O F F I C I A L
NSW Swifts v Melbourne Vixens ANZ Championship - Round 7 Sunday 13 April, 2014 Volume 7, Issue 4
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
N S W
S W I F T S
INSIDER
SUSAN PRATLEY
CROSSROADS
YOUR THIRD
MEGAN ANDERSON
CAITLIN THWAITES HER GREEN AND GOLD AMBITION
QBE Supporters’
moment of the match Vote for your NSW Swifts player of the match to win a prize pack on behalf of QBE ... QBE Competition Leader Board 1. Sharni Layton 2. Kimberlee Green 3. Caitlin Thwaites Voting closes 15 minutes before full time. Sporty Swift will award the winning supporter at the end of the match.
Enter by scanning the QR code J4839
NSW SWIFTS V SOUTHERN STEEL AIS Arena, Canberra Friday 25 April, 2014
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
swiftstickets.com.au
Welcome After our bye weekend last week, it is great to be back on our home court for today’s clash with the Melbourne Vixens. It is so exciting that today’s match is a full house. We have had great support from our Members and fans all season and today’s crowd shows just how strong that support is. The players absolutely love your support, as do I and the coaching staff. I would also like to officially welcome Sarah Wall, who last week became a permanent member of the NSW Swifts for the remainder of the season, replacing Paige Hadley who sustained a season-ending knee injury. Sarah has been outstanding in our previous two outings and has been rewarded for those efforts. Her experience and ability will be invaluable during our 2014 campaign. Last week’s games showed just how tight this competition is. Any team can win on the day and this is reflected in the results we’ve seen so far in this year’s ANZ Championship. The Melbourne Vixens were outstanding last week against the Firebirds and showed why they were tipped by many during the preseason as the competition favourites. Games between any netball sides representing NSW and Victoria are always special occasions. The two states have had a healthy rivalry for as long as I can remember, and I’m sure today will be no different. While the professional nature of our sport now sees
players moving between teams for either opportunity or personal challenge, the tradition of this sporting rivalry is not lost on anyone. Not only will the two sides be desperate to secure two valuable competition points, but today signifies game one of this year’s Sargeant-McKinnis Cup. The Swifts have won the Cup five years out of six, and it’s a Cup we are determined to retain in 2014. Today’s two rosters matchup very well, so I’m expecting an intense encounter across all lines. Both ends of the court are chock-full of players with International experience, so spectators are in for a treat this afternoon. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Simone McKinnis, her staff, players and the fans of the Melbourne Vixens and hope everyone enjoys today’s game.
IN THIS ISSUE 4
NEWS CENTRAL
Get all the latest NSW Swifts’ news from both on and off the court.
5
CAITLIN THWAITES
Caitlin Thwaites is loving her new home at the Swifts and hopes the move has aided her Commonwealth Games dream.
7
STATS PACK AND LADDER
Go Swifts!
Check out the key stats ahead of tonight’s game.
8-9
MATCH CENTRE
Rob Wright Head Coach
Team profiles, Coaching Bench, Head to Head History and the One to Watch.
10
YOUR THIRD
Swifts Insider catches up with Assistant Coach Megan Anderson about the shooting talent and the defensive tactics we will see today.
11
BROOKE MILLER During today’s Round 7 ANZ Championship game, the NSW Swifts will showcase ANZ NetSetGO; Netball Australia’s only junior introductory netball program. ANZ NetSetGO has been developed to provide children from 5 to 10 years with the best possible learning and playing experience to develop a positive introduction to netball, ensuring enjoyment and continued participation. ANZ NetSetGO incorporates skill activities, minor games, music, dance and modified matches in a fun and safe environment. The weekly program is coordinated by accredited coaches to ensure a quality experience for all participants. The ANZ NetSetGO Activity Centre has been set up outside* of the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre for children, parents and coaches to participate in.
ANZ NetSetGO players from Glenmore Park Netball Club – a newly registered Centre from the Penrith District Netball Association – will participate in skills and modified games on the court before the main warm-up and again at halftime. And for the First 500 people who arrived today, you will have received an ANZ NetSetGO resource card as part of the Swifts’ First 500 initiative. Children interested in being part of the ANZ NetSetGO program should contact their local Netball Association. Each participant gets a great pack, including a netball and other goodies. For more details on ANZ NetSetGO, head to www. netballnsw.com or contact Amy Quirk at Netball NSW on 02 9951 5000 during business hours.
Debutant Brooke Miller explains how her early taste of Championship action has only made her hungrier during recovery from a niggling injury.
13
CROSSROADS
Susan Pratley talks to Swifts Insider about her pathway to the international netball stage and how anything is possible with dedication and determination.
14
ALISON BROADBENT
Swifts Insider takes a trip down memory lane and catches up with former Sydney Swift, Alison Broadbent.
*Subject to weather conditions
INSIDER
THE TEAM
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EDITOR Rebecca Trbojevich WRITERS Victoria Bain, Sharni Layton, Kimberley Lewis, Warren Partland, Rebecca Trbojevich, Rob Wright DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sarah Sugar PRODUCTION Imagination Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY SMP Images, Fiora Sacco, Brooke Miller, Michael Rist/ MRNPSA Photowire, Netball NSW, Netball Australia/Dave Callow
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 NUMBER 36 – GRETEL TIPPETT
WALL JOINS THE SWIFTS FAMILY
Gretel Tippett became the 36th player to represent the NSW Swifts on an ANZ Championship court when she made her debut in Round 5 against the Central Pulse on Monday 31 March, 2014.
On Friday 4 April, the NSW Swifts announced midcourter Sarah Wall as the permanent replacement for injured player Paige Hadley for the remainder of the 2014 ANZ Championship.
She entered the game at GS in a timeout during the fourth quarter and scored six goals from 11 attempts in her time on court, helping the Swifts to a 63-45 win over the Pulse at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
The former Melbourne Vixen and Queensland Firebird has taken the court as a temporary replacement player for the Swifts during recent home games against the Firebirds and Central Pulse.
Gretel is the ninth player to make their NSW Swifts’ debut during the 2014 ANZ Championship, and the 15th player to take the court for the Club this season.
Head Coach Rob Wright said Wall’s performances had made the decision of a full-time replacement an easy one.
THANK YOU FROM THE SWIFTS AND TKCP! Thank you to all who came to our Round 5 ANZ Championship home match and supported our Official Charity Partner The Kids’ Cancer Project. $1130 was raised on the night to help find cures for childhood cancer. To make a donation or find out more about their project to cure kids’ cancer for good, head to www.thekidscancerproject.org.au.
“She has fitted into the Swifts really well and also brings both experience and knowledge to our side. We are very excited to have Sarah on board. “Replacing an athlete the calibre of Paige was always going to be a difficult task, but the inclusion of Sarah is a great fit; she is a welcome addition to our side,” Wright concluded. Hadley, who is in the first year of a two-year contract, ruptured her left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during training ahead of Round Two, with doctors ruling the 21-yearold out for the rest of the current season.
“Sarah did an outstanding job for us when she came into the team for our Round Four and Five matches,” said Rob Wright.
Once again Netball Associations across NSW will be hosting Crazy Hair and Sock Day on 31 May, 2014 to raise money for this vital cause. To find out how you can get your Club or Association involved head to the TKCP website.
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
ALLPHONES ARENA BLOCKBUSTER
NSW SWIFTS V
ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS Sunday 18 May, 2014
swiftstickets.com.au GROUP OFFER
For bookings of twenty (20) tickets or more†, prices start at $18 per ticket. This offer is only available via Ticketek’s Group Booking Hotline 1300 364 001 during business hours. † Booking and transaction fees may apply and tickets must be purchased in one transition.
4
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 4 | visit nswswifts.com.au
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!
CAITLIN THWAITES Her green and gold ambition The NSW Swifts are not alone in their satisfaction in having highly talented goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites join the team this season. Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander has fully endorsed the move, acknowledging her return to an Australian franchise after a stint with New Zealand team Central Pulse will significantly aid her hopes of selection for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July. “Without question, Caitlin is in better shape, much fitter,’’ Alexander said. “And now she is back in Australia we can closely monitor her. We want her to play the Aussie style plus she will have Kim Green feeding her which helps build combinations.’’ Thwaites was forced to find a new netball home after she was told the Pulse would be contracting Silver Ferns goaler Irene van Dyk and game time would be limited if she stayed in Wellington. The Victorian product, a member of the Melbourne Vixens premiership side in 2009, put out feelers to gauge interest in her services before signing with the NSW Swifts. It is a decision Thwaites definitely does not regret and she has enjoyed her time in NSW – and the opportunity to play the Aussie style to push her claims for a trip to Glasgow.
For now, Thwaites is focused on the ANZ Championship and helping the NSW Swifts achieve a second title. Representing her country at the Commonwealth Games is a dream and a motivating factor to improve her game. “It was time for me to find a new home and it has worked out well,’’ Thwaites said. “Lisa wants the players in Australia preferably and I contacted a few clubs on their thoughts.
“I need versatility and have options to mix my game up.’’ Despite admitting to having confronted a few bumps in the road during her career, Thwaites refused to be swayed from pursuing her ambitions. Thwaites has developed a potent goal circle combination at the Swifts with Susan Pratley and her presence is a key factor in the team being rated among the Premiership favourites.
“There was a lot of uncertainty – is it worth moving again for netball and uprooting your life? I have not achieved what I want to and I needed to move to where it would help me achieve my dream.
“It did not cross my mind to give the sport away,’’ Thwaites said. “You get emotionally involved – it is your life for seven to eight months [of the year].
“The Swifts have been very good and it has been good to play the Aussie style and build combinations with people like Kim.’’
“When things don’t work out the way you want it can be gut-wrenching. You have to forge a path that works. The Swifts have been doing a great job.
The goaler has committed herself to an improving her fitness in recent years.
“We have had a few injuries but are still getting wins on board – it is exciting to be a part of.’’
Niggling injuries had previously been problematic and now this area has improved, she has added more running to her training program. Thwaites believes she is back to her fitness of 2009 when in her best condition.
Thwaites, who had the satisfaction of conquering the Pulse in Round Five, will most likely have some familiar faces in the crowd for the clash against another former side.
“I have to keep developing my game and adding different aspects,’’ Thwaites said. “My main strength has been as a holding shooter but I’m trying to mix that up with a running game.
Her parents Glenda and Pat, described by Thwaites as netball fanatics, often make the trip from Bendigo to watch their daughter in action. Warren Partland
VOL 7 ISSUE 4 | 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:
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16243
Enjoy delicious treats and get up close and personal with NSW Swifts at the 2014 NSW Swifts High Tea. 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 To secure your seat, please contact Shannon Wade on (02) 9951 5000 or email swade@netballnsw.com
ONLY
$65
58
ers $
Memb
Principal Partner
Premier Partners
SWIFTS P U L SE
2014 ROSTERS NSW Swifts
505 @ 42.08
STATS PACK 2013 Results: Rd 12: Swifts 48 def Vixens 39 Rd 8: Swifts 42 def by Vixens 50
2012 Results: Rd 7: Swifts 55 def Vixens 52 Rd 9: Swifts 49 def Vixens 43
2011 Results: Rd 3: Swifts 45 def by Vixens 49 Rd 12: Swifts 45 def Vixens 33
2010 Results: Rd 7: Swifts 56 def Vixens 42 Rd 13: Swifts 58 def Vixens 46
2009 Results: Rd 8: Swifts 63 def by Vixens 65 (OT) Rd 11: Swifts 52 def by Vixens 64
2008 Results: Rd 5: Swifts 52 def by Vixens 53 Rd 13: Swifts 62 def Vixens 49
Melbourne Vixens
500 @ 41.67
Total/Avg. ANZC Caps
Sonia Mkoloma
Geva Mentor
ANZC Caps 86 International Caps 111
ANZC Caps 94 International Caps 89
Height - SHOOTING CIRCLE NSW Swifts
H EAD
Melbourne Vixens
Gretel Tippett
192cm
Erin Hoare
194cm
Caitlin Thwaites
188cm
Karyn Bailey
192cm
Carla Dziwoki
186cm
Catherine Cox
187cm
*Susan Pratley
180cm
*Tegan Caldwell
173cm
TO HEAD
7 WINS
5 WINS
in favour of the NSW Swifts
LAST 10 MEETINGS 2009
L
L
W
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
W
W
L
2013
SWIFTS RESULTS Home Team
as at 8/04/2014
P
W
L
GF
GA
GD
%
Pts Form (last 5)
Waikato BOP Magic
6
5
1
348
287
61
121.30%
10
W W W W
Melbourne Vixens
6
4
2
331
268
63 123.50%
8
W
L
NSW Swifts
5
4
1
287
251
36
114.30%
8
W
L
Adelaide Thunderbirds
6
3
3
328
326
2
100.60%
6
W W
Queensland Firebirds
6
3
3
300
299
1
100.30%
6
Central Pulse
6
3
3
318
319
-1
99.70%
6
West Coast Fever
6
2
4
352
344
8
102.30%
4
L
W
Southern Steel
6
2
4
345
379
-34
91.00%
4
L
L
W W
Northern Mystics
6
2
4
305
348
-43
87.60%
4
L
L
W
L
W
Mainland Tactix
5
1
4
244
337
-93 72.40%
2
L
L
W
L
b
L
L
W W
W W
Away Team
Swifts
54 Fever
51
Tactix
57 Swifts
68
Thunderbirds
50 Swifts
49
Swifts
53 Firebirds
48
Bye
b
ROUND 6 RESULTS
L
L
L
W
L
W
L
W W
L
L
W
Fever
53 Thunderbirds
51
L
L
W
Steel
61 Mystics
67
L
Magic
53 Pulse
56*
Firebirds
38 Vixens
50
0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0 100/0/0/100 White
L
*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2014 ANZ Championship Ladder from Rd 5 to the conclusion of Rd 6. Ladder does not include any results from Rd 7.
Home Team
Away Team
Bye - Swifts & Tactix * Extra Time
VOL 7 ISSUE 4 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
7
Team Match Centre NSW Swifts
/NSWSwifts
Nickname: Woki Date of Birth: 29/8/82 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 30
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 86 International Caps: 56
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
Kimberlee Green C
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
@aprilletton
@kimmygee8
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
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
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)
@caitlinthwaites
@brooklynKmiller
Gretel Tippett
Mo’onia Gerrard
Toni Kidwell
Daniel Vukovic
Megan Simpson
Physiotherapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
Contracted Midcourt Specialist Coach
@gretskies11
Matches: 12 Series Record: 7-5 Swifts Home Record against the Vixens: 2-4 Swifts Streak against the Vixens: W-W-W-L-W First Meeting: 5/05/2008 Vixens win 53-52 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre Last Meeting: 8/06/2014 Swifts win 48-39 at Hisense Arena, Melbourne The last time these two teams met... the NSW Swifts surprised the Vixens’ home crowd with a nine-goal come-from-behind victory to retain the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup in Round 12 of the 2013 ANZ Championship. The Vixens started the better of the two teams, getting out to a narrow two-goal lead at the first break, 11-9. The Swifts’ full-court defensive pressure started the fight-back and with 2013 Co-Captain Kimberlee Green unavailable for the match due to injury, it was Vanessa Ware, Ashlee Weir and Paige Hadley who won the battle in the midcourt as the Swifts went ahead by six goals at halftime, 23-17. The Vixens fought back in the third quarter, closing the gap to two goals at the final break but Sonia Mkoloma, in an MVP-performance, led the Swifts in the final term to charge home for the win.
8
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 4 | visit nswswifts.com.au
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)
Sonia Mkoloma
Sarah Wall
Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst
On Friday 4 April, the NSW Swifts announced Sarah Wall as the permanent replacement for injured player Paige Hadley for the remainder of the 2014 ANZ Championship.
NSW Swifts v MELBOURNE VIXENS
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP HIGHLIGHTS
Nickname: Son Date of Birth: 17/1/79 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 86 International Caps: 111 (Eng)
@soniamkoloma
Netball Career facts: 2009 Vixens Premiership Victoria 21/U, 19/U and 17/U Teams
Brett Doring
Team Manager
@sharni_layton
Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2013 World Youth Netball C’ship Silver Medallist
Anita Keelan
Physiotherapist
Sharni Layton
Nickname: Wallsy Date of Birth: 16 October 1984 Height: 175cm Position/Role: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 31
Jason Howell
Physiotherapist
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
Nickname: Grets Date of Birth: 3/7/93 Height: 192cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Paula Peralta
Technical Assistant Coach
Head Coach
Caitlin Thwaites
Brooke Miller
Megan Anderson Assistant Coach
Rob Wright
@maddiehay345 Nickname: Brookie Date of Birth: 14/4/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2
Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29/12/86 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 84 International Caps: 4
@SusanSwifts
Maddie Hay
@NSWSwifts Nickname: Sharnz Date of Birth: 6/1/88 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 58 International Caps: 12
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: Abs Date of Birth: 12/2/90 Height: 178cm Position/Role: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 16
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 88 International Caps: 54
Susan Pratley
/NSWSwiftsTV Nickname: Mads Date of Birth: 11/04/95 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 1
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
Nickname: Ape, Pril, Prilly Date of Birth: 19/4/90 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 22 International Caps: 1
April Letton
@theNSWSwifts
@SarahLWall
Melbourne Vixens Date of Birth: 28/7/86 Height: 192cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 34
Date of Birth: 3/9/88 Height: 175cm Positions: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 50
Netball Achievements: 2012, 2013 Aus Diamonds squad member 2012 Aus Fast5 Diamonds 2011 VNL Premiers 2007 Hunter Jaegers
Netball Achievements: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2012, 2013 Aus Diamonds squad member 2010 Vixens Rookie of the Year
Tegan Caldwell
Karyn Bailey Date of Birth: 17/6/89 Height: 193cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 2
Erin Hoare Date of Birth: 1/6/87 Height: 173cm Positions: WA/C/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 2 Netball Achievements: 2013 Vixens replacement player 2013 Vic Fury Co-Captain 2013 ANL Premiership Player (Fury) 2009 ANL Premiership Player
Date of Birth: 7/4/89 Height: 190cm Positions: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 40 International Test Caps: 6
Nickname: Liz Date of Birth: 30/03/1994 Height: 178cm Positions: C, WA, WD ANZ Championship Caps: 6
Netball Achievements: 2011 Premiership Player (Firebirds) 2009 World Youth Champions 2007-2009 Aus 21/U team
Netball Achievements: 2013 VNL C’ship Grand Final MVP 2013 Victorian Flames captain 2013 Victorian Flames MVP 21/U Aus Squad 17/U Vic State Team 19/U Vic State Team 21/U Vic State Team
Donna Monteath
Sharelle McMahon
Heidi Pollington
Stacey West
Helen Cross
Specialist Coach
Simone McKinnis Head Coach
Liz Watson
Di Honey
Specialist Coach
Team Manager
Catherine Cox Date of Birth: 5/1/88 Height: 168cm Positions: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 81 International Test Caps: 31 Netball Achievements: 2012, 2013 All-Star Team 2010-Current Aus Diamonds 2012 Liz Ellis Diamond Winner 2012 International Player of the Year
Madison Robinson
Kate Moloney
Amy Steel
Assistant Coach
Netball Achievements: 1996-97, 1999-00, 2002-2012 Aus Diamonds Team 2008 Premiership Player (Swifts) 2007, 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2002 Comm. Games Gold Medallist
Netball Achievements: 2011, 2012, 2013 21/U State team 2012 19/U Aus team 2012 21/U Aus team 2011, 2012 19/U State team 2010 17/U State team
Victorian 19/U team (2007) Victorian 17/U team (2005, 2006)
Caitlyn Stachan
Netball Achievements: 2001, 2004-2010, 2013 Aus Diamonds 2013 Aus Diamonds Vice-Captain 2009 Premiership Player (Vixens)
Date of Birth: 8/1/93 Height: 176cm Positions: C/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 14
Netball Achievements: 2012, 2013 All-Star Team 2010 Premiership Player (T’birds) 2002, 2006, 2010 Comm. Games (Eng) 2003, 2007, 2011 World Netball C’ships (Eng)
Geva Mentor
Date of Birth: 24/5/76 Height: 188cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 87 International Test Caps: 108
Bianca Chatfield
Date of Birth: 17/9/84 Height: 188cm Positions: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 94 International Test Caps: 89 (Eng)
Netball Achievements: 2012 – 2013 Victorian Fury 2013 Vixens Coaches Award
Date of Birth: 2/4/82 Height: 189cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 89 International Test Caps: 54
Date of Birth: 14/2/94 Positions: GD/GK Height: 187cm ANZ Championship Caps: 1 Netball Achievements: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2012, 2013 Aus 21/U Team 2012, 2013 Vic 21/U State Team 2012 Vic 19/U State Team 2010, 2011 Vic 17/U State Team
Joanna Weston
Nick Sanders Performance Analyst
Physiotherapist
Soft Tissue Therapist
Onetowatch
“Tegan Caldwell has been on fire this season and her MVP nod in Round 6 against the Firebirds was well deserved. Her 28 goals from 32 attempts, combined with her defensive and attacking work across the game was outstanding. She will need to be contained in order for us to get the result today.”
Rob Wright VOL 7 ISSUE 4 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
9
Your Third The NSW Swifts have a big challenge ahead of them today with the Melbourne Vixens boasting one of the most potent defensive partnerships in the ANZ Championship – Bianca Chatfield and Geva Mentor. Both are international representatives and both are at the top of their game, currently having the least amount of goals scored against them so far in 2014. The duo are arguably playing the best netball of their careers and together they make the shooting circle a daunting place to be. But it’s a challenge I know our Swifts’ attacking line are absolutely excited about – to be the best, you have to beat the best! We’ve been working hard all year on distributing the shooting load between our goalers, making sure both can be damaging on the scoreboard depending on how the opposition plays against us.
Caitlin Thwaites and Susan Pratley have done that really well so far, so too Carla Dziwoki and Gretel Tippett when called upon to take the court. We will have to step it up a notch against the Vixens if we are to beat them and once again our shooting accuracy and rebounding will be crucial to taking the points. Chatfield and Mentor have developed a strong combination playing together over the years and although it’s difficult to pinpoint why they are so good, I think it’s because they work so hard to back each other up.
At the end of the day, if we work hard at continuing to build upon all the little things we’ve been working on at training and stick together as an attacking unit, this will go a long way in ensuring we are successful. What I can guarantee is that netball fans will be in for a treat today considering the great form of our shooters and the Vixens’ defenders so far this season.
However the Swifts have our own strengths. Kim Green and Sarah Wall sit atop the ladder in terms of circle feeds, so are in great form to provide good ball into our shooters. We will be looking to use all our combined experience against the Vixens’ relatively new midcourters in Liz Watson and Kate Moloney to ensure we remain the best of that statistic.
Megan Anderson
Assistant Coach
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BROOKE MILLER Learning to “roll with the punches” Brooke Miller has had her fair share of obstacles, most of which she admits is through injury. In 2012 the then 19-year-old was based in Canberra with the Australian Institute of Sport, preparing for a tilt at World Youth Cup selection, when she ruptured her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) to sideline her for more than a year. Brooke missed out on making the trip to Glasgow with teammates Paige Hadley and Gretel Tippett, but was ecstatic to work her way back into form to get the call up from Head Coach Rob Wright to join the NSW Swifts for the 2014 ANZ Championship. The 21-year-old says there were a lot of tears when she took that fateful phone call and life as a Swift has certainly lived up to expectations. Brooke has always been involved with sport. Growing up, the former champion Surf Lifesaver found she had to choose between her two loves – surf lifesaving and netball – but it was the team culture she found in netball that really won her over. “I found training with a group a lot more engaging, so naturally I was drawn to netball. Growing up I did a lot of solo training, particularly swimming, so it sometimes became monotonous when you’re alone training for hours. With netball I’m with a group of girls I really love; we push and help each other, and really importantly we have fun,” Brooke said. The Swifts have been vocal about developing a really strong culture – not just within the 12 contracted athletes and coaching staff – but the entire Netball NSW organisation, including State players and staff. The young midcourter says she feels privileged to run out with the Swifts, even if times of late has seen her
forced to the sidelines to watch. After tweaking her right knee (the opposite knee to her ruptured ACL) during a friendly practice match against the Firebirds during pre-season, the injury flared up when playing the Thunderbirds in Round 3. Although minor, the flare up has halted Brooke’s debut ANZ Championship season which has seen her play five quarters since Round 2, something that she admits has been incredibly frustrating. “Having tasted being on court with my Swifts teammates, it’s been so frustrating to be on the sidelines watching because now I know that feeling – I want it more!” Brooke said. “My Dad always said to me, ‘If you don’t want to get injured, don’t play sport.’ And although it’s pretty corny, it’s so true; you’ve got to roll with the punches. Every athlete deals with injuries at some point in their career; you’ve just got to grow from it and not let it get you down,” Brooke admits. The Millers are a very tight-knit family, who are well versed in injuries with Brooke’s sisters also Surf Lifesaving champions. But Brooke is also fortunate to have the support of those close to the family, and one in particular netball fans will be very familiar with. To most netball fans, the name Anne Sargeant is synonymous with netball grace, poise, and legendary status. To Brooke, she’s just Aunty Annie.
“I remember growing up with her daughter Kendall and going to Annie’s netball clinics which my mum used to help coach. Now, years later, I’m the one that’s helping coach – it’s a really bizarre situation actually! “Throughout my netball career Annie has always been incredibly supportive and is always on hand to give advice whenever I need it, and lately has been on hand to talk me through my injuries. It’s funny, growing up I didn’t really understand the hype around Anne but now I look at our relationship and think how lucky I am,” concluded Brooke. Victoria Bain Today the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens will not only compete for two critical ANZ Championship points, but will contest the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup. The Swifts have claimed the Cup in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, only relinquishing their hold in the Melbourne Vixens’ 2009 premiershipwinning season. The Cup is named after two of netball’s most accomplished players: NSW’s Anne Sargeant OAM and Victoria’s Simone McKinnis OAM. The winner of the Cup is decided based on the results of the two home and away matches played between the NSW Swifts and Melbourne Vixens each ANZ Championship season.
“My mum played with Annie for both Manly-Warringah and NSW State Teams, and they both began having children around the same age, so I’ve grown up with Annie my whole life,” Brooke said.
Brooke on debut for the NSW Swifts against the Mainland Tactix in Round Two, 2014.
Brooke aged 1 with Anne Sargeant.
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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. Your NSW Swifts’ will share with you one of their favourite recipes so you can try it at home. From sweet to savoury, there is bound to be something yummy to tempt everyone’s tastebuds this year. Bon Appetite!
Kimmy’s Mountain Bread Lasagna SERVES: 4 Adults
PREP: 10-15mins
COOKING TIME: 15mins
TOTAL TIME: 30mins
Ingredients • 15g fresh crushed garlic • 1 x chopped onion • 500g Lean chicken mince • 1 teaspoon mixed herbs • 1 jar of your favourite pasta sauce • 2 x large handfuls of baby spinach leaves • 2 slices of Mountain Bread – I use the corn ones • 3 tablespoons of light ricotta cheese • 1/2 cup of grated light cheddar cheese
3.
Method 1. Turn on your oven to 200 degrees Celsius in readiness for the Lasagna. 2. Spray a little bit of oil into a hot saucepan, and then add the garlic and onion to the pan.
6.
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created by Kimberlee Green
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4. 5.
When the onion is translucent add the chicken mince and brown. Once mince is brown, add the mixed herbs & pasta sauce and let the mince simmer on a low heat. When the mince is ready, grab a baking dish and start layering your lasagna starting with the mince, then a teaspoon of ricotta in each corner of the baking dish, baby spinach and then the mountain bread wrap. Repeat as many times as you like, I use two wrap layers, making sure your last layer is the mince and a little bit of cheese on top to finish. Place the baking dish in the oven for 15 minutes and when ready serve with a fresh salad.
Apart from the taste, the best thing about this recipe is that it is quick, easy & healthy
after a hard training session/game and can be used for leftovers the next day :)
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.
SUSAN PRATLEY - WHEN DEDICATION DELIVERS THE DREAM THE STORY (IN SHORT)
What does it take to get to the top of your sport and become an Australian Representative? For most elite athletes it’s about dedication and doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals and dreams. Imagine, or remember being in Year 12, possibly the most stressful year of school. Getting picked up from school every Wednesday and being driven to the airport, flying to Sydney by yourself and then being picked up from another destination. From there you’re driven to the netball courts for either State League or NSW Institute of Sport commitments, you play a game or train and then stay the night at a friend’s house. The following morning at 5am you’re driven back to the airport to fly home. Your mum picks you up and drives you straight to school in time for lessons to start. That same day your mum picks you up from school and you both drive three hours each way to Canberra to play basketball that night, getting home at around 1-2am on Friday morning. You slept in the car because you were so tired. You get up Friday morning to go to school, before driving to Sydney, six hours each way, for State Team netball training. This was a normal week for Susan Pratley. And with her determined and focused attitude, it’s no wonder she made the Australian Team at the age of 21. When asked “How did you do it?” she replied “I didn’t think, I just did it. I knew if I wanted to make it, it’s just what I had to do.” Susan is at pains to also thank her parents for their tireless support, which played a key role in helping her achieve her sporting dreams.
BEING FROM THE COUNTRY, WHAT WAS YOUR PATHWAY TO THE TOP?
Bega: At Saturday netball, I would play in the morning but hung around the courts all day. I did so in hope that someone from the older age groups wouldn’t show up so I could play a couple of games a day. I loved it! From Saturday netball, I was selected in the Sapphire Coast representative team from 12/Us upwards.
State: At 16, I went to Sydney to trial for the State Team. I rocked up in my frilly skirt and polo top and everyone else had bodysuits. I felt so out of place. I didn’t think I played that well, but I shot okay, which was enough to get the attention of Rob Wright, the then 17/U NSW Team Coach, who picked me in the team. Mum didn’t come to Nationals because she didn’t think I would play. When I called to tell her I played the whole week and made the 17/U Australian Talent Identification (TID) squad she didn’t believe me!
WHAT HELPED YOU GET SELECTED IN THE 17/U TID? Although average height, I played Goal Shooter. Thanks to basketball, I had good hand-eye coordination, good timing on my jump and was used to body physicality. Rob would say “Stand, hold, jump for the ball and shoot” and it worked!
HOW DID 17/U TID SELECTION HELP YOUR CAREER? After 17/U TID Camp, Norma (Plummer) took me under her wing.
I was selected on a two-year, part-time AIS Scholarship at the age of 16 and 17, and I would travel down to Canberra for week-long camps twice a year. After moving to Sydney for university (Law/Commerce) and being signed with the Sandpipers, I then moved to the AIS for three years before moving back to Sydney to play with the Swifts. I’ve been here ever since.
HAVING LIVED IN BOTH THE COUNTRY AND THE CITY, WHERE WILL YOU END UP POST NETBALL? We will definitely move back to the country post netball. My fiancé Brad is also from the country and we love the lifestyle. Some of the best moments growing up were doing things like walking around the paddock, spraying blackberries with my dad and I want our kids to have a similar upbringing. I will be the same as my mum and travel kilometres for my kids in whatever they decide to do.
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A trip down memory lane with…
ALISON BROADBENT (NEE WILLIAMS) Swifts Insider caught up with former Sydney Swift Alison Broadbent to take a trip down memory lane. A New South Wales representative from the 17/U State Team in 1991 to the Opens Team in 2001, Alison made her National League debut in the ESSO League in 1995 for Sydney Ku-ring-gai, one of two teams representing New South Wales in the competition. The defender played with the Sydney Swifts in the former National League from 1997-2006, claiming three titles in the process and earning 152 caps. Representing the Australian team between 2001-2006, Alison wore the green and gold at two Commonwealth Games, and came home with the Gold Medal in 2002.
and State teams and so forth. When I was older the likes of Keeley Devery and Vicki Wilson and those older girls I really looked up to.
1. How did you get started in netball?
4. What was the highlight of your netball career?
I was age seven, my mum was playing at the time and I just started playing because of her basically.
2. Which player did you most admire and why?
I didn’t [admire anyone in particular] growing up because I suppose I was unaware of Australian teams
3. What do you remember of your National League debut?
I just remember having lots of fun. I don’t remember much about the game, I remember hanging out and, in those days we never really won a lot of games, so I remember the trips that involved going to Adelaide and Tasmania and all around, so I remember the fun with the group of players we were with more than the game. There have been a few, winning our first title in the former national league in 2001 [is a standout]. Winning that year was just a fantastic achievement and was the very first one that we ever did [win] and so it always sticks out in my mind. And my last Commonwealth Games; I think that I had a fantastic
time, and even though we didn’t win, I still have really great memories and the Silver Medal, and I knew that was my last time playing for Australia so I had a really great time so that stands out as well as a great achievement.
5. What is one thing you miss about netball and one thing you don’t?
This is easy! I miss my friends, and I saw [former Swifts teammate] Megan Anderson yesterday and we were having a chuckle about that, that is the one thing, I don’t live in the city and I do miss seeing my mates and that is a big adjustment [after retiring] because you spend nearly every day chatting to them, being with them, training with them, that they are like family and that’s been a massive adjustment and I miss it incredibly. And then, I don’t miss training at all! I miss being competitive but not all the training that went with it.
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:
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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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Victoria taking part in the Half Time Partner Challenge during Round 5
COURTSIDE SHOTS Here are some of our favourite photos from the NSW Swifts Round Five ANZ Championship game against the Central Pulse, as taken by SMP Images.
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