trailing by just two goals at the final break, the stage was set for a nail-biter but after a burst from the home team, the NSW side ran out of time and fell short by four goals.
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INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 2 | visit nswswifts.com.au
@brooklynKmiller Nickname: Grets Date of Birth: 3/7/93 Height: 192cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 0
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP HIGHLIGHTS
@maddiehay345
Netball Career facts: 2013 21/U Aus Squad 2012/13 Aus Institute of Sport scholarship holder 2011 NSW 19/U Team Captain national champions 2010 NSW 19/U Team 2008-2009 NSW 17/U Team
Netball Career facts: 2013 Eng Netball Hall of Fame Bronze medal at 2009 & 2011 World Netball Championships Bronze medal at the Comm. Games (2006 & 2010)
@SusanSwifts
Maddie Hay
Netball Career facts: 2013 ANZ C’ship debut (Firebirds) 2012 NNSW Waratahs ANL team 2010-2011 NNSW Blues ANL team 2010-2011 NSW 21/U Team* 2008-2009 NSW 19/U Team* 2006-2007 NSW 17/U Team* *National Champions
Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29/12/86 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 82 International Caps: 4
Susan Pratley
Netball Career facts: 2012-2013 Netball NSW Blues ANL team 2013 Aus 19/U Squad 2013 NSW 19/U Team 2012 Aus 17/U Squad 2011-2012 NSW 17/U Team National Champions 2012
Nickname: Brookie Date of Birth: 14/4/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 86 International Caps: 54
@soniamkoloma
Nickname: Mads Date of Birth: 11/04/95 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Nickname: Abs Date of Birth: 12/2/90 Height: 178cm Position/Role: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 14
Nickname: Son Date of Birth: 17/1/79 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 84 International Caps: 111 (Eng)
Sonia Mkoloma
@NSWSwifts
@gretskies11
Queensland Firebirds Nickname: Melda/Diddy Date of Birth: 19/11/88 Height: 196cm Positions: GS/GA
Nickname: Geitzy/Laus Date of Birth: 4/11/87 Height: 185cm Positions: GD/GK
Nickname: Nic Date of Birth: 23/2/91 Height: 181cm Positions: WA/GA
Nickname: DMac Date of Birth: 5/8/80 Height: 188cm Positions: GD/GK
Notable Achievements: 2005 - current Jamaica National Netball Team 2011 Premiership Player (Firebirds) 2008 MVP ANZ C’ship 2007, 2011 Player at World Netball C’ships ANZ Championship Caps: 86
Notable Achievements: 2014 Firebirds Captain 2013 – Current Diamonds Captain Australian Diamond since 2008 2011 World C’ships Gold Medal 2011 Premiership Player (Firebirds) 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medal ANZ Championship Caps: 83
Notable Achievements: 2011, 2012 NSW Waratahs ANL team (Premiership Player 2011) 2010, 2011 21U Aus Team 2010, 2011 Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder ANZ Championship Caps: 9
Notable Achievements: 2004, 2005, 2013 (Malawi Tests) Aus Diamonds ANZ Championship Caps: 57
Romelda Aiken
Laura Geitz
Nicola Gray
C
Nickname: Clare Bear Date of Birth: 11/7/85 Height: 185cm Positions: GD/WD
Nickname: Jac Date of Birth: 4/2/88 Height: 185cm Positions: GD/GK/WD
Nickname: Pops Date of Birth: 12/11/91 Height: 181cm Positions: GA/GS
Nickname: Rav Date of Birth: 26/7/93 Height: 176cm Positions: C/WD/WA
Notable Achievements: 2011 Premiership Player (Firebirds) 2011 Aus Diamonds Squad & World C’ships Training Partner ANZ Championship Caps: 55
Notable Achievements: 2012 – Current Firebirds Player 2013 – ANZ C’ship Grand Finalist ANZ Championship Caps: 24
Notable Achievements: 2013 Premiership Player (Thunderbirds) 2010-2011 Aus 21U team (Captain in 2011) ANZ Championship Caps: 3
Notable Achievements: 2013 Aus Diamond 2013 21U Aus Team World Youth Cup Silver Medal 2012 21U Aus Team 2012 AIS Scholarship holder ANZ Championship Caps: 19
Clare McMeniman
Jacinta Messer
Stephanie Puopolo
Kim Ravaillion
Nickname: Vez Date of Birth: 4/2/88 Height: 185cm Positions: GD/GK
Nickname: Gab Date of Birth: 17/10/92 Height: 176cm Positions: WD/C/GD
Nickname: Amelia Date of Birth: 11/1/91 Height: 186cm Positions: GS/GA
Nickname: Aimz Date of Birth: 10/8/89 Height: 179cm Positions: GA/GS
Notable Achievements: 2011 21U Aus team 2012 ANZ C’ship debut (Fever) 2011, 2012 NSW Waratahs ANL team (Premiership Player 2011) 2011 AIS Scholarship holder ANZ Championship Caps: 23
Notable Achievements: 2013 Aus Diamonds Squad 2013 21U AusTeam World Youth Cup Silver Medal 2012 AIS Scholarship holder ANZ Championship Caps: 18
Notable Achievements: 2012 – Current Firebirds Player 2011 Premiership Player ANZ Championship Caps: 7
Notable Achievements: 2012, 2011 Aus Fast5 Diamonds 2012 ANZ C’ship Best Young Player Nominee 2011 Australian Netball League Premiers, 2010 Player of the Year ANZ Championship Caps: 29
Verity Simmons
Tracey Robinson
Nannette Rigoni
Nicole Cusack
Mark Stokes
Brynley Abad
James Exelby
Performance Coach
Roselee Jencke OAM
Ameliaranne Wells
Gabi Simpson
Performance Coach
Senior Coach
Demelza McCloud
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Amorette Wild
Team Manager
Physiotherapist
Video Analyst
Onetowatch
“Australian Diamonds midcourt player Kim Ravaillion is the key player for the Firebirds midcourt. Her speed and agility combined with her ability to connect with shooter Romelda Aiken makes Kim very dangerous. We will need to limit her access to her shooters.“
Rob Wright Head Coach
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Your Third In this week’s edition of ‘Your Third’ we go indepth with Contracted Specialist Defensive Coach Mo’onia Gerrard about some of the tactics the NSW Swifts’ defensive end will take into today’s showdown with the Queensland Firebirds… When you think of the Queensland Firebirds, you instinctively think ‘Romelda Aiken’. The Jamaican goal shooter is a huge presence for the Maroons by putting up massive numbers – she top-scored the ANZ Championship last season – and is a massive task for any team’s defensive unit. The key to limiting the influence of the 196cm shooter is doing the hard yards well before the ball enters the Firebirds attacking third. The midcourters, and even shooters, need to be putting pressure on every pass in order to hold up the ball and create turnover. That’s a huge task but it can be done with discipline and hard work. I hope whoever has the task on NSW junior
Kimberley Ravaillion has had plenty of sleep because their job is probably the hardest. Kim is fast, extremely fit, and a pin-point feeder. Her on-court relationship with Aiken has only grown this season – she can drop a perfect high ball into her goal shooter from anywhere in the attacking third. Therefore whoever is her opposition centre has to make her job harder, getting up in her face with hands-over defence. That being said, Sonia Mkoloma showed last season she has the mettle to go toe-to-toe with Aiken. Although standing almost another person shorter than the Jamaican, Sonia has those long arms and great footwork. A tactic that could work for Sonia is using her body to move Aiken away from the post, forcing her to take the longer shots which she isn’t comfortable with.
know Amy is fast and creative, and from what we have seen has struck up a good partnership with Aiken. Whether it’s her, Stephanie Puopolo or Ameliaranne Wells in the GA bib, the Swifts defensive end need to shut down their easy movement and force them to take the long wide shot. Then it’s about getting into position to get those rebounds, which is easier said than done – Aiken topped that stat last season as well; 34 more than Adelaide Thunderbirds’ Carla Borrego. Breaking the above down, it’s all about teamwork. Working with your colleagues to shut down the easy play, to be a constant presence on court, and to back each other up by doing your individual jobs.
A player Swifts fans will be familiar with is Firebirds new goal attack Amorette Wild. We
Mo’onia Gerrard
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
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Go to Facebook.com/TelstraNetball and tell us who your netball hero is and full terms and conditions.
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MADDIE HAY Her surreal Swifts start 2014 recruit Maddie Hay has had time to process that she has realised her dream of playing for the NSW Swifts, but that doesn’t mean she’s got used to it. The 18-year-old midcourter is, in her own words, “living the dream” and she couldn’t be happier … even if the sand dunes of Pre-Season still haunt her. With the 2014 ANZ Championship season in full swing, Maddie has already experienced many “firsts” – but nothing felt more special than running out onto the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre court to the cheers of a home crowd. “The first home game was so cool! I’ve been on the other side of the fence as a NSW Swifts fan cheering, but to be part of the team that everyone is watching and the crowd just gets behind you, it was amazing,” Hay said. “My friends were in the crowd, as well as my NSW 21/U teammates, and they were all cheering and calling out my name. At first I thought they were just fans because they surprised me by buying tickets. It was pretty funny and kind of brought it all back that I was actually doing this – I was being announced as a NSW Swift.”
Although not taking the court for that opening three goal win against the West Coast Fever, Maddie wouldn’t have to wait long before she was given the nod by Head Coach Rob Wright. While accomplishing another milestone – her first away fixture to New Zealand – to meet the Mainland Tactix in Christchurch, Maddie became the 32nd NSW Swift when Wright handed her the Wing Defence bib late in the fourth quarter. Although caught up in the hype of a game at the time, it’s a memory Maddie says she will cherish throughout her entire career. “It was amazing to get out there for a few minutes and get a feel for what it is like. I’m really thankful that I got that opportunity and now I have a number which is pretty exciting,” Maddie said. “I was warming up with Taylah [Davies] off the side of the court; she was throwing me a few balls but I didn’t think I’d get on. I went to sit down and Carla [Dziwoki] told me to keep warming up. Next thing I knew Abbey [McCulloch] had called a timeout and I was on the court!”
“It was pretty cool I was able to get a few touches, even though I was nervous. After the game Kim [Green] told me when she threw me the ball she was nervous because it was a really hard ball and she didn’t want me to drop it! Luckily I didn’t let her down,” Maddie laughed. There was no time for Maddie to digest her whirlwind ANZ Championship debut, getting on a plane with teammate Taylah Davies to join their NSW 21/U teammates in Adelaide for the 2014 National Netball Championships. Maddie said she relished playing with athletes similar to her own age, however it was tough contesting back to back games throughout the week before meeting up with her Swifts teammates to take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Still, the young netball star wouldn’t have it any other way because, like she said, she’s living the dream … even if she still bears the mental scars from running sand dunes. Victoria Bain
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FAN-TASTIC!
The NSW Swifts pride ourselves on providing you, our awesome Members and fans, with a great day’s entertainment when attending a Swifts home game. Here are some off-court happy snaps from Round One courtesy of SMP Images.
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SWIFT Following the success of Swift in the Kitchen last season, Swifts Insider is continuing this fan favourite feature in season 2014. Each edition a member of the NSW Swifts’ playing roster will share with you one of their favourite recipes so you can try at home. From sweet to savoury, there is bound to be something yummy to tempt everyone’s tastebuds this year. Bon Appetite!
Caity’s Cous Cous Salad SERVES: 4 Adults
PREP: 20mins
Ingredients • Teaspoon of butter • Teaspoon of Olive Oil • 1 ½ cups of San Remo Cous Cous • 4 small boxes of sultanas & apricots • Handful of pine nuts • 2 tomatoes • 1 cucumber • Spinach leaves • Greek yoghurt • 2 x chicken breasts • 1 sachet of Teriyaki flavouring
COOKING TIME: 10mins
created by Caitlin Thwaites
TOTAL TIME: 30mins
Cous Cous 1. Boil 2 cups of water with a teaspoon of oil and a pinch salt. 2. Add Sam Remo Cous Cous and stir with a fork for a minute, then take off the heat and allow to stand (refer to back of the packet for exact instructions). 3. Stir through a teaspoon of butter. 4. Then mix in the saltanas, apricots and pine nuts. 5. Stir cooked chicken through the Cous Cous.
6. 7.
Cut tomatoes into wedges. Slice cucumber and then cut the medallions in half (so they look like half-moons). 8. Then add both the tomato and cucumber into the Chicken Cous Cous 9. Place a handful of baby spinach into each bowl. 10. Place the chicken Cous Cous onto the baby spinach and dollop a spoonful of Greek yoghurt on top in the middle.
Method Chicken 1. Cube chicken and cook in a hot pan until golden brown/cooked through. 2. Add the Teriyaki seasoning and stir through for two minutes.
Enjoy delicious treats and get up close and personal with NSW Swifts at the 2014 NSW Swifts High Teas. Castle Hill Country Club - Thursday 3 April Spurway Drive, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 1pm to 3.30pm Tickets must be purchased by 5pm 20 March, 2014 Georges River 16ft Sailing Club - Friday 23 May Sanoni Avenue, Sandringham NSW 2219 1pm to 3.30pm Tickets must be purchased by 5pm 9 May, 2014
ONLY
To secure your seat, please contact Shannon Wade on (02) 9951 5000 or email swade@netballnsw.com
$65
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rs $5
e Memb
Principal Partner
Premier Partners
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NETBALL WORLD CUP SYDNEY 2015 - LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN! This week, netball fans are being invited to SAVE THE DATE, as we celebrate the 500 day countdown to international netball’s most hotly anticipated event – the Netball World Cup! From 7-16 August 2015, the world’s top 16 netball nations will gather in Sydney for the 14th edition of the World Cup (formerly World Netball Championships).
“We’ve set ourselves bold aspirations – to stage the most successful World Cup in history, set new benchmarks for international netball, and deliver a strong legacy for our sport.
Remarkably, this will be the first time Australia has hosted netball’s pinnacle event since 1991, when the home team claimed a famous 53-52 victory over New Zealand.
“For the first time, the competition will be held over 10 days, and will see top-ranked teams go head-to-head right from the outset”.
While the championship title is the ultimate prize, Netball World Cup is also a celebration of the continued growth and impact of netball globally. Netball World Cup Chief Executive Marne Fechner is determined to make this the best and biggest celebration of our sport ever seen. “24 years (since Australia last hosted) is a long time. A whole generation of Australian netballers and fans haven’t seen an event of this magnitude.
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The opening ceremony will be held on Friday 7 August, with the gold medal match to be contested on Sunday 16 August. Participating teams will be determined through qualifying events to be held in each of the five regions between May and September this year. The first opportunity to secure your seats will be in May this year, when packages go on sale. Visit nwc2015.com.au and subscribe to Centre Circle for all the latest event news and information.
Have you ever come to a Crossroad in your life when you have to make a decision which could impact the rest of your life? During the 2014 ANZ Championship, Swifts Insider will be sitting down with members of the 2014 Swifts’ roster to find their Crossroad Moment and how it’s impacted their netball journey.
CHASING THE DREAM WITH CARLA DZIWOKI “I love netball because of the friendships I have made and the passion that we share for the sport. It’s challenging and pushes me to the limits. I have had setbacks; however they ignited the fire in my belly to want to prove my worth on the netball court. I am not here to make up numbers.” – Carla Dziwoki
THE STORY (IN SHORT)
Carla attended the AIS in 2003 before getting picked by the Queensland Firebirds in 2004. In 2006, Carla ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and spent nine months recovering on the sidelines only to rupture the same knee 12 months later. After the second surgery she took a year off netball before getting the opportunity to play in the English Netball Superleague with Team Northumbria (2008-09) where she also studied. At the end of the year she was offered a contract with the Firebirds for the 2009 ANZ Championship. At season’s end, she decided to return to England to continue her studies and reignite her passion for the sport with Superleague side Leeds Carnegie (2009-2010). Post season, Carla returned to Australia to play for DOOLEYS State League side, Sutherland Shire, and in 2011 was offered a contract with the NSW Swifts. She has been here ever since.
HOW DID YOU MENTALLY GET BACK INTO NETBALL AFTER YOUR SECOND KNEE RECONSTRUCTION?
After my second knee reconstruction, I began preparing myself for life after netball. Getting the offer to play abroad gave me a light at the end of a tunnel. I saw this as an opportunity to test myself and see if I could still compete at the top level. The SuperLeague team wasn’t aware that I had been injured, so I trained really hard before leaving to ensure I was going over in the best condition to give myself every opportunity to be the best player I could be.
HOW DID THAT MINDSET HELP YOU?
I saw this as my second chance and played each game like I had nothing to lose and because of this, I really enjoyed playing again. This mindset helped build me up to become a confident player again and I was rewarded with a contract back in Brisbane with the Queensland Firebirds for season 2009.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO BACK TO THE UK IN 2010?
I had a challenging year at the Firebirds and it made me stronger as a person and player. I returned to the UK to pursue my studies, I also travelled to clear my head and this helped me fall in love with netball again.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE DURING THIS TIME? I found it very difficult balancing a demanding work and netball schedule, and felt I was not performing to my best in either environment. After much thought, I made a tough decision to resign from work. I realised I spent a lot of time planning for what I would do when netball finished and neglected to live in the moment*. I am now grateful when at netball I enjoy it so much more. I am also now fortunate to have gained employment within organisations that have allowed me to work flexible hours and support my netball ambitions. *In the moment: Totally, completely, 100% immersed in the situation at hand (for me at netball).
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT IN MOVING TOWARDS YOUR CAREER OUTSIDE OF NETBALL?
When I was in the UK I wrote down the top five companies I wanted to work for. This gave me focus and confidence to know I had a goal outside of netball that I wanted to achieve. When I moved back to Australia, I made it my mission to find a way into my dream company.
HOW DID YOU GET BACK INTO THE ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THE NSW SWIFTS?
When I was in the UK, I received a call from a good friend in Sydney asking if I would like to play for Sutherland Shire in the DOOLEYS State League. With no fixed plans on what I would do when I returned to Australia, I jumped at the chance to play netball again. I instantly fell in love with Sydney and decided to make it my home. After being selected to play for the Netball NSW Waratahs in the Australian National League, I was offered a contract with the NSW Swifts for the following season. In my spare time I busied myself applying for jobs and landed my dream job within six months!
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A trip down memory lane with…
Lara Welham Swifts Insider continues its trip down memory lane this issue with former NSW Swift, Sydney Sandpiper and Hunter Jaeger, Lara Welham. Familiar to some as Lara from ‘Brad and Lara’ of The Block fame, where Lara donned her NSW Swifts’ hoodie with pride, the shooter made her national league debut for the Sydney Sandpipers before joining the Hunter Jaegers for the 2004 season when the franchise headed north. The Newcastle-based netballer was over the moon to be able to play for a national league team in her home town, earning a total of 70 caps for the Sandpipers and Jaegers combined. The beginning of the ANZ Championship meant only one NSW team could compete, with the formation of the NSW Swifts. Despite the end of the Jaegers, Lara was not finished with netball; in 2010 she answered the call from Swifts Head Coach of the time Julie Fitzgerald to step back into elite netball with the NSW Swifts! Fittingly she made her ANZ Championship debut on her home court - the Newcastle Entertainment Centre - in Round 5 of the 2010 ANZ Championship.
1. How did you get started in netball?
I’ve got three older sisters, eight years older than me and four years older than me so I have pretty much been at netball my whole life.
2. Which player did you most admire and why?
My eldest twin sisters played for New South Wales as well and their first state team, Liz Ellis was also in. So even though she was up the other end of the court [to me as a shooter] I’ve always admired Liz since she was 17 when I went and watched that team play at the 17/U Nationals.
3. What do you remember of your National League debut?
My first year at Sandpipers, I don’t know if I ever played a whole quarter. I played every game that year but some games I only played 20 seconds. I think I only played 20 seconds in my first game, I think Natalie Avellino might have got injured in the last 20 seconds and I got to go on, but I was so scared and nervous, it made me feel sick but I can’t really remember! I think
I did [touch the ball] and I think I got a goal – one for one, sweet!
4. What was the highlight of your netball career?
I know it’s sad that the Sandpipers didn’t continue on but for me it was probably the best thing because I was going to quit netball because I was just sick of driving to Sydney. The Jaegers coming to Newcastle was the biggest highlight of my netball career and probably that first game that we ever played at Newcastle Entertainment Centre - we beat the Firebirds, I think it was a sell-out crowd - it was just perfect, that first game of the Jaegers.
5. What is one thing you miss about netball and one thing you don’t?
Definitely I miss the girls, we only really catch up with all the girls from those teams at weddings and those kinds of things, well, baby showers now! Definitely the friendships and seeing the girls every second day and having a good laugh [is what I miss] and the thing I don’t miss is definitely driving down the freeway.
from the NSW Swifts The NSW Swifts would like to thank the ongoing support of our family of Partners, in particularly those who have provided some amazing prizes on offer to the Fans:
• • •
2014 Partners Challenge • The Sydney Boulevard Hotel – Overnight Accommodation Package in a Deluxe Harbour View Room with full buffet breakfast for two worth $300 • Taronga Zoo Family Passes (4 tickets) thanks to NSW Swifts’ Principal Partner QBE worth $120
2014 RED ZONE Members Draw • The Edge in Hair $100 voucher in-salon • Winston Hills Mall – $50 shopping voucher • Imagination Graphics – $200 voucher for Graphic Design or Printing • Cartridge World – Printer & Voucher worth $150 • NSW Swifts Pack
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SKINS – $150 online voucher Coast2Coast – $150 merchandise voucher The Athlete’s Foot – $150 in-store voucher
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Janaya & Ilya participating in the Partners Challenge during Round 1.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Can you spot the four differences in this action shot from last year’s Round 4 ANZ Championship match between your NSW Swifts and Queensland Firebirds?
ANSWERS: 1. Scody logo disappears on Kim Green’s dress | 2. #goNSWSwifts hashtag on Susan Pratley | 3. Mission logo missing onthe dress of Firebirds player Kim Ravaillion | Ribbon changes colour in Susan Pratley’s Hair
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GO
SWIFTS #goNSWSwifts