O F F I C I A L
NSW Swifts v WBOP Magic ANZ Championship - Round 13 Sunday 25 May, 2014 Volume 7, Issue 7
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
N S W
S W I F T S
INSIDER
THANK YOU
QBE Supporters’
moment of the match Thank you to all who entered the QBE competition and voted for your NSW Swifts player of the match throughout the season. The top three players with the highest number of votes are: QBE Competition Leader Board 1. Sharni Layton 2. Kimberlee Green 3. Caitlin Thwaites QBE would like to congratulate all of the NSW Swifts players on their superb performance in the 2014 ANZ Championship so far.
J5388
gala dinner nsw swifts
Join the NSW Swifts for a night of glitz and glamour at the 2014 Gala Dinner to be held at a historical and picturesque Darling Harbour venue.
Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour on Wednesday 26 June at 6:30pm Price: $140 per person or $1300 for a table of 10 2014 NSW Swifts Members receive a 10% discount on tickets. Tickets must be purchased by 5pm Wednesday 11 June. To join the NSW Swifts and friends at the 2014 Gala Dinner contact Sarah Sugar to purchase tickets on 02 9951 5000 or email ssugar@netballnsw.com
Welcome Here we are at our final home game of the regular season, and before we get into today’s on-court battle I would like to take the opportunity to thank you – our amazing Members and fans – for the incredible support you have given us so far. Together with your help, the Club has broken some amazing records this season. We saw a record number of NSW Swifts Members signed up before the first whistle, with that number continuing to rise throughout the season, and last week we broke not just a Club record, but surpassed the largest ANZ Championship regular season crowd number, with 10,118 spectators filling Allphones Arena. Today we see another packed-out crowd at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre and I can’t tell you how privileged the team feels to have you in our corner when we take on the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic. Speaking of our opposition today, the WBOP Magic have been in superb form this season, having never fallen lower than second place on the ladder so far. After 13 weeks of competition that’s an amazing feat, particularly when you consider they are a team who had nine new faces to their 2014 roster. Before the season had even begun netball pundits were writing them off; now the WBOP Magic would have to be a Grand Final favourite. With that I would like to welcome our trans-Tasman opponents to New South Wales. Swifts fans of course will be familiar with WBOP Magic Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald who was at the helm of the Club for many years, including my first Head Coach when I joined the Swifts in 2010. Julie has done a great job this year and I look forward to today’s contest.
I think fans can look forward to another typical Australia v New Zealand match-up today; oneon-one defence versus off the body/zone set-up. However a key match-up will be our attacking end coming up against the WBOP Magic defenders. In Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin, the WBOP Magic are the New Zealand Silver Ferns starting defenders and young Jamie-Lee Price has impressed in her second ANZ Championship season. Today’s game will be a good challenge for the Swifts and I’m excited to see it unfold. For us it’s about sticking to what we’ve been good at all season and putting together a consistent 60 minute game. With the competition so tightly contested (we still don’t know what the final Top Four will look like!) every win is crucial, so we will need every Swift Member and fan on their feet and making lots of noise to help us over the line today. Finally I’d like to say Thank You to the Swifts coaching staff, team management, our support team including specialist coaches, physiotherapists and doctors, the players, as well as the staff at Netball NSW for their continued support throughout the season. Hopefully we will see you in the Finals Series! Go Swifts
IN THIS ISSUE 4
NEWS CENTRAL
It’s a race to the 2014 Finals Series, but there’s plenty of netball still to enjoy!
5
PAIGE HADLEY
The bubbly midcourter talks to Swifts Insider about 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 Rob Wright Head Coach
Swifts Insider catches up with Mo’onia Gerrard about the key strategies needed for the match.
11
SARAH WALL
The determined midcourter talks taking opportunities with both hands.
12
SWIFT IN THE KITCHEN
Sonia Mkoloma shares one of the easist recipes in the world!
13
ROAD TOWARDS FINALS
Catch up on the NSW Swifts’ season so far as the team looks to a Finals berth.
Throughout the 2014 season the Club has been rewarding fans for coming early to our home games with the First 500 supporters receiving a gift! Lucky fans have been able to get their hands on a Sporty Swift Face Mask, limited edition “I Love Swifts” badge, Swifts’ shoelaces from The Athlete’s Foot, an ANZ NetSetGO skills card, a special one-off Swifts v Steel ANZAC Day team poster and a Nova 96.9 pen … phew! Today’s First 500 gift (and lucky last!) is some yummy Thank You chocolates.
Thank you to everyone for coming to the NSW Swifts home games and cheering loud for the team throughout the regular round, and thank you to our wonderful partners for assisting in our First 500 giveaways!
INSIDER
THE TEAM EDITOR Victoria Bain WRITERS Victoria Bain, Kimberley Lewis, Rebecca Trbojevich, Rob Wright DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sarah Sugar PRODUCTION Imagination Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY SMP Images, Fiora Sacco, Paige Hadley, Sonia Mkoloma
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 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-STAR TEAM Voting for the 2014 Foxtel ANZ Championship All-Star Team is now open with fans given the chance to vote on the league’s most outstanding players for a chance to WIN!
captaincy nominations judged by a panel to determine the winners. The first prize is a trip for two to the 2014 FAST5 Netball World Series in Auckland!
For the second year running the ANZ Championship’s official All-Star team will be voted entirely by the public with seven players and a coach to be selected following the voting period.
The 2014 Foxtel ANZ Championship AllStar Team will be announced during ANZ Championship Grand Final week. To vote for your team visit www.anz-championship.com.
Voting is open now until Monday 2 June for fans to choose their favourite players, coach and tell us in 25 words or less who should be captain and why to be eligible to win some fantastic prizes.
Netball World Cup 2015 is being held right here in Sydney from 7 to 16 August next year and from tomorrow you can secure your seat in what will be a once-in-ageneration event!
So gather your mates, choose your fan package and get ready for Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015!
Fan Packages are designed to give fans the ultimate NWC2015 experience and have been created with a variety of bundle options. There are six Official Travel Agents for NWC2015 – so check them out at www.nwc2015.com.au along with the official NWC2015 Fan Packages Guide. The first of the Fan Packages are on-sale at 9am AEST Monday 26th May! Individual Session Tickets will be available in early 2015.
Those entries who correctly predict the final All-Star Team will have their creative
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS SERIES The 2014 ANZ Championship has been one of the closest contests in history with nothing separating the Top Four teams. In fact it’s so close that with two rounds left to play, it’s near impossible to predict who will be playing Semi Finals and where!
NETBALL WORLD CUP 2015 FAN PACKAGES ON-SALE TOMORROW
But never fear Swifts fans – all the information you need on the 2014 ANZ Championship Finals Series will be just a click away. Keep your eyes peeled on the NSW Swifts website and social media channels for everything Finals Series and we will keep you up-to-date as information comes to hand.
facebook.com/NSWSwifts
2015 NSW SWIFTS MEMBERSHIPS REGISTER YOUR INTEREST! 2014 has been another record-breaking season for the NSW Swifts and we continue to be delighted by the level of the support we receive from you – our loyal Members and fans. RED ZONE Membership packages for the 2015 ANZ Championship season will be
announced during the off-season, but we want to hear from you today. Head to www.nswswifts.com.au and visit our Membership page to complete a ‘Register Your Interest’ form to be one of the first to receive information regarding 2015 NSW Swifts Memberships.
twitter.com/theNSWSwifts instagram.com/NSWSwifts youtube.com/NSWSwiftsTV
Book your Family Getaway Package today to enjoy Vivid Sydney, the festival of lights.
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4
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 7 | visit nswswifts.com.au
PAIGE HADLEY Growing up off the court 2014 will prove to be a life changing year for Paige Hadley, the young NSW Swift and Australian Diamond whose promising netball career was put on hold after sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Fans were devastated, the team left without words, and Paige admits even for her there have been some dark days. However nine weeks on from that fateful training session, the 21-year-old admits she is “doing better” and is on the fast track to get back on court. Paige isn’t the first – nor the last unfortunately – to endure an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, but she takes courage that others such as teammates Carla Dziwoki and Brooke Miller can bounce back better than ever. “It is encouraging knowing there are others who have had similar injuries that I can lean on for advice. The support that I’ve received since doing my knee has been amazing – I can’t even describe the kind words I’ve been sent by family, friends, Swifts Members and fans; it’s been incredible,” Paige said. The midcourter has always been close to her family, but she says their love and support has been the key to getting her to where she is in her rehabilitation journey. “I really can’t thank my family enough for putting up with mood swings every now and then, and to my friends. Over the last nine weeks it’s really opened my eyes to the incredible friends I have who support me through the good and the bad.
“The support of Jason [Howell, Netball NSW Strength & Conditioning Coach] who without him I probably wouldn’t be doing half the things that I’m doing now if he didn’t push me through the days where I felt like I could give up,” Paige admitted.
After not just a career but life defining moment for Paige, fans will be curious to know if the same player they’ve seen the last two seasons will be back in 2015. That’s a question that Paige says she can’t even answer.
Paige may be missing the Swifts training sessions while on her own rehab schedule, but there’s no rest for the wicked. While the Swifts will complete between eight and nine sessions a week, Paige is doing seven speciality sessions alongside daily rehab exercises.
“I think I’m in the process; I don’t think right now nine weeks after I’ve changed too much. I’ve definitely changed my outlook on a lot of things and the way I want to come back from this injury – who I want to be, and that’s not just the netball Paige Hadley,” the 21-year-old said.
Throw in her university commitments (she’s studying a Bachelor of Business Commerce and Sports Management) and there isn’t a lot of free time left in the schedule.
“Ultimately I think I will be different, both on and off the court, when I come back. You wonder how but every day I see myself growing, so I have no doubt that I’ll be back better and stronger than ever.
“I really have no life, so it’s no different to if I was playing this season. But at least I get to see my friends more often, ” Paige laughs.
“Next season I’m going to play with no regrets; whatever happens will happen. I can’t wait to get out there and compete again and be a force to be reckoned with – just be absolutely relentless because I’ve been through a really tough time but I know everything after this is going to be better and better for me.”
“I’m at uni part-time, although I’ll be looking to go full-time next semester to make the most of my time away from netball. I have rehab exercises I need to do daily at home, plus two physio appointments, three sessions in the gym with Jason, and now I’m swimming twice a week. “I’m really excited because if all continues to go well, I’ll be back running in a few weeks. After that it won’t be long until I’m allowed back on court,” Paige beams.
And that is music to the ears of Swifts and Diamonds fans everywhere. Victoria Bain
VOL 7 ISSUE 7 | 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
THANK YOU
SWIFTS
SEASON GOALS
WBOP MAGIC
STATS PACK
H E A D -T O - H E A D
Caitlin Thwaites 293 Carla Dziwoki 25
TOTAL: 599 as of 18/5/2014
SWIFTS ROSTER HAS A TOTAL
MAGIC ROSTER HAS A TOTAL
557 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP CAPS
527 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP CAPS
AVG. 46 GAMES PER PLAYER
AVG. 44 GAMES PER PLAYER
6 WINS
The NSW Swifts and WBOP Magic featured in the inaugural Grand Final, with the Swifts winning 65-56 at Acer Arena (now Allphones Arena)
3 WINS The two teams have met 9 times, including 3 Finals, with Swifts leading the Head-to-Head count with 6 wins
WBOP Magic have received 8
N SHARNI LAYTO
#GOLDENBIB
HAS 27 INTERCEPTS SO FAR IN 2014
nominations so far this season. GRACE RASMUSSEN LEADS WITH 5 TO HER NAME
Currently 2nd in the ANZC this season
SWIFTS RESULTS
LAST 9 MEETINGS 2009
W
2013
W
W
W
L
W
L
W
Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
C/M/Y/K
L
Home Team
Away Team
Swifts
54 Fever
51
Tactix
57 Swifts
68
Thunderbirds
50 Swifts
49
Swifts
53 Firebirds
48
Swifts
63 Pulse
45
Bye
2014 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER Team
Susan Pratley 271 Gretel Tippett 10
as at 20/5/2014
Swifts
50 Vixens
56
Firebirds
55 Swifts
40
16
W W
L
b
W
Swifts
65 Steel
52
112.70%
16
W W
L
L
W
Vixens
50 Swifts
54
553
46 108.30%
16
Fever
47 Swifts
58
575
535
40
107.50%
14
W W W W
Swifts
45 Thunderbirds
42
4
581
564
17
103.00%
14
W
L
W W W
6
663
685
-22
96.80%
10
W
L
W W
P
W
L
GF
GA
GD
%
Melbourne Vixens
11
8
3
618
484
134 127.70%
Waikato BOP Magic
11
8
3
629
558
71
NSW Swifts
11
8
3
599
Queensland Firebirds
11
7
4
Central Pulse
11
7
Southern Steel
11
5
Pts Form (last 5)
L
W W W W b
b
ROUND 12 RESULTS Home Team
Away Team
Adelaide Thunderbirds
11
4
7
554
593
-39 93.40%
8
L
L
W
L
L
Vixens
65 Fever
46
Northern Mystics
11
4
7
587
648
-61
90.60%
8
L
W
L
b
L
Swifts
45 Thunderbirds
42
West Coast Fever
11
3
8
587
617
-30
95.10%
6
b
L
L
L
L
Pulse
49 Mystics
45
Mainland Tactix
11
1
10
585
741
-156 78.90%
2
L
L
L
L
L
Magic
74 Tactix
56
0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0 100/0/0/100 White
*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2014 ANZ Championship Ladder from Rd 11 to the conclusion of Rd 12. Ladder does not include any results from Rd 13.
Bye - Firebirds & Steel
VOL 7 ISSUE 7 | 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: 31
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 92 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: 2014 Aus Comm. Games Selection Camp Invitee 2013 ANZ C’ship debut (Firebirds) 2012 NNSW Waratahs ANL team 2010-2011 NNSW Blues ANL team
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: 2014 Aus Diamonds Squad 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist and Co-Captain 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership 2007 World C’ships Gold Medallist 2006, 2010 Comm. Games Silver
Netball Career facts: 2014 Aus. Comm. Games Team 2012-14 Aus Diamonds 2009 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens)
@caitlinthwaites
Mo’onia Gerrard
Toni Kidwell
Daniel Vukovic
Megan Simpson
Physiotherapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
Contracted Midcourt Specialist Coach
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP HIGHLIGHTS Matches: 9 Series Record: 6-3 Swifts Home Record against the WBOP Magic: 4-1 Swifts Streak against the WBOP Magic: W-L-W-W-L First Meeting: 19/04/2008 Swifts win 50-47 at Newcastle Entertainment Centre Last Meeting: 31/03/2013 WBOP Magic win 61-35 at ASB Baypark Arena, Tauranga The last time these two teams met... The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic turned out a dominant performance to claim a 26-goal victory on their home court in Round 2 of the 2013 ANZ Championship. The WBOP Magic were on top from the opening minutes with Silver Ferns defenders Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin keeping the Swifts to just five goals in the first quarter, while up the other end Irene van Dyk converted 11 goals from 11 attempts, with support from GA Jess Waitapu. That term set the tone for the rest of the match as the Kiwis notched up 13 intercepts across the 60 minutes while the Swifts struggled to counter their challenge and ultimately fell short, 61-35.
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 7 | visit nswswifts.com.au
Nickname: Son Date of Birth: 17/1/79 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 92 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: 37
Jason Howell
Physiotherapist
Netball Career facts: 2014 Aus. Comm. Games Team 2014 NSW Swifts Leadership Group 2011, 2013-14 Aus Diamonds 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2010, 2013 Two time ANZ C’ship Premiership Player (Thunderbirds)
Nickname: Grets Date of Birth: 3/7/93 Height: 192cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 3
Gretel Tippett
NSW Swifts v WBOP MAGIC
8
@brooklynKmiller
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: 4
Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29/12/86 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 90 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: 64 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: 22
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 94 International Caps: 54
Susan Pratley
/NSWSwiftsTV Nickname: Mads Date of Birth: 11/04/95 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2
Netball Career facts: 2014 Aus Comm. Games Team 2014 NSW Swifts Captain 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: 26 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
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic Date of Birth: 9/7/77 Height: 190cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 93 International Test Caps: 74 (NZ) 34 (SA)
Date of Birth: 25/5/90 Height: 182cm Positions: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 0 Netball Career Facts: 2014 ANZ Championship Debut 2013 Waikato Bay of Plenty 23/U Team
Katherine Coffin
Leana de Bruin
Netball Career Facts: 2012 ANZ C’ship Premiership Player 2012, 2013 All-Star Team
Date of Birth: 10/1/96 Height: 179cm Positions: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 10
Jamie-Lee Price
Belinda Muller Team Manager
Head Coach
Netball Career Facts: 2014 ANZ C’ship Debut 2013 – Current NZ 21/U Team 2013 World Youth Netball C’Ship Gold Medallist
Netball Career Facts: 2011 – 2013 Mainland Tactix 2009 – 2011 Central Pulse 2008 Mainland Tactix
Netball Career Facts: 2013 World Youth Netball C’Ship Gold Medallist 2013 Northern Mystics
Grace Rasmussen
Assistant Coach
Julie Fitzgerald
Date of Birth: 23/9/94 Height: 183cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 5
Netball Career Facts: 2010, 2012-13 Silver Fern 2008 – 2013 Northern Mystics 2010 Comm. Games Gold Medallist 2004 – 2009 NZ 21/U Squad & Team
Margaret Forsyth
Jo Harten
Date of Birth: 16/9/86 Height: 176cm Positions: WD/GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 69
Date of Birth: 18/3/88 Height: 177cm Positions: GA/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 72 International Caps: 8
Netball Career Facts: 2014 NZ 21/U Squad 2013 ANZ C’ship Debut
Ellen Halpenny
Netball Career Facts: 2009 – Current England National Team 2011 Fast5 Netball Gold Medallist 2012 Fast5 Silver Medallist 2009 World Youth Cup
Date of Birth: 17/12/93 Height: 183cm Positions: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Brooke Leaver
C
Date of Birth: 21/3/89 Height: 188cm Positions: GA/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 37 International Test Caps: 52 (Eng)
Netball Career Facts: 2013 Netball NZ National Accelerant Group 2010 – 2011 NZ 21/U Squad 2008 – 2012 Canterbury Tactix 2010 FastNet Ferns
Netball Career Facts: 2000 – Current Silver Fern 2012 ANZC Premiership (Magic) 2011 Most Valuable Player ANZ C’ship 2006 Comm. Games Gold (NZ) 2003 World Netball Cup Gold (NZ)
Date of Birth: 19/6/85 Height: 188cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 103 International Test Caps: 77
Casey Kopua
Date of Birth: 25/7/90 Height: 190cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 61
Bessie Manu
Malia Paseka Date of Birth: 5/6/95 Height: 171cm Positions: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Date of Birth: 15/7/88 Height: 180cm Positions: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 51 International Caps: 3 (NZ)
Netball Career Facts: 2014 ANZ Championship Debut
Samantha Sinclair
Netball Career Facts: 2014 Training Partner with Silver Ferns (UK Tour) 2013 Silver Fern (Constellation Cup) 2008 – 2009 Australian 21/U Team 2009 World Youth Cup Gold Medallist (Aus)
Courtney Tairi Date of Birth: 24/6/90 Height: 188cm Positions: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 26
Anna Skelton Video Analyst
Netball Career Facts: 2011-2013 Mainland Tactix 2010-2011 NZ 21/U Squad Member
Sam Chambers
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Joanna Trip
Roger Athy-Knibbs Physiotherapist
Onetowatch Jo Harten in action for the Mainland Tactix during the 2013 ANZ Championship
English representative Jo Harten is having her best season to date – her move to WBOP Magic has done her a world of good as she has risen to a new level this year. Not only is the 188cm shooter super accurate (shooting at 92% so far this season), she is also mobile, agile and has a great jump. She presents a different challenge to other holding shooters, plus her combination with Ellen Halpenny grows each week.
Rob Wright VOL 7 ISSUE 7 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
9
Your Third In our final instalment of Your Third for season 2014, Contracted Specialist Defensive Coach Mo’onia Gerrard talks about some of the tactics the Swifts will need to employ to break down the WBOP Magic’s strong defensive unit. In my opinion, today’s match will be an overall defensive affair, particularly with both teams possessing experienced pairings in their defensive circle. The WBOP Magic’s Leana de Bruin and Casey Kopua have played a combined 196 ANZ Championship games (let alone their international numbers!) and, along with the Melbourne Vixens’ pairing of Bianca Chatfield and Geva Mentor, are statistically the League’s number one defensive unit. That being said, the Swifts’ new partnership of Sharni Layton and Sonia Mkoloma are really starting to develop a strong understanding; linking and combining really well, and have been a feature of the team’s undefeated run of four games.
The duo have been really well supported by Abbey McCulloch and April Letton this season as well, ensuring they do the hard work out the front to help the circle defenders do what they do best – taking spectacular intercepts and disrupting the shooters’ momentum. To breakdown the defensive unit of de Bruin and Kopua, the Swifts will need to split them up and keep them second guessing with lots of movement in and around our shooting circle, plus some quick ball-movement and strong feeds into our shooters. I like Bessie Manu in the wing defence position for the WBOP Magic and along with former NSW Swift Courtney Tairi, the WBOP Magic have two defensively minded players with plenty of experience playing against Australian teams.
and quick connecting passes that opponents have struggled to contain at times. A psychological advantage for us going into today’s game is that we have already beaten two strong New Zealand teams on home soil this season in the Central Pulse and Southern Steel. On both occasions our game plan against the opposition was spot on; dominating proceedings from the outset and maintaining that intensity throughout the four quarters. With a Finals berth on the line, and playing the second-placed team in this year’s ANZ Championship, we know the importance of a full team, full-court defensive effort throughout the 60 minutes.
But one of our strengths this season has been the work that both Kim Green and Sarah Wall have been doing in attack, with their hard-ball driving
Mo’onia Gerrard
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
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Sarah Wall Grabbing a second chance with both hands “Out of adversity comes opportunity.” First quoted more than 250 years ago, this has never been more true for Sarah Wall in 2014. After the NSW Swifts were affected by two serious injuries as well as niggles, the Leadership Group suggested to Head Coach Rob Wright the 29-year-old attacking midcourter to cover the wing attack bib. Sarah is no stranger to the ANZ Championship having played since 2009, but in 2012 her netball dream looked to come to an end when she wasn’t offered another contract in her native Victoria. However Wall didn’t waste time dwelling in disappointment. The qualified teacher had already launched her own company in 2011 which gave her a real focus post her Melbourne Vixens’ career. “I named my netball accessories business after my grandmother, Jeanie, because she always believed in me and I wanted those positive messages to carry on in my brand - all the messaging are phrases or thoughts that keep people motivated and inspired,” Sarah said. Fitness and personal wellbeing is important to Sarah, and keeping in good physical condition is something she prioritised after the ANZ Championship.
“I knew I wasn’t a big enough name to drive my own netball clinics, but thought some of my strengths were fitness and making kids feel special and empowered about who they were while living a happy and healthy life.”
“Never give up, and even if that means you’re not necessarily getting an opportunity that you wanted, other things can come of it.“ Rebecca Trbojevich
Sarah continued to play netball for the Southern Saints in the Victorian Netball League, before six rounds into their 2014 season she received a call from the Swifts. She joined the side ahead of Round 4 as a temporary replacement player. “Going into the game it was a different feeling to what I’ve ever experienced, because it was a feeling of ‘nothing to lose’!” From there Sarah grasped her opportunity with both hands, fitting well into the “Great People, Great Player” mantra Wright has developed at the Club. After again starting in Round 5, Sarah was signed as permanent replacement player for the remainder of the season. From experience, Sarah isn’t one to look too far in the distance; she is just happy to live in the present and be thankful for the things she can control. “When Rob announces the Starting 7 each week, I think ‘how lucky, how lucky am I’ – so everything is a bonus for me this season.
Finish with the Right Stuff is an exciting new program that encourages children who participate in junior community sport to eat and drink healthier options after their games. To find out more visit www.rightstuff.health.nsw.gov.au. Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter: #RightStuffNSW
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SWIFT Following the success of Swift in the Kitchen last season, Swifts Insider continued this fan favourite feature in season 2014. Your NSW Swifts’ have shared with you one of their favourite recipes so you can try it at home. From sweet to savoury, there has been something yummy to tempt everyone’s tastebuds this year. Bon Appetit!
Easy Nutella Brownies SERVES: 1 hungry netballer or 6 friends
PREP: 15mins
I must admit, I’m not the best cook in the kitchen. But these are by far the easiest (and most delicious!) brownies I have ever made … even I can’t get them wrong! There are just three ingredients so you really can’t go wrong. But anything with Nutella in it you know it’s going to be yummy. Young, old, dessert queen or someone who would burn toast – anyone can make these delicious “sometimes” food. Ingredients • 1 ¼ cup Nutella • 2 Eggs • ½ cup all-purpose Flour (plain or selfraising, your choice!)
COOKING TIME: 15mins
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TOTAL TIME: 30mins
Method 1. Grease a small to medium square or rectangular baking pan and pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Hint: The above ingredient measurements are suitable for square pan 22cm x 22cm, so for larger pans just add more ingredients to the mix! 2. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl with a large wooden spoon until batter is smooth 3. Pour mixture into the greased pan and smooth the top with the back of wooden spoon or spatula then place pan in pre-heated oven. Now you can lick the spoon! Mmmm 4. Bake for about 15 minutes; to check if ready, stick a toothpick or skewer into the centre – if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Hint: I like my brownies a little bit gooey in
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created by Sonia Mkoloma
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the middle, so don’t be afraid to take them out a little early so the brownies don’t overbake and become too dry 5. Sit the pan on a cooling rack and allow brownies to cool down before cutting and serving. Try some with hot fudge sauce or some yummy ice-cream! You can add other ingredients to the list if you want to mix it up – you can add your favourite nuts or berries, some choc chips, or even sprinkle some icing sugar or hundreds and thousands on top. It’s too easy! Bon Appetit.
As the race for the 2014 ANZ Championship Finals Series gets tighter, Swifts Insider takes a look back at how the Swifts got to where they are, sitting in the Top Four, two weeks out from finals… ROUND 1 V WEST COAST FEVER (1 WIN) After an exciting off-season filled with coach and player announcements, it was a new-look NSW Swifts that took the court in the opening round of the 2014 ANZ Championship. While there were six new players in the line-up, it was a Swifts stalwart that stole the show in Round 1 against the Fever; Susan Pratley notched her 2000th ANZ Championship goal with her first of the match and was named MVP as she helped the home team to a 54-51 victory. ROUND 2 V MAINLAND TACTIX (2 WINS) The fortunes of the NSW Swifts had taken a slight turn by the time they took the court in Round 2, following the news Australian Diamond Paige Hadley had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during training and would be out for the remainder of the season. Luckily for the Swifts, Brooke Miller had recovered from a minor knee injury and was set to make her ANZ Championship debut against the Tactix in Christchurch. Starting the game at wing attack, Miller made an impressive debut tallying 20 centre pass receives, 20 goal assists and one deflection without a single turnover, earning herself a #GoldenBib in the process. The Swifts’ youngest player, Maddie Hay, made her first step into the big league when injected into the game at wing defence in the final quarter as the Swifts defeated the Tactix by 11 goals, 68-57. ROUND 3 V ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS (2 WINS, 1 LOSS) NSW 21/U representative Taylah Davies and former Vixen Micaela Wilson were called into the team as a replacement players for the away clash against defending champions the Thunderbirds. When Miller succumbed to a minor knee injury early on, Davies made her ANZ Championship debut at wing attack. Her time was short however, after she too suffered an ACL injury and was forced off the court. The Swifts took some time to adjust to the rejigged line-up before staging an inspiring comeback to level the scores at the main break, but the Swifts ultimately fell to the Thunderbirds by one goal, 50-49.
ROUND 4 V FIREBIRDS (3 WINS, 1 LOSS) The Swifts made a triumphant homecoming in Round 4 when coach Rob Wright introduced Sarah Wall as a temporary replacement for Hadley. The former Melbourne Vixen and Firebird fitted seamlessly into the Swifts’ attack. The Swifts midcourt were starting to find 2014 recruit Caitlin Thwaites more easily in the circle, and the shooter became just the third player in ANZ Championship history to reach 2,500 goals in the match. After a brilliant start the Swifts held off the Firebirds’ surges to secure a 53-48 victory at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre (SOPSC). ROUND 5 V CENTRAL PULSE (4 WINS, 1 LOSS) In Round 5, Thwaites faced her former team, the Pulse, for the first time. The shooter helped the Swifts build the team’s most complete performance of the season to that point, defeating the Pulse 63-45, earning MVP honours in the process. The healthy lead gave coach Wright the opportunity to give Australian 21/U representative Gretel Tippett her first court time in the ANZ Championship, replacing Thwaites midway through the fourth quarter. ROUND 7 V MELBOURNE VIXENS (4 WINS, 2 LOSSES) After enjoying the Bye the week before, the Swifts showed glimpses of brilliance in their clash at SOPSC, getting away from competition front-runners the Vixens to lead by as many as nine goals early in the third quarter. But they soon found out there was more work to be done on the training court after the Vixens mounted a come-back, romping home in the final quarter to win by six, 56-50. ROUND 8 V FIREBIRDS (4 WINS, 3 LOSSES) Despite getting the better of the Firebirds in Round 4, on their home court the Queenslanders are always a tougher prospect and in Round 8 the Swifts found out just how tough. It was a match where seemingly nothing could go right for the NSW team as they slumped to a 15-goal loss, 55-40, in Brisbane. ROUND 9 V SOUTHERN STEEL (5 WINS, 3 LOSSES) Coming off their third loss of the season, the Swifts took a home game to the ACT on ANZAC Day - the first ANZ Championship game to be contested in the nation’s capital. Keen to put the previous round’s performance behind them, the Swifts made a statement against the Steel on the historic occasion, putting on a dominant display to ultimately win by
13 goals, 65-52. The comfortable margin gave Wright the luxury of getting all 12 players on the court, including defender April Letton, who notched up her 25th ANZ Championship cap when she took the court at the AIS Arena. ROUND 10 V VIXENS (6 WINS, 3 LOSSES) The Swifts finals credentials were boosted in Round 10 when they showed just how good they could be, defeating the ladder-leading Vixens in Melbourne. It was an impressive team display; full-court defensive pressure supported by sound shooting, to earn the four-goal victory, 54-50. ROUND 11 V FEVER (7 WINS, 3 LOSSES) Round 11 took the Swifts to the West Coast for what is always a tough road trip. After losing to the Fever by 20 goals in the corresponding match in 2013, the Swifts were prepared for a hard slog at Perth Arena. The Swifts started the slower of the two teams and trailed the Fever by five goals at halftime, but the team in Red continued to build into the game and stormed home in the final quarter to claim an 11-goal victory, 58-47, and third place on the ladder. ROUND 12 V THUNDERBIRDS (8 WINS, 3 LOSSES) Following back-to-back road trips, the Swifts were happy to return to their home court in Round 12 for the Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER. Coming up against the Thunderbirds - a team the Swifts had lost to in their six most recent meetings - it was always going to be a close battle. After an incredible opening quarter that saw the Swifts lead 16-6 at the first break, the defending champions looked in danger of causing an upset in front of the ANZ Championship regular season record crowd of 10,118 supporters! The visitors levelled the scores with six minutes remaining but the Swifts were not going to let the visitors spoil the party, pulling away in the final minutes to take victory 45-42. While it was an ‘ugly’ win, it took the Swifts one step closer to their first Finals Series appearance since 2011. Which brings us up to today’s Round 13 clash with the Waikato/Bay Of Plenty Magic. A win tonight would secure the Swifts’ place in the 2014 Finals Series, regardless of the result of their final round fixture against the Northern Mystics in Auckland next Sunday. Kimberley Lewis
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Thank you to our 2014 NSW Swifts VolunteerS It takes an army of people to deliver the fantastic experience that is a NSW Swifts home game. Whether it’s helping set up and pack away the arena, ushering spectators to their seats, handing out Membership packs or looking after the entertainment – games just wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of our incredible volunteers. NSW Swifts would like to acknowledge all our volunteers for their huge contribution during the course of the 2014 season – without your enthusiasm
and passionate support our match day experience would not be possible! 2014 VOLUNTEERS Cathy Aird (Away Team Liaison) Pam Riik, Erin Host, Amy Host, Nicole Parrott (Corporate Hospitality Liaisons) Jennifer Dwyer, Belinda Barber, Annalisa Di Bella, Maryanne Di Bella, Marilyn Whyte, Melanie Chapman (Fan Engagement Assistants) Nicola Wines, Tammie West, Karen Maher
(Membership Assistants) Donna TeKanawa (Mascot Assistant) Danielle Kopievsky, Leanne MacDonald, Stacey Duffy (Spectator Services); and Pat Keenan (Logistics) 2014 SAN REMO BALL KIDS Grace Kilpatrick, Rebecca Howard, Tara Peirce, Holly Condon, Keyla Dervish, Brittney White, Emma Melican, Renee Trumper, Danielle Taylor and Ball Kid Coordinator, Sarah Dawes.
from the NSW Swifts The NSW Swifts would like to thank our wonderful family of Partners, in particularly those who have provided some amazing prizes on offer to the Fans, as well as those good sports who participated in our Partners Challenge this season. 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
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NSW Swifts’ Principal Partner QBE worth $120 SKINS – $150 online voucher Coast2Coast – $150 merchandise voucher The Athlete’s Foot – $150 in-store voucher
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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Emily taking part in the Half Time Partner Challenge during Round 12.
2015 NSW SWIFTS
MEMBERSHIPS Register your interest 2014 has been another record-breaking season for the NSW Swifts and we are delighted by the level of the support we continue to receive. Join us next season as a 2015 Member and don’t miss a minute of the action! 2015 RED ZONE Membership packages will be announced during the off-season, but register your interest today to be one of the first to receive information. Register Your Interest today at
nswswifts.com.au Alternatively, contact the NSW Swifts Membership Team during business hours on 02 9951 5000.
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