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INSIDER NSW Swifts v Southern Steel ANZ Championship - Round 9 Friday 25 April, 2014 Volume 7, Issue 5
GRETEL TIPPETT
CROSSROADS
APRIL LETTON
LIFE AT THE AIS
SUSAN PRATLEY Preparing for life as a Pettitt
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. Kimberlee Green 2. Caitlin Thwaites 3. Sharni Layton 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 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
Welcome Thank you and welcome to all our Members and fans for joining us for this historic occasion – the very first ANZ Championship match to be contested in Canberra and the first time the NSW Swifts have brought a home fixture to our Nation’s capital. I would like to pay tribute to all the men and women – past and present – who have dedicated their lives to protecting this country and who we recognise every year on this date, 25 April, as ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day is not just about commemorating the anniversary of Gallipoli. It is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the efforts of our military personnel so Australians (and New Zealanders) can live safe in the knowledge we are well protected. It’s also a special occasion close to my heart as my father served in the Army for many years. I am immensely proud of him and his achievements, and think of him fondly at this time every year. We at Netball NSW are honoured that we can help commemorate this special day by hosting our transTasman colleagues, the Southern Steel, for this historic match. Like AFL, NRL and Super 15 Rugby has done before us, it’s fantastic that netball can now be considered amongst some of the stronger sporting codes in highlighting that age-old rivalry – Australia v New Zealand. In netball there is no greater contest, and as ANZAC Day is celebrated in both Australia and New Zealand, it seems only fitting for the ANZ Championship to get involved. On that note I would like to welcome Janine Southby, the Steel players and coaching staff, as well as their fans to our fair Capital.
Putting aside what I’ve touched upon, today’s game is just like any other – two teams looking to take home the competition points. We’ve seen so far in the 2014 ANZ Championship how incredibly close the competition is and two points can seem like a lot more when you look at the ladder. Every win is crucial, none more so than the games you play at home with the backing of your fans. The Steel have the upper hand having defeated us last year in Invercargill by five goals. Now that we are hosting them, it’s our chance to reverse our fortunes and send them home empty handed. In doing so we really have to be on the top of our game; sticking to the game plan, making sure we put plenty of defensive pressure out front to help our circle defenders against GS Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, but also doing what we do best. One thing is for sure – netball fans are in for a treat today with some of the best netballing talent from both sides of the Tasman in action! Thank you for joining us in Canberra and I hope to see you all at our Blockbuster game next round at Sydney’s Allphones Arena to create another #SeaofRed. Go Swifts!
IN THIS ISSUE 4
NEWS CENTRAL
Join us in congratulating the NSW Swifts selected in the 2014 Australian Diamonds squad
5
SUSAN PRATLEY
Susan gives Swifts Insider an insight into life off the court
7
STATS PACK
Check out the key stats ahead of today’s game.
8-9
MATCH CENTRE
Team Profiles, Coaching Bench, Headto-Head History and the One to Watch.
10
YOUR THIRD
Swifts Insider catches up with Technical Assistant Coach Anita Keelan about the key strategies needed for the match
Rob Wright Head Coach
11
APRIL LETTON
April shares with Swifts Insider what life was like at the AIS
12
SWIFT IN THE KITCHEN
Sharni Layton shares with fans one of her favourite recipes
13
CROSSROADS
Gretel Tippett talks to Swifts Insider about the decision to switch from basketball to netball
14
KIMBERLEY SMITH
Swifts Insider takes a trip down memory lane and catches up with former Swifts Co-Vice Captain, Kimberley Smith
The Club are rewarding fans for coming early to our home games with the First 500 supporters receiving a special gift! So far this season, fans have been able to get their hands on a Sporty Swift Face Mask, limited edition “I Love Swifts” badge and an ANZ NetSetGO Skills card. Today’s First 500 gift is a special ANZAC Day Commemorative poster. Make sure you come along early to our Blockbuster Game at Allphones Arena to see what special gift is on offer next!
INSIDER
THE TEAM EDITOR Victoria Bain WRITERS Victoria Bain, Sharni Layton, Kimberley Lewis, Rebecca Trbojevich, Rob Wright DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sarah Sugar PRODUCTION Imagination Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY SMP Images, Michael Costa, Dianne Manson, Fiora Sacco, April Letton, Sharni Layton
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
WATCH THE SWIFTS ON THE ROAD In 2014 fans are able to watch all NSW Swifts’ ANZ Championship games LIVE on television via FOX SPORTS.
SWIFTS NAMED IN DIAMONDS SQUAD NSW Swifts Kimberlee Green, Sharni Layton, Susan Pratley and Caitlin Thwaites were last week announced in the Australian Diamonds squad to contest the 2014 Commonwealth Games selection camp here in Canberra next month. Incumbent Diamonds’ vice-captain Kimberlee Green was over the moon, not just for herself, but her fellow Swifts teammates upon announcement of their selection. “As captain of the NSW Swifts, I’m proud to see three teammates have also been selected in this squad, and hopefully this is a reflection of the hard work and results the entire roster has produced so far this year,” Green said.
Seeking Australia’s first Commonwealth Games netball Gold Medal since 2002 in Manchester, Australian Diamonds’ Coach Lisa Alexander will name her 12-player team at the conclusion of the three-day selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 May. “We’re very pleased that we’ve got a strong 18-player squad and in general they’ve all been in consistent and solid form and doing what we want them to be doing at this stage which is terrific, particularly those who have been re-selected into the squad,” Alexander said. “It’s all about who we believe have the best chances of selection at this stage through their performances in the ANZ
Championship, plus past international considerations, and execution of the personal performance plans that we set at the start of the year.” The squad will initially contest the Commonwealth Games selection camp next month before regrouping later in the year for selection ahead of September and October’s international Test series. Australia opens its 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games account against Wales on Thursday 24 July ahead of their remaining pool matches against England, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and South Africa. Read the full story at nswswifts.com.au
During the off-season, the ANZ Championship confirmed all 2014 ANZ Championship matches will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS in Australia and SKY Sport in New Zealand throughout the 17-week season including the ANZ Championship Finals Series which concludes at the end of June. Additionally in Australia one match per week is simulcast live from 12.00pm each Sunday on free-to-air television via SBS 2, with the Swifts to be featured five times during the regular season. Australian netball fans are now also able to watch every game of the ANZ Championship for free thanks to Telstra’s new SportsFan mobile app. The SportsFan app is free to download and is available for compatible iOS and android phone and tablet devices. Games will available to watch within two hours of first centre.
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
facebook.com/NSWSwifts twitter.com/theNSWSwifts instagram.com/NSWSwifts youtube.com/NSWSwiftsTV 4
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | visit nswswifts.com.au
the QR Code or via the URL on the inside cover of Swifts Insider. Listen out at the end of the match to see if you’re a winner!
SUSAN PRATLEY Preparing for life as a Pettitt Susan Pratley has been around netball for a long time, with her elite career spanning more than a decade after she first took the court for the AIS Canberra Darters to make her National League debut way back in 2003. Since then, the 30-year-old has identified herself as a “netballer”, but the country girl from Quaama (30km north of Bega) is starting to prepare for life after retirement. But don’t fear Pratley fans – the shooter says she still has plenty more games left in her before she steps off the court for the final time! “I’m definitely not preparing for retirement any time soon, but I’m starting to think about what I want to do after netball is finished – I’m definitely not going to be Australia’s version of Irene van Dyk, playing into my 40s!” laughed Susan. While fans of the speedy Goal Attack won’t have to farewell the star in the near future, there is one change they will have to get used to… a new name on the back of her dress. “From next year I’ll be known as Susan Pettitt – I’m taking on my fiancé’s name. I have lots of dresses with Pratley on the back and I just think it will be nice for my kids to see a dress with their name on the back too,” Susan said. “But I don’t think the nickname ‘Prats’ will die away anytime soon!”
And while her name will change, her love of netball won’t and it’s that passion for the game that also helped her find her calling for after she hangs up the netball shoes.
Susan decided early that she would make a concerted effort to visit Clubs and Associations in the far corners of New South Wales, giving regional netballers the opportunity to learn from one of their heroes.
Some years ago Susan was asked by her junior Association, the Sapphire Coast Netball Association, if she wouldn’t mind coming out to training and passing on a few tips and tricks to their budding netball stars.
“I’m really passionate about giving those from the country the same learning opportunities as those from the city,” Susan said.
“I found that I really enjoyed the experience and so from there I set up my own business of delivering clinics and one-on-one training sessions,” Susan said.
“Over the years I’ve been everywhere – from Tamworth down to Bega, Coffs Harbour to Dubbo, Muswellbrook … last year I even went down to Tasmania to visit their budding netballers; that was a really fun trip, the kids there were so full of energy!” Although her attention is now firmly on the NSW Swifts’ 2014 campaign, Susan says she can’t wait to hit the road again later in the year … all while preparing for her wedding in November. “It’s a busy year for me; we’re only just halfway through the Swifts season, I’ve been selected in the Diamonds squad to hopefully make the Commonwealth Games team, I have my business, plus I’m organising my wedding – I definitely don’t do things in halves!” grins Susan. “But I’ll take it one step at a time – right now it’s all about the Swifts and finishing in that top four so we can contest Finals. It’s been our goal from the very start and we’ve worked hard. Getting there is the first step, but the most important one.” Victoria Bain
Susan Pratley with her dogs Harvey and Eric
VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | 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
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 STEEL
WINNING MARGIN
17 GOALS
Swifts 55 def Steel 38, Rd 14 2010, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
STATS PACK
JODI BROWN shares top spot for GOAL ASSISTS with 111 to date. KIM GREEN is the highest Swifts with 91 GOAL ASSISTS in 6 games.
NOTE: Stats provided are from Round 1 to Round 7 2014, inclusive.
ATTENDEES FROM 2014 NSW SWIFTS COACHING AND PLAYING ROSTER
SOUTHERN STEEL
Megan Anderson [1994] Brooke Miller (2012-13) Carla Dziwoki (2003) Paula Peralta (2001-02) Kimberlee Green (2005) Susan Pratley (2003) Paige Hadley (2012) Megan Simpson [1995] Anita Keelan (2012-13 Assistant Coach) Caitlin Thwaites (2003) Sharni Layton (2007, 2009) Gretel Tippett (2009-10, 2013) April Letton (2009-10)
H EAD
INTERNATIONAL CAPS
NSW SWIFTS
TO HEAD
4 WINS
2 WINS
The last time
Caitlin Thwaites
played AIS Arena was for AUSTRALIAN DIAMONDS AGAINST NZ SILVER FERNS shooting 17 goals at 90% ACCURACY in one half
in favour of the NSW Swifts
Steel have scored an avg.
56 GOALS per game (over 6 games)
57 GOALS per game (over 7 games)
TOTAL 337 GOALS
TOTAL 399 GOALS
LAST 6 MEETINGS 2009
W
L
W
W
W
2013
L
AWAY WINNING RECORD 30% (13 WINS/31 LOSSES]
Swifts have scored an avg.
HOME WINNING RECORD 70% (32 WINS/14 LOSSES]
L ARGEST
Round 9 broadcast schedule
PULSE V VIXENS 26/04/14 @ 2:00PM AEST FOX SPORTS 2 (502)
FIREBIRDS V FEVER MAGIC V THUNDERBIRDS 27/04/14 @ 12:00PM AEST 27/04/14 @ 5:00PM AEST SBS 2 & FOX SPORTS 2 (502) FOX SPORTS 1 (501)
TACTIX V MYSTICS 28/04/14 @ 5:30PM AEST FOX SPORTS 1 (501)
VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | 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: 30
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 87 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
Player Caps as at 16/4/2014
NSW Swifts v SOUTHERN STEEL
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP HIGHLIGHTS Matches: 6 Series Record: 4-2 Swifts Home Record against the Steel: 3-0 Swifts Streak against the Steel: L-W-W-W-L First Meeting: 07/04/2008 Swifts win 53-52 at Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park Last Meeting: 06/05/2013 Steel win 60-55 at Stadium Southland, Invercargill The last time these two teams met... The Steel overcame the Swifts in the final minutes to claim a five-goal victory on their home court in New Zealand. The Swifts midcourters were doing a terrific job defensively in the opening term, to hold a one-goal advantage at the first break, 15-14. With Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid in her debut ANZ Championship season providing an easy target in the shooting circle for the Steel, momentum swung between both sides. The Swifts were facing a four-goal deficit at the final break before fighting back to take the lead 51-50, but they were unable to maintain the intensity in the closing stages as the Steel closed out the game scoring 10 goals to the Swifts 4.
8
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | visit nswswifts.com.au
Nickname: Son Date of Birth: 17/1/79 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 87 International Caps: 111 (Eng) 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
@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: 32
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: 85 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: 59 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: 17
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 89 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: 23 International Caps: 1
April Letton
@theNSWSwifts
@gretskies11
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.
@SarahLWall
Southern Steel Date of Birth: 6/5/81 Height: 185 Positions: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 68 International Test Caps: 35 Netball Career Facts: 2002-2007, 2012 – Current NZ Silver Ferns 2007 World C’Ships Silver Medallist 2003 World C’Ships Gold Medallist
Jodi Brown
Date of Birth: 7/12/91 Height: 174cm Positions: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 5
Date of Birth: 24/12/81 Height: 171cm Positions: C/WD/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 76
Netball Career Facts: 2011 NZ 21/U Team
Netball Career Facts: 2008 NZ Accelerant Squad
Gina Crampton
C
Phillipa Finch
Date of Birth: 15/10/84 Height: 174cm Positions: W/C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 71 International Test Caps: 1
Date of Birth: 6/11/93 Height: 186cm Positions: GK/G/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 12 International Test Caps: 1
Netball Career Facts: 2012 – Current NZ Silver Ferns 2013 Fast5 Ferns World Series Gold Medallist 2010, 2011 NZ 21/U Team
Netball Career Facts: 2008-2010 NZ Silver Ferns 2009 Fast5 Ferns Netball World Series Gold Medallist
Netball Career Facts: 2014 NZ Accelerant Squad 2011 – Current NZ 21/U Team 2014 NZ Silver Ferns (UK Tour) 2013 World Youth Netball C’Ship Gold Medallist
Wendy Frew
Netball Career Facts: 2010 – Jamaica National Netball Team 2013 Sunshine Girls World Series Bronze Medallist 2013 ANZ C’ship MVP 2013 ANZ C’ship Best New Talent 2013 ANZ C’ship All-Star Team
Jhaniele Fowler-Reid
Date of Birth: 12/10/90 Height: 178cm Positions: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 31 International Test Caps: 6
Shannon Francois
Date of Birth: 21/7/89 Height: 198cm Positions: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 20 International Test Caps: 51 (Jam)
Phoenix Karaka
Date of Birth: 9/7/88 Height: 193cm Positions: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 8 Netball Career Facts: 2012 Premiership Player (Magic) 2007 NZ 21/U Team
Erena Mikaere
Date of Birth: 30/3/92 Height: 173cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 3
Date of Birth: 20/4/93 Height: 186cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 24
Date of Birth: 5/6/84 Height: 183cm Positions: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 56
Date of Birth: 14/1/92 Height: 188cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 13
Netball Career Facts: 2011 – Current NZ 21/U Team 2013 World Youth Netball C’Ship Gold Medallist 2010 NZ Secondary School Girls Team
Netball Career Facts: 2013 NZ 21/U Captain 2013 World Youth Cup Gold Medallist 2012 – Current NZ 21/U Team
Netball Career Facts: 2014 NZ Accelerant Squad
Netball Career Facts: 2014 NZ Accelerant Squad 2014 NZ 21/U Team 2013 World Youth Netball C’Ship Gold Medallist
Stacey Peeters
Storm Purvis Reinga Te Huia Assistant Coach
Rachel Rasmussen
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Clare Malthus Team Manager
Simon Jones
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Janine Southby Senior Coach
Corina Ngatuere Physiotherapist
Player Caps as at 16/4/2014
Onetowatch
Shannon Francois is going to be a key for the Steel in delivering feeds to Fowler-Reid. She is quick and agile, and has shown how damaging she can be if given free reign. Her recent great form has shown why she is a Silver Fern and should she not be contained will cause us plenty of grief. We have to limit her free movement with our one-on-one defence and, most importantly, put handsover pressure on her pass to give our circle defenders a chance to contest every ball.
Rob Wright VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
9
Your Third In this week’s edition of ‘Your Third’ we chat with Technical Assistant Coach Anita Keelan about the full court defensive effort the NSW Swifts will need to limit the influence of Steel’s GS Jhaniele Fowler-Reid … Any team playing the Southern Steel knows that to win the game you have to restrict the scoring of their 198cm Jamaican international Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, and the best way to do that is to stop the ball from getting to her - that’s why today’s midcourt battle could ultimately decide the final outcome. Fowler-Reid will always score 40 plus goals a match, the key for us will be to limit the ball going into her. We need to ensure every feed is under pressure to allow us to pick up any that aren’t spot on.
shooters – put pressure over every Steel pass, in order to provide our circle defenders the opportunity to contest every ball.
Australian sides where the defensive set-ups come in the attacking third, we will need to be much more diligent in our ability to attack.
Our focus today will be to shut down the experienced Steel midcourters of Shannon Francois and Phillipa Finch, and even goal attack Jodi Brown who currently tops statistics for Goal Assists*, from providing good feeds into Fowler-Reid.
In training this week, we have stressed the importance of coming hard out onto the ball and not waiting for it to come to you - Wendy Frew, Finch and Francois all have incredible closing speed, so you wait for a pass at your own peril.
To do this we will be sticking closely to our opponents, using strong hands over defence; hopefully limiting the passing options available to the Steel.
We also have to be careful of the crosscourt pass, which is a trap sides can fall into against New Zealand franchises when trying to move the ball around the court against their zonal defence. We’ve seen from other team’s like the Central Pulse and Northern Mystics patience is key against the Steel – work the ball around, wait for an opening, and find your shooters.
Today’s teams both have strong circle defenders and shooting partnerships, so it will be the side whose midcourters can provide the best service into the circle, while denying the opposition’s passage to goal, who will claim the two points on offer.
Externally, Abbey McCulloch at wing defence has been an unsung hero, but we know how important she has been to our strong start this season. The consistency of her work ethic and how much she does off the ball not only strengthens the performance of the circle defenders, but supports the team in attack. Abbey, along with Kim Green at Centre, have big roles to play in today’s match.
Rob mentions in his ‘One to Watch’ segment that it’s imperative that our midcourters – and our
New Zealand teams are known for having a full court defensive strategy and for their use of zones; unlike
This is a tactic that has worked well for the Swifts this year and we will need to do it again today. If we do this, and continue to work hard as a team, then we will put ourselves in a strong position to get the result.
Anita Keelan
Technical Assistant Coach
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INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 5 | visit nswswifts.com.au
APRIL LETTON Life at the AIS For a number of the current NSW Swifts’ playing roster, today will be a homecoming of sorts as they return to the city which they called “home” during their time as an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Scholarship Holder. Kimberlee Green, Paige Hadley, Sharni Layton, Brooke Miller, Susan Pratley, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett and April Letton are all graduates of the AIS, with the latter very much looking forward to returning to the nation’s capital. “It’s actually quite nice to go back to Canberra … obviously I lived there for two years, so it does hold a special place in my heart,” explained April. April was an AIS Scholarship holder in 2009 and 2010, and can remember vividly where she was when she got that faithful call. “I was actually getting my eyebrows waxed when I got a phone call from [then AIS Head Coach] Simone McKinnis,” laughs April. “Her phone number didn’t come up and I thought ‘who is this’, so I answered it and it was Simone. “I was in shock [after receiving the offer]. I think the beauty therapist thought I was crazy, as it was pretty funny how it happened but a great honour none the less.” As an 18-year-old it can be a pretty daunting experience leaving home, but one which April will be forever thankful for. “It was a shock moving out of home,” April admits. “I have two older sisters, so I was used to living with girls, but being the first time out of home I had to learn a lot of new things and life skills.
“For me it was perfect timing; I needed to grow up a little and it certainly helped me do that in a great way.”
“The crowd is close to the action, which creates a great atmosphere, so I’m really looking forward to getting back out on court in front of such passionate supporters.”
Having already showed her potential at State level with NSW in both the 17/U and 19/U Teams, the AIS program saw April team up with some familiar names from this year’s ANZ Championship, including Chanel Gomes (West Coast Fever), Nicola Gray (Queensland Firebirds), Kate Shimmin (Adelaide Thunderbirds) and Verity Simmons (Queensland Firebirds) just to name a few.
This Round 7 encounter is not only special because it’s the first ever ANZ Championship game to be played in Canberra, but it’s being played on such an important day for Australians and New Zealanders alike, ANZAC Day, an occasion which isn’t lost on April.
“The AIS pick the best [young] players from around the country, so a lot of future potential is seen in those AIS teams,” April said. “It’s fantastic to see how players from these teams have gone on to further their careers at other ANZ Championship teams.”
“All my family are coming down from Sydney to watch and I’m looking forward to experiencing the occasion,” April said. “It is such a big day for Australians, a very emotional day, and I’m honoured to be playing in this game which honours our country’s history.” Rebecca Trbojevich
This season April has been reunited with a former AIS buddy, NSW Swifts’ off-season recruit Sharni Layton. “It’s actually really funny, because in 2009 I was in the [AIS] team with Sharni, so I’ve played netball with her before this season, and it’s really great to be playing with her now and knowing we shared that part of our journey together.” Today won’t be the first time the 22-year-old has played at the AIS Arena, a venue which last October hosted a sell-out Australian Diamonds versus Silver Ferns Constellation Cup Test Match. “I’ve played a couple of Australian National League games at the AIS Arena and it’s a wonderful place to play netball,” reflected April.
April with her AIS team mates
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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!
Sharni’s Quinoa Pancakes SERVES: 4 Adults
PREP: 10-15mins
COOKING TIME: 2mins (Per Pancake)
These quinoa pancakes are not only delicious, they make a great healthy option for breakfast, snacks throughout the day – even dessert! I serve mine with an extra serving of berries on the side, but if you’re having for dessert feel free to pop a little ice cream on top as a treat.
created by Sharni Layton TOTAL TIME: 10mins
3. Add berries, protein, cacao, macca and chia seeds and mix in
6. Place coconut oil in pan and heat up to about medium 7. Pour mixture to your desired size (smaller is easier for flipping and you get more out of it)
The best thing about this recipe is you can make them as simple or complex as you like. Add or take out whatever ingredients you would prefer to make a different mix each time – one of my other favourites is putting peanut butter in; it’s delicious with the banana! Ingredients • 1 Cup Red Quinoa • 2 Bananas • 2 Eggs • 1 Scoop Protein Powder • Tblspn Cacao Powder • Tblspn Macca Powder • Handful Berries (blueberries, goji berries, or your berry preference) • Handful Walnuts • Sprinkle of Chia Seeds • 1/2-1 Cup of Wholemeal Flour • Coconut Oil Method 1. Cook up Quinoa (see packet for instructions) 2. Mash up bananas with a fork and mix in with quinoa
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8. When bubbles start to appear popping through the top of the pancake then flip it with spatula 9. Leave it for a minute or so and then flip out onto plate. I prefer my pancakes to still be a bit gooey in the middle, but cook them however you desire! Enjoy!
4. Add 2 eggs and mix in thoroughly 5. Add flour until a smooth consistency (not too runny and not too thick)
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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.
GRETEL TIPPETT THE STORY (IN SHORT)
Gretel has had a far from orthodox journey to the ANZ Championship, moving from basketball to netball only two years ago. She has represented Australia in both sporting codes, making her first international squad at just 14 years old. During her time playing in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) she played with the Australian Institute of Sport from 2009/10 and at home on the Gold Coast with Logan Thunder during the 2010/11 season. In March 2012, at the age of 19, she joined her very first netball team – the Gold Coast Jags. Since then Gretel has quickly risen through the ranks, including winning Silver at the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CHANGE TO NETBALL?
After a year at the AIS I was missing home so moved back to the Gold Coast to play for Logan Thunder. I was battling glandular fever at the time, but kept playing but by the 2011/12 season, I was too run down and needed a rest. I decided to take six months off and make a decision on my future after that. Three months into my rest I was ready to get into some physical exercise again. A friend asked me to join her netball team. I did it just for fun and fitness really
WHAT WAS YOUR TURNING POINT?
I was enjoying the challenge of a new sport and decided to trial for the Queensland 21/U Team. I made the team and travelled to Perth that year for Nationals; I loved the whole experience! I would get frustrated at times, learning new rules, and I felt a bit uncoordinated. It was a strange feeling being a beginner again, but that just added to the challenge for me.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST MADE THE AUSTRALIAN 19/U BASKETBALL TEAM (GEMS) AT THE AGE OF 14? WHERE TO FROM HERE FOR GRETEL TIPPETT? I couldn’t believe it and I definitely wasn’t expecting it; I was so excited though. We went away to play in France that year and the 19/U World Basketball Championships were the following year.
HOW DID YOU BALANCE YOUR SCHOOLING AND YOUR SPORT?
When I was still living on the Gold Coast it was easier as I was living at home and could take my study away with me when I travelled with the team. When I moved to the AIS, I was in year 12 and although my school had never had a student study externally, they made an exception for myself. At the AIS we had a weekly timetable which had time set aside for study and they also provided tutors for us to help with our homework and getting assessments in on time.
Gretel in action during Round 5 against Central Pulse
I’m currently studying nutrition and looking forward to a career in netball. I’m still honing my netball skills and will continue to do so. My dream is to be a starting player for the NSW Swifts and maybe even the Diamonds, but either way I really love my sport again and to me – that’s the main thing.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO MAKE A HARD DECISION?
Follow your instinct, do what you love and be open to the thought of new opportunities.
Gretel suited up for the Australian 19/U Gems
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A trip down memory lane with…
KIMBERLEY SMITH (NEE PURCELL) In this issue of Swifts Insider we continue our trip down memory lane with some familiar faces of NSW representatives from the former National League, the ANZ Championship and more! In the spotlight today is NSW Swifts Premiership player Kimberley Smith! Kim tallied 59 caps in the former national league playing for the Sydney Sandpipers, Hunter Jaegers and Sydney Swifts, also earning a Premiership with the latter in 2007. The defender also notched 52 caps for the NSW Swifts in the ANZ Championship, earning a spot in the Australian Squad at the end of the inaugural Premiership-winning season. In her time with the Club she was voted NSW Swifts Players’ Player in 2009 and 2011, her final season before retirement.
1. How did you get started in netball?
I started because all my friends were playing and I wanted to play with them.
2. Which player did you most admire and why?
I never really admired any one player in particular. I liked different qualities in different players but I didn’t ever want to be just like someone else.
3. What do you remember of your National League debut?
I was super nervous, and it took a long time coming. I think I was in the Sandpipers in 2000 then went away to the Australian Institute of Sport and I didn’t play my first game until after I came back, in 2003 with the Sandpipers.
4. What was the highlight of your netball career?
I had a lot of highlights; I think probably winning the ANZ Championship with the NSW Swifts in 2008 I’d say was THE highlight for me. That was a pretty amazing team.
5. What is one thing you miss about netball and one thing you don’t?
I miss the team camaraderie, the intensity of training and the reward from pushing yourself. I definitely don’t miss the discipline!
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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Nancy taking part in the Half Time Partner Challenge during Round 4
Ode of Remembrance They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. (An excerpt from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon, 1914)
2014 NSW SWIFTS PARTNERS PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
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Merchandising Partner
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2014 SWIFTS BLOCKBUSTER BRAND IDENTITY - ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS
VS ALLPHONES ARENA
Sydney Olympic Park Sunday 18 May 2014, 2:18pm Activities start from 12noon
BE PART OF THE ACTION GROUP OFFER AVAILABLE BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY For bookings of twenty tickets or more, Silver seats are available at $18 per ticket† and Gold seats at $20 per ticket†. Offer only available via Ticketek’s Group Booking Hotline 1300 364 001 during business hours. †Booking and transaction fees may apply