Official Match Program | $2
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NSW Swifts v Northern Mystics ANZ Championship - Round 8 Sunday 19 April, 2015 Volume 8, Issue 3
KIMBERLEE GREEN
100 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP CAPS
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Welcome It’s great to be back home at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre (SOPSC) with a Bye separating back-toback away games for the NSW Swifts. Today we will need all our supporters in full voice as we take on the New Zealand Conference leaders and supertalented Northern Mystics.
our first win in front of home fans of the 2015 season this Sunday!
We’re going to need to bring our ‘A-Game’ again today; our opposition have nine former and current international representatives, showcasing the depth the Mystics have in their roster, whilst they’re also coming off an impressive win against the Central Pulse last round.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 18 athletes selected into the wider Australian Diamonds squad announced last Wednesday, who will be vying for a spot in the final 12 to compete at the Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015.
The last time we met our Kiwi rivals was in the final round of last year’s ANZ Championship, when the Mystics finished three-goal victors in front of their home fans at Trusts Arena. That being said, with thanks to our amazing Members and fans, the Swifts have the upper hand on our home court winning three from four past meetings with the Mystics at SOPSC – including the last time we hosted the Mystics in Round 10, 2013, with a 19-goal victory (63-44). We’ll be looking to continue that trend today and, more importantly, improve on our disappointing loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds last weekend at Netball SA Stadium. What better way to turn our season’s fortunes around by celebrating
It’s always exciting to play the Thunderbirds at home; the parochial Adelaide crowd is always in full voice which is such a strong motivator for the home side. The Swifts players describe the feeling like coming up against an eighth player, so we’ll be calling on our own fans to create that atmosphere today for the Mystics.
And finally I’d like to say good luck to the athletes contesting the 2015 17/U and 19/U National Netball Championships Finals Series, being played next door at Netball Central. I’ve had the pleasure of catching some of the action this week and it’s exciting to see Australia’s bright young talent on display, and who knows - perhaps an early look at the next crop of Diamonds to contest the 2019 Netball World Championships in Liverpool, England. Go Swifts!
Rob Wright Head Coach
Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER The countdown is on until the NSW Swifts host arguably the Club’s biggest fixture of the season, our Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER, on Sunday 3 May when we take on the defending Champions Melbourne Vixens. Today marks just two weeks until the Swifts meet the Vixens for the first time this season; meaning it will be the first of a two-match
contest for the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup and the next chapter in the NSW v VIC rivalry. Tickets are still available for this BLOCKBUSTER game that is sure to be Beyond Expectation. For more information on this Swifts’ season highlight, turn to Page 14.
IN THIS ISSUE 4
KIMBERLEE GREEN
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NEWS CENTRAL
7 8-9
Our Captain Courageous celebrated her 100th ANZ Championship game last round.
Get all the latest NSW Swifts’ news from both on and off the court.
STATS PACK AND LADDERS
Check out the key stats ahead of today’s game.
MATCH CENTRE
Player Profiles plus Coaching and Support Team details.
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CAITLIN THWAITES
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CRAZY HAIR & SOCK DAY
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SWIFTS IN THE KITCHEN
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SWIFTS’ BLOCKBUSTER
Join us in congratulating the Diamonds’ shooter on 100 ANZ Championship apperances.
Help raise vital funds towards childhood cancer research with The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Julie Corletto shares one of her favourite pasta meals with fans.
Join us at Allphones Arena for the Club’s biggest game of the season.
continues in 2015
A fan favourite is back this season, with the NSW Swifts rewarding supporters for coming early to our home games with the First 500 fans to receive a special gift.
The Team
For today’s game the First 500 were given special NSW Swifts shoelaces in our awesome Red! Show us how you wear them by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #gonswswifts.
Contact us
We look forward to welcoming you with another special First 500 gift at the Swifts next home game, our Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER on Sunday 3 May against the Melbourne Vixens!
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EDITOR Victoria Bain WRITERS Rebecca Trbojevich, Victoria Bain, Rob Wright DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ashleigh Wedd PHOTOGRAPHY Narelle Spangher, Murray Wilkinson, Joosep Martinson, SMP Images, Dave Callow/Netball Australia, Michael Costa, Julie Corletto. PHONE +61 2 9951 5000 EMAIL nswswifts@netballnsw.com WEBSITE nswswifts.com.au TWITTER @nswswifts FACEBOOK nswswifts YOUTUBE nswswiftstv INSTAGRAM @nswswifts
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Kimberlee Green
Celebrating 100 ANZ Championship games
In her own words, when Kimberlee Green started her elite netball career as a yellow Swift she was a “young player, who was very raw”. Thirteen seasons later and now in the NSW Swifts’ Red, the 29-year-old is one of the world’s best netballers. During last Sunday’s Round 7 encounter at Adelaide’s Netball SA Stadium, Kim notched up a century of ANZ Championship appearances for the NSW Swifts, becoming only the second player in the Club’s history to do so. When you think of the Swifts, you think Kimberlee Green. For many she is the embodiment of what it means to represent this great Club; something the Sutherland Shire junior is incredibly proud of. “I guess for me I don’t know anything different than being a Swift. Just the history of the Swifts and being able to be part of the Club for so many years has been pretty incredible,” Green expressed. “When I first started out, I never thought I would get a contract past my first year, so to reach 100 ANZ Championship games is something very special.” Since the formation of the League in 2008, the tenacious midcourter has only missed three games for the Swifts, racking up an achievement list the envy of most athletes, including the 2008 ANZ Championship Premiership, twice the QBE NSW Swifts’ Most Valued Player (2013-2014), 2014 FOXTEL ANZ Championship All-Star Team and 2014 ANZ Championship joint-MVP. During this time Kim has been a constant member of the Australian Diamonds, claiming gold at both the 2011 World Championships and 2014 Commonwealth Games and was
rewarded for her efforts by being named the Diamonds’ Vice Captain earlier this year.
further reminder of the rapport Kim has with fans – a relationship which she cherishes.
Most sportspeople are able to recall their favourite moment during a period of their career, but for Kim there is a multitude of memories which define her enjoyment for the sport over the past eight seasons.
“The fans are the reason why I play netball. All the memories and all the fun that you have, that’s great, but when you’re talking about playing netball, the fans are the first thing that comes to mind.
“It’s a collection of moments and a lot of them are not about winning, they’re more the fun times you have being part of netball,” explained Kim.
“I love going to the games and seeing all the young inspiring netballers, whether it be girls or boys, that’s just super inspiring. One of my favourite parts of being with the Swifts is finishing the game and going up to all those people who have come so far to watch us and getting the chance to interact with them.”
“Whether it has been on tour or having coffee dates with the girls – they’re the sort of moments that really stick out for me. “Of course the winning does help, but when I look back over the years my favourite moments involve the friends I’ve made through netball, and that is what I love about team sport.” Kim is quick to acknowledge that her success as a netballer would not have been possible without the support of the many who have shared her Swifts’ journey. “The support I have received throughout my netball career at the Swifts has been absolutely tremendous. Not just the support, but the belief people have put in me over the years,” conveyed Kim, who has captained the Club for the past four seasons.
While Kim can’t speak highly enough of the wider Swifts Family, it’s the backing and sacrifice of her own family which has formed the foundation for her longevity in the sport. “My family have been super supportive of me. My mum and my dad, my sisters and brother, and of course my husband, are everything to me and so understanding about what I need to be the best I can be. My 100 game milestone is as much theirs, as it is mine,” concluded Kim. Join us in congratulating Kimberlee on reaching 100 ANZ Championship games! Rebecca Trbojevich
“Not everyone gets that opportunity, but I’m extremely grateful to have such a supportive group around me and that extends off the court to Netball NSW, led by [Chief Executive Officer] Carolyn Campbell, who has been a big part of my development as a player and person.” A four-time recipient of the Club’s Members’ Player of the Year award, the honour is just a INSIDER
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News Central SWIFTS AND SWANS SHARE TIPS
HIGH TEA WITH A TWIST
NSW Swifts’ Jade Clarke and Sharni Layton visited the SCG recently to catch our Big Brothers, the Sydney Swans, in action on the training track… and thought they’d try their hand at taking a ‘hanger’ themselves.
Amongst sharing their favourite players, knowing the rules, and their score predictions – Sharni, Jade and Gary also gave their thoughts on which rule they thought could be swapped into the other code.
It was a NSW Swifts High Tea with a twist for Members, fans and partners on Tuesday 7 April at Netball Central. Swifts defender Sharni Layton took to the mic as Master of Ceremonies to lead guests through a ‘garden’ party of fun and games.
NSWSwiftsTV was on hand to catch all the action, plus catch up with ‘Mr Netball’ himself – Gary Rohan.
Head to NSWSwiftsTV on YouTube to check out the interview, plus many more videos featuring your favourite NSW Swifts.
Layton put her Swifts teammates and Head Coach in the hot seat while guests enjoyed delicious finger sandwiches, nibbles and sweet
NETBALL CENTRAL HOSTS BRIGHT YOUNG TALENT Netball NSW has played host to some of the best and brightest young netballing talent from around the country this week with the 2015 17/U and 19/U National Netball Championships being contested at Netball Central. The week-long tournament began on Tuesday and concludes today, Sunday 19 April, with the 2015 Champions crowned. Unfortunately the 17/U age-group will have already concluded by the time today’s ANZ Championship match is finished; however if you’ve quick, head next door at the conclusion of the Swifts game to catch the 19/U Grand Final in action from 2:15pm.
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Both 17/U and 19/U presentations will be held at 3:15pm to crown the 2015 Champions, and see which talented athletes were named Tournament MVP for their respective age-group, and which future Diamonds are selected into the Australian 17/U and 19/U Squads. Nationals tickets are strictly limited to 800 spectators per session, so to ensure you secure your seat head to www.netballnsw.com to purchase your ticket – prices start at $10 for Child/Concessions, and $15 for Adults.
treats as they got to know their favourite team a little bit better and join in the excitement with a cupcake raffle, massage therapists, fortune tellers and more. Thanks to all our Members, fans and partners who attended our 2015 High Tea – look out for details on our Club Events for 2016 later this year.
STATS PACK
SWIFTS FEVER HEAD TO HEAD
5 WINS
V
In favour of the NSW Swifts
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10
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP
19 GOALS
SWIF T
S
98
The NSW Swifts were the first Aussie team to go into Extra Time after drawing with Mystics, 50-50, in Round 10, 2008. Swifts ended up winning 63-62
BIGGEST WINNING MARGIN
CAPS
SWIF T
ICS MYST
S
Laura Langman
2 WINS
TA L L E S T P L AY E R S Erin Hoare
ICS MYST
63 44
589 611
Round 10, 2013
Highest: Susan Pettitt 103 Laura Langman 112*
AVG. 4
174
Elsa Brown
1
5 AVG.
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194cm 191cm
*ANZC RECORD HOLDER
NORTHERN MYSTICS: 182.5cm
V
G OAL ASSISTS Kimberlee Green
NSW SWIFTS: 180.6cm
Serena Guthrie
AV E R A G E H E I G H T
INT ERCEPTS Sharni Layton
LAST 8 MEETINGS 2008
W
L
W
L
W
W
W
2015 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP CONFERENCE LADDERS Australia Team
Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
C/M/Y/K
L
Swifts Results
as at 14/4/2015
%
2014
Home
Pts Form (last 5)
Away
P
W
L
D GF GA GD
West Coast Fever
7
6
1
0
424 368
56 115.20%
13
W
Queensland Firebirds
6
4
1
1
303 291
12 104.10%
9
D
b
W W W
Swifts
47
Firebirds
47
Melbourne Vixens
6
3
0
3
303 282
21 107.40%
6
W
L
b
L
L
Swifts
59
Fever
59
NSW Swifts
6
2
2
2
318 318
0
100.00%
6
D
D
L
b
L
Firebirds
51
Swifts
47
Adelaide Thunderbirds
7
2
1
4
333 341
-8
97.70%
5
Thunderbirds
56
Swifts
49
Steel
62
Swifts
68
D W W W
Magic
43
Swifts
48
D W
L
L
W
Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
C/M/Y/K 0/83/17/0
0/83/17/0
0/59/5/0
0/59/5/0
0/28/2/0
0/28/2/0
100/0/0/100
100/0/0/100
White
White
New Zealand Team
P
W
L
D GF GA GD
%
Northern Mystics
7
4
2
1
359 357
2
100.60%
10
D W W
Waikato BOP Magic
7
3
1
3
334 343
-9
97.40%
7
L
b
L
Southern Steel
6
2
0
4
383 367
16 104.40%
4
L
W
L
Round 7 Results
Pts Form (last 5)
Home
D W W
L
D W
Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
Away
Steel
57
Magic
63
Vixens
48
Firebirds
55
Thunderbirds
56
Swifts
49
C/M/Y/K 0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0
100/0/0/100 White
Central Pulse
6
2
0
4
272 291
-19 93.50%
4
W
L
W
b
L
Tactix
51
Fever
66
Tactix
6
0
0
6
306 377
-71 81.20%
0
L
L
b
L
L
Pulse
45
Mystics
47
*Ladders does not include any results from Rd 8.
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NSW Swifts
NSWSwifts
@jadeyclarke
NSWSwiftsTV
@NSWSwifts
@taydavies4
@juliecorletto
Nickname: Chaz Date of Birth: 17/10/83 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 53 International Caps: 115
Nickname: Julz Date of Birth: 31/10/86 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 90 International Caps: 47
Netball Career facts • 2014 England Netball Hall of Fame inductee • 2014 England Comm. Games Netball Team Captain • 2011 World Netball C’ship Bronze Medallist (England) • 2011 FastNet World Netball Series Gold Medallist (England as Captain) • 2006, 2010 Comm. Games Bronze Medal (England)
Netball Career facts • 2015 Aus. Diamonds Leadership Group • 2014 Comm. Games Gold Medallist • 2011 World C’Ship Gold Medallist • 2009 Liz Ellis Diamond winner • 2009 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens) • 2007 World C’ship Gold Medallist
Jade Clarke
Nickname: Tay Date of Birth: 3/10/94 Height: 170cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2 Netball Career facts • 2014 Australian 21/U Squad (withdrawn with injury) • 2013-14 NSW 21/U Team • 2013 & 2014 Marj Groves AM Scholarship Recipient • 2013 NNSW Waratahs Australian Netball League Team (Runners-Up) • 2012 NSW 19/U Team • 2010-2011 Australian 17/U Squad • 2010-2011 NSW 17/U Team Proudly supported by
Taylah Davies
Julie Corletto @kimmygee8
C
@NSWSwifts
@erin_hoare
@paigehadley2
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 100 International Caps: 66
Nickname: Paigey Date of Birth: 26/8/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 27 International Caps: 2
Netball Career facts • 22015 Aus. Diamonds Vice Captain • 2014 Comm. Games Gold Medallist • 2014 ANZ C’ship co-MVP • 2014 ANZ C’ship FOXTEL All-Stars Team (C) • 2011 World C’Ship Gold Medallist • 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist • 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership
Netball Career facts • 2013 Aus. Diamonds Team (Malawi Tests) • 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist • 2013 World Youth Championship Silver Medallist • 2011-2012 Australian 21/U team • 2011 Australian 19/U team captain • 2009 Australian 17/U Squad
Nickname: Ez, Eri Date of Birth: 17/6/89 Height: 194cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 3 Netball Career facts • 2013-14 Australian Netball League Premiers (Victorian Fury) • 2014 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens) • 2012 Victorian Fury ANL team • 2012 Victorian Netball League Team of the Year Proudly supported by
Proudly supported by
Kimberlee Green
Erin Hoare
Paige Hadley
@sharni_layton
@SusanSwifts
@Abbey_McCulloch
Nickname: Sharnz Date of Birth: 6/1/88 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 73 International Caps: 22
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 103 International Caps: 54
Nickname: Abs Date of Birth: 12/2/90 Height: 178cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 30 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 • 2014 Comm. Games Gold Medallist • 2011, 2013-15: Aus. Diamonds • 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallists • 2010, 2013 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Thunderbirds)
CO-VC
Netball Career facts • 2014-15 Aus Diamonds Squad • 2014 ANZ C’ship FOXTEL All-Stars Team (GA) • 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist • 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership • 2007 World C’ship Gold Medallist • 2006, 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist
CO-VC Proudly supported by
Sharni Layton
Abbey McCulloch
@CaitlinThwaites
Proudly supported by
Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) @woodsj91
@micaelawilson92
Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29/12/86 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 99 International Caps: 10 Netball Career facts • 2014 Comm. Games Gold Medallist • 2012-15 Aus. Diamonds • 2012 ANZ C’ship MVP nominee • 2011 Central Pulse MVP • 2009 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens)
Nickname: Mica Date of Birth: 3/11/92 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GD/GK/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 5
Nickname: Tess, Woody, Woodzy Date of Birth: 28/11/91 Height: 175cm Position/Role: GA/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 4
Netball Career facts • 2014 NSW Swifts replacement player • 2013 World Youth Championship Silver Medallist • 2013 Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship recipient
Netball Career facts • ANZ C’ship Debut, Round 2 v WBoP Magic • 2014 QLD Fusion MVP • 2011 Australian 21/U Team • 2011 Gweneth Benzie Award 20102011 AIS Scholarship recipient • 2010 Australian 19/U Team • 2010 Australian 19/U Tournament MVP
Proudly supported by
Caitlin Thwaites
Micaela Wilson
Stephanie Wood
Coaching & Support Staff Megan Anderson
Paula Peralta
Anita Keelan
Daniel Vukovic
Toni Kidwell
Jason Howell
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Rob Wright Head Coach
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Team Manager
Physiotherapist
Phyiotherapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst
Northern Mystics Date of Birth: 1/8/91 Height: 191cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Date of Birth: 13/2/92 Height: 185cm Position/Role: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 56 International Caps: 16
Date of Birth: 25/5/90 Height: 182cm Position/Role: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 3
Netball Career facts • 2011 Best Young Player • 2011 All-Star Team • NZ Silver Fern
Elsa Brown
Katherine Coffin
Kayla Cullen
Date of Birth: 9/9/94 Height: 182cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 19 International Caps: 2
Date of Birth: 11/7/88 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 70 International Caps: 15
Date of Birth: 5/1/90 Height: 180cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 7 International Caps: 51
Netball Career facts • NZ Silver Fern
Netball Career facts • NZ Silver Fern
Netball Career facts • England Netball Team
Temalisi Fakahokotau
Paula Griffin
Serena Guthrie
Date of Birth: 16/4/86 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WD/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 112 International Caps: 116
Date of Birth: 25/10/86 Height: 189cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 100 International Caps: 54
Date of Birth: 27/3/89 Height: 177cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 85 International Caps: 13
Netball Career facts • 2012 ANZ Championship winner • 2012 Most Valuable Player (co-winner) • 2012 All-Star Team, 2013 All-Star Team • Current record holder for most ANZ Championship appearances • NZ Silver Fern Vice-Captain
Netball Career facts • NZ Silver Fern
Netball Career facts • NZ Silver Fern
Laura Langman
Catherine Latu
Date of Birth: 9/7/94 Height: 171cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 15
Camilla Lees
Date of Birth: 20/8/92 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 35 International Caps: 1
Date of Birth: 18/2/87 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 108 International Caps: 92
Netball Career facts • NZ Silver Fern – development squad
Netball Career facts • 2012 All-Star Team • NZ Silver Fern
C Nadia Loveday
Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick
Maria Tutaia
Coaching & Support Staff Noeline Taurua
Sharon Choie
Chris Tennant
Sam Pervan
Specialist Coach
Team Manager
Pysiotherapist
Stength & Conditioning Coach
Debbie Fuller Head Coach
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Caitlin Thwaites
100 ANZ Championship Games
Like a chameleon, Caitlin Thwaites has embraced change throughout her 10-plus year netball career. Starting as a 15-year-old in her home state of Victoria, Caitlin has moved cities and countries all with one goal in mind – Australian international honours. After what the now 28-year-old describes as a “hard and somewhat difficult road” along the way, today Caitlin will celebrate a personal achievement should she take the court against the Northern Mystics, marking 100 ANZ Championship appearances. “It’s pretty awesome to reach 100 games, but it’s definitely making me feel old,” Caitlin laughed. “It has been a real journey for me; it hasn’t just happened. I haven’t been given the easy route, I’ve had to work really hard – I’ve changed clubs a few times, I’ve had my own adversities I’ve had to overcome, and I’ve had to reassess my goals across the seasons. “I’ve had to be brave and carve out my own pathway, and I guess looking back now I’ve reached this personal milestone, I’m quite proud of myself,” Caitlin admitted. Beginning her career as a fresh-faced teenager in the former elite national netball league, Caitlin was retained by her home team as a member of the Melbourne Vixens for the inaugural ANZ Championship season in 2008; there she would spend three seasons playing alongside netball great, Sharelle McMahon, and was a member of the 2009 ANZ Championship-winning side. However, after a disappointing 2010 season for the Vixens, Caitlin found herself shopping around for a new home – looking for courttime after facing the real possibility of sitting on the bench.
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“I was faced with a tough decision [at the end of the 2010 season] and I knew that to [realise my dream of playing for] Australia, I needed to be out on court. So I began to look at other teams and their shooting options,” Caitlin recalled. This lead to Caitlin becoming one of the first Australians to move “across the ditch” when she joined the Central Pulse as their import player for three seasons (2011-2013). “The other Australian sides all had pretty established shooting combinations, so I assumed that if I stayed in Australia I would be sitting on the bench. So I looked to New Zealand,” Caitlin explained. “At the time I wasn’t sure whether I would be considered for Diamonds selection if I was playing for a Kiwi side, but I thought it was better to be on court showing what I could do, than waiting for my turn on the bench. “I think it just reiterated my passion, that I just wanted to be out there playing the game that I loved.” Luckily for Diamonds fans, Australian Selectors didn’t cast Caitlin into the wilderness with the Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist having now made 10 appearances at an international level. It was Caitlin’s determination to cement a regular spot in the Diamonds’ line-up, as well as return to the familiarity of Aussie soil, that saw the 188cm shooter join the NSW Swifts last season and establish a formidable combination with fellow international Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley) over the last two seasons – a shooting partnership Caitlin declares she is very much enjoying. Now having the opportunity to look back on her 99 previous ANZ Championship games,
Caitlin admits whilst she didn’t know what her career would look like as a 15-year-old… she certainly couldn’t have guessed the way it’s panned out. “I don’t think I’d really gauged then what my career ahead would look like – I just thought it was incredible what I was doing and having the opportunity to play netball. But I didn’t really imagine what my career would be,” Caitlin said. “Netball has turned out to be such a massive part of my life. I’ve been so lucky to see the game grow around me to what the ANZ Championship is now – how big the fan base has become, the level of skill the sport has grown to, and just the game itself. “I’m really enjoying my netball. I love being a part of the Swifts; we’ve got a great team of players and coaches, amazing Members and fans, and really happy to share this personal achievement with the Club and our wonderful fan base,” Caitlin concluded. Congratulations Caitlin Thwaites on your milestone. Victoria Bain
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The Kids’ Cancer Project’s
Crazy Hair & Sock Day
The NSW Swifts will be hosting its annual Crazy Hair & Sock Day at our Round 11 home game at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in support of our Official Charity Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project. The NSW Swifts will be getting the party started early when the Club hosts the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday 10 May, and we’re asking all our amazing Members and fans to come dressed to impress! Dust off your CRAZY socks and wear them with pride! Get to the game early and get CRAZY hair from the team at the Swifts Styling Station! Or you
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can find your own CRAZY way of celebrating this annual event! The Kids’ Cancer Project (TKCP) is the largest Not-For-Profit funder of childhood cancer research, and thanks to community support over $24 million has been invested in to Australia’s best childhood cancer research since 2007. Netball NSW, the NSW Swifts and netball communities across the State have helped raise more than $130,000 towards vital childhood cancer research in the last 5 years. In 2014 Crazy Hair & Sock Day raised an amazing $38,900 and we hope this year goes Beyond Expectation as well!
Keep an eye out for TKCP’s Oscar Bear who will be at the game with his helpers, ready for cute photos and asking for gold coin donations in aid of kids’ cancer research! To register for your own Crazy Hair & Sock Day at your local netball club or school; visit www. thekidscancerproject.org.au for more information on how your community can make a difference for children with cancer!
JC’s Pasta Speciality Pesto Chicken with Sweet Potato, Spinach, Feta, Pine Nuts & San Remo Spelt Spirals SERVES: Family of 4
PREP: 10mins
COOKING TIME: 35mins
TOTAL TIME: 45mins Spelt is a nutritious ancient grain originally grown in Iran between 5000 and 6000 B.C. San Remo Spelt pasta has a delicious mild nutty flavor, and is a good source of fibre, 98% fat free and free of artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. Ingredients • San Remo Spelt Spirals • Chicken Tenderloins • Sweet Potato • Pesto • Spinach • Pine Nuts • Feta • Olive Oil • Salt & Pepper
JU CORL LIE ETTO
SWIF T
Method • Preheat oven to 180°C (Fan Forced) • Chop the sweet potato into small pieces and place on a baking tray in the oven – cook for approx. 20mins until tender, remembering to turn. • Bring a pot of water to the boil. Add the San Remo Spelt Spirals (Cooking Time: Only 12mins) • Meanwhile, heat a pan on medium and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil • Slice the chicken tenderloins into small pieces and then add to the pan. Once cooked turn the heat down, add 2 teaspoons of pesto and stir through. Add the spinach & pine nuts • Drain the Spelt Spirals once cooked and add to the chicken mixture, continue to stir through. Then add the sweet potato to the pan and stir through. • Place the pasta on a plate and stir through your finely diced feta. Finally, add Salt & Pepper to taste. Note: I also add Avocado sometimes for some extra flavour – yum!
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Join us at our Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER
The NSW Swifts are eagerly anticipating what is arguably the Club’s biggest fixture of the season, when we head to Allphones Arena for our BLOCKBUSTER game against the Melbourne Vixens on Sunday 3 May. In just two short weeks we return to the very same venue where last year our awesome Swifts Members and fans helped the Club post a new League record of the highest attendance of a regular season game; 10,118 supporters cheering the Swifts on to a three-goal victory over the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Players, coaches and supporters alike who were there in 2014 remember last season’s
BLOCKBUSTER as one of the highlights of the season… and we’re hoping to go even better in 2015!
create your own fan poster at the Kids Zone; get your face painted in Swifts colour; plus much more!
With the Round 10 fixture our first encounter against the defending Champions in 2015, the on-court action is sure to be white hot. However there will be plenty to see and do before taking your seats for the game.
Swifts Members will have received information regarding your ticket; for non-Members, tickets start from $23 for Children/Concession, and $30 for Adults. However there is a special Group Ticket Offer exclusively for our Allphones Arena BLOCKBUSTER – $20 per person with minimum 20 tickets per booking.
Check out the ever-popular QBE Photo Booth to score your own Insider front cover; have a spin at the Bosco Bear Chocolate Wheel; cut some shapes with the NOVA 969 Casanova crew; test your netty skills (or learn some new ones) at the ANZ NetSetGO Activity Centre;
Join us for an incredible day at the netball, with plenty of action on and off the court, and help us set a new League record that will go Beyond Expectation!
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The NSW Swifts give 100% every game. QBE gives you 20% off all season. QBE Insurance has sponsored the NSW Swifts for the last seven years. And this season, we’re as committed as ever. We’re also committed to offering you 20% off online on car and home policies*. Visit qbe.com.au and get a winning deal today!
*Normal underwriting conditions apply. 20% discount on new car and home insurance purchased online. Discount applies for the initial policy term. Consider the PDS to decide if a product is right for you. QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd. ABN 78 003 191 035. AFSL 239545. 15 INSIDER
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NSW Swifts v Northern Mystics ANZ Championship - Round 8 Sunday 19 April, 2015 Volume 8, Issue 3
CAITLIN THWAITES
100 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP CAPS
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