Swifts Insider - Vol 9, Issue 4

NSW Swifts v Central Pulse ANZ Championship - Round 6 Sunday 8 May, 2016 Volume 9, Issue 4

INSIDER

SHARNI LAYTON

HEAD IN THE GAME

RIT

CH AT M Y

IAL

OF

FIC

A CH

TAKE A SHOT AT OUR

NETBALL GRANTS

2 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Apply today.* Visit NetballNation.com

*Terms and conditions apply. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ.

20909

Welcome ROB WRIGHT

IN THIS ISSUE How the dynamic defender gets her head in to the game.

6-7

NEWS

8-9

MATCH CENTRE

Round up of all the latest ANZ Championship and NSW Swifts news.

10 11

IN THE KITCHEN

12

SELF CERTIFIED

15

Today the Swifts face just our second Kiwi contest for this season, and it should be another exciting match-up against Central Pulse.

When you throw in their captain Katrina Grant and sharp shooters Ameliaranne Wells and Maia Wilson – who has been impressive since debuting earlier this season – the Pulse are a team to be reckoned with.

For us, we’ll just be looking to stick to our game plan for the full 60 minutes and, with the backing of our incredible Swifts Family, look to claim another important win at home.

Now led by experienced coach and former New Zealand Silver Fern Tanya Dearns, the Pulse’s roster is vastly different to the one we last met in 2015; the result finishing in a 47-47 draw in Rob Wright Wellington, New Zealand.

Head Coach The Pulse has welcomed seven new players to their line-up, including experienced defenders

SWIFTS CHARITY ROUND

All the NSW Swifts and Central Pulse statistics and facts

CHARITY ROUND

13

I’d also like to wish all the Mums and Grandmothers a very Happy Mothers’ Day. Thank you for everything that you do. I am forever grateful for my Mum, Jeanette, who is here with us today along with lots of other Mums (and Dads!) amongst our amazing Swifts Family.

Phoenix Karaka, Jacinta Messer and former Swift Chelsea Locke (nee Pitman).

Today the NSW Swifts are celebrating our official Crazy Hair & Sock Day Charity Round; our annual celebration to support our Official Charity Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project (TKCP).

Help support our Official Charity Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project.

This year’s official Crazy Hair & Sock Day is on Saturday 14 May and your club, Association, school or workplace can register to participate to help fundraise for this important cause; head to www.thekidscancerproject.com.au to find out how you can put the FUN in fundraising.

Look out for Oscar Bear and his helpers who will be roaming around Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre before and after today’s game with donation buckets – every little bit helps.

Abbey McCulloch shares her Mexican twist on an old favourite.

Turn to page 10 for more details around our Crazy Hair & Sock Day

Kaitlyn Bryce shares a little bit about herself with fans.

ROB WRIGHT

Our head honcho shares who his biggest supporter is.

2016 SEASON FIXTURE RND DATE

STATS PACK

The best fun facts for netball fans!

The Team EDITOR Victoria Bain WRITERS Shane DeBarra, Ellen Conroy, Victoria Bain DESIGNER Michael Costa PHOTOGRAPHY Narelle Spangher, Murray Wilkinson, SMP Images STATISTICS Todd Miller Contact us PHONE +61 2 9951 5000 EMAIL nswswifts@netballnsw.com WEBSITE nswswifts.com.au TWITTER @nswswifts FACEBOOK nswswifts YOUTUBE nswswiftstv INSTAGRAM @nswswifts

VENUE

RESULT

1

Sun, 3 Apr

TIME

12:00pm Melbourne Vixens

OPPOSITION

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

SWI 57 def VIX 42

2

Sat, 9 Apr

5:00pm WBoP Magic

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

SWI 78 def MAG 50

3

Sun, 17 Apr

12:00pm Adelaide Thunderbirds

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

SWI 68 def THU 44

4

Sun, 24 Apr

10:00am West Coast Fever

HBF Stadium, Perth

SWI 63 def VIX 52

5

Sat, 30 Apr

5:00pm Queensland Firebirds

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

SWI 51 def by FIR 61

6

Sun, 8 May

12:00pm Central Pulse

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

7

Sun, 15 May 12:00pm Melbourne Vixens

Hisense Arena, Melbourne

8

Sun, 22 May 4:00pm Mainland Tactix

Horncastle Arena, Christchurch

9

Sun, 29 May 12:00pm Queensland Firebirds

10

BYE

Qudos Bank Arena, *Formerly known as Allphones Arena

11 Sat, 11 Jun

5:30pm West Coast Fever

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

12 Sat, 18 Jun

4:30pm Adelaide Thunderbirds

Titanium Security Arena, Adelaide

13 Sun, 26 Jun

4:00pm Northern Mystics

Trusts Arena, Auckland

14 Sat, 2 Jul

5:00pm Southern Steel

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

Finals Series: 9 July - 30 July, 2016

3 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

4-5

SHARNI LAYTON

Welcome to our amazing Members and fans who join us today for our annual charity round in support of our Official Charty Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project. We’re proud to support their Crazy Hair & Sock Day iniative to help raise vital funds towards childhood cancer research.

4 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

FEATURE

Sharni Layton

Head in the game Sharni Layton knows this better than most.

With 89 ANZ Championship games and 36 Test caps under her belt, the NSW Swifts defender is a very different player now to the one taking to the court in her teens.

“When I was starting of I used to have good games and bad games, but didn’t really know what the difference was between them,” Layton says. “As a teenager you are not really looking too deeply as to why that is.”

In the early days, the exuberance of her teenage years were enough to get Layton fired up ahead of matches. As a self-described ‘rock chick’, Layton would listen to heavy music to help prepare herself for game mode.

It worked for a while, but as her career began to take off – and as she moved into the spotlight – Layton admits she needed something extra. If her game was to mature, her preparation would have to do so too.

“I knew that I was an aggressive player, I knew that I loved to use my voice and I knew that my best flow was when I was hyped up. But I was still having inconsistent games so I started seeing a sports psychologist at the age of 18 who helped me recognise behaviours,” Layton reflects.

In 2010, during her time with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Layton acquired the services

of sports psychologist Jenny Williams, and it proved to be a turning point in her career.

“She [Williams] taught me about how to get to get into that perfect flow. She also taught me about the importance of routine, and behaviours like visual patterns. I found for myself that I love visualisation,” Layton explained.

“It’s been an evolution over the years regarding what’s worked and what hasn’t… everyone is individual but for me, knowing myself, my body and my mood well enough now I’m able to do know what is right for me ahead of a game.

“There’s no right or everyone’s different.”

wrong

[because]

“It’s been an evolution over the years regarding what’s worked and what hasn’t… everyone is individual but for me, knowing myself, my body and my mood well enough now I’m able to do know what is right for me ahead of a game” “It’s a fine line between playing a game in your head, and seeing and knowing what you’re doing on the court; so on the morning of a game I visualise what I’m going to do later on and that gives me confidence pre-game.

“I don’t like to think about games in everyday life because that uses up all my nervous energy and there’s no point playing them [over and over] in your head [all week long].”

In many ways it’s been trial and error for Layton, but the 28-year-old says she’s now in a much better place having found what works best for her.

So the main message of it all? Getting in the right head space is just as important as all of the hard physical work in the gym and on court.

“My pre-game now is structured, it doesn’t always have to go to plan, it really depends how I’m feeling. I encourage routine, my motto in life is ‘never leave any stone unturned’. That way I have ticked all my boxes and it gives me confidence when I go out on court.”

5 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

In netball, as in life, things are always changing.

Every day is different in professional sport and what works to keep elite athletes in the right head space in constantly evolving with it.

NEWS NSW SWIFTS GALA DINNER Join us in the spectacular setting of Doltone House on Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney Harbour to celebrate another magnificent year for our NSW Swifts.

Coming just after the ANZ Championship concludes, the NSW Swifts Gala Dinner, which takes place on Thursday 4 August, is the perfect way for the team and supporters alike to wind down after another thrilling season of trans-Tasman netball. It promises to be a wonderful night of celebration.

The night kicks off with canapes and drinks from 6:30pm before the Gala commences at 7pm. Tickets are priced at $145 for members and $160 for non-members; dress code is cocktail. Head to our website www.nswswifts.com.au for more information and tickets.

SWIFTS TAKE TO THE COUNTRY Young netball fans in rural New South Wales were given the chance to meet some of their heroes and get a taste of elite sport when Netball NSW’s Train Like A Swift coaching clinic travelled to Orange recently.

Over 50 girls, from 12-16 years of age, took part in the clinic which was overseen by NSW Swifts stars Abbey McCulloch and Stephanie Wood. Fans from all over NSW are vital to the Swifts and both players were delighted to make the trip.

“It’s really exciting to come out to regional areas [because] it’s not something we get to do often during the season,” Wood said. “Just being able to come out here is great, the kids are super keen.”

SWIFTS HIGH TEA Ever fancied sitting down for a cuppa with one of the NSW Swifts? Well now you can. The Swifts players invite you to join them for High Tea at Netball Central on Wednesday 1 June, from 1 – 3pm hosted by our very own Sharni Layton.

Share some fabulous food, stories and a few laughs too in the relaxed environment of Netball Central. This is a wonderful chance to mingle with your favourite netballers and to have a chat with your heroes away from the court and media spotlight.

Tickets are priced at $68 for members and $75 for non-members, and dress is smart casual (no heels is requested to protect the court surface). Head to www.nswswifts.com.au for more information and to secure your seat.

GET YOUR DOUBLE DOSE OF NETBALL ACTION! 6 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Head next door to Netball Central at the conclusion of today’s NSW Swifts game to catch the 2016 Australian Netball League live in action!

NETBALL NEW SOUTH WALES

WARATAHS

V

FIRST CENTRE PASS AT 2:30PM 2016 entry fees Adult: $10 Child / Concession: $5

NEWS MESSAGE FOR OUR MEMBERS The support we have received from our NSW Swifts members has been outstanding with five of our seven 2016 home games reaching capacity crowds, with hopefully more to come!

Did you know that as a member, if you are unable to use your seat for a home game you are able to transfer your seat to a friend? Spread the love and encourage your friends, family or work colleagues to enjoy the very best netball in the world. This is a brilliant way to continue your support for the girls on court, even if you are unable to make it to the game yourself and add more loyal fans to our Swifts family.

Thank you for helping to make 2016 the best year yet for your NSW Swifts.

VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUT To celebrate National Volunteer Week we would like to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers both at the Swifts, at Netball NSW competitions and throughout New South Wales for the wonderful work you do.

From score bench officials, coaches, managers and committee members at local associations, to NSW Swifts home game volunteers; all year round there are people giving up their free time to help keep netball in this part of the world at the top of its game.

Make sure you stay around at end of today’s game when we will acknowledge our wonderful volunteers and all the hard work they have put in. Thanks again for all your help, you are the best!

POST MATCH MEMBERS FUNCTION The official post match NSW Swifts Members Function will be held on Saturday 2 July, after the NSW Swifts v Southern Steel match in Round 14.

Members are invited to attend this function at Netball Central following the 5pm evening match at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

Previously held after the BLOCKBUSTER matches at Qudos Bank Arena (formerly Allphones) , the reschedule gives fans the chance to wrap up the regular home game season and spend some quality time with the NSW Swifts players at their home training court.

More details will be provided to Members via their exclusive Red Alert in the coming weeks.

FIRST 500 Thanks to our friends at Darrell Lea for making today’s Mother’s Day extra special by offering the First 500 fans a Dark Chocolate Caramel Fudge gift pack!

If you haven’t already, make sure you visit the Darrell Lea stand outside the box office. They’re giving away samples of their delicious Strawberry White Choc Stixs which you can give to Mum or enjoy as a treat for yourself.

Please note that each edition of SWIFTS INSIDER goes to print three to four days prior to the NSW Swifts game day. We apologise if details within the magazine have been amended or shifted slightly from the time of publishing to the game day itself. We ask for your patience if this occurs. We hope that you enjoy SWIFTS INSIDER and welcome feedback; nswswifts@netballnsw.com

7 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Make sure you arrive early for our Round 11 home game at Newcastle Entertainment Centre to be one of the next to receive our First 500 gift.

MATCH CENTRE

Central Pulse Date of Birth: 11 May 1989 Height: 182cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 19

Date of Birth: 6 May 1987 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 105 International Caps: 79

Date of Birth: 6 Nov 1993 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GK/GD/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 37 International Caps: 10

Date of Birth: 9 Jul 1989 Height: 175cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 5

C Te Amo Amaru-Tibble Date of Birth: 9 Apr 1998 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 0

Blaze Leslie Date of Birth: 2 Jul 1990 Height: 178cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 56

Elias Scheres

Tanya Dearns

Katrina Grant

Phoenix Karaka

Date of Birth: 8 June 1988 Height: 181cm Position/Role: WA/C/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 63 International Caps: 17

Chelsea Locke

Date of Birth: 13 Aug 1986 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GK/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 35

Jacinta Messer

Date of Birth: 11 Jan 1991 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 29

Amerliaranne Wells

Date of Birth: 14 Feb 1998 Height: 176cm Position/Role: WD ANZ Championship Caps: 0

Kate Wells

Claire Kersten Date of Birth: 7 Dec 1992 Height: 178cm Position/Role: C/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 28

Samon Nathan Date of Birth: 21 Sep 1997 Height: 189cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 5

Maia Wilson

Season Results in the ANZ Championship 2015 – 4th in New Zealand Conference 2014 – 6th 2013 – 5th 2012 – 7th 2011 – 8th 2010 – 9th 2009 – 10th 2008 – 10th

Head Coach

Here’s to the start of something special.

8 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

More than proud to sponsor Netball in Australia.

OUR TEAM NSWSwifts

Date of Birth: 7 July 1995 Height: 170cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2 Netball Career facts • 2016 National 21/U Champions - Captain • 2015 Australian 21/U Team • 2015 Netball Centre of Excellence Residential Program • 2015 NSW 21/U Captain • 2013-2015 Netball NSW Waratahs ANL Team • 2014-2015 Nance Kenny OAM Medal – DOOLEYS State League Player of the Year • 2013 NSW Swifts replacement player • 2013 AIS Scholarship Holder • 2012 National 17/U Champions & Tournament MVP

Kaitlyn Bryce

VC

@NSWSwifts

Date of Birth: 26 August 1992 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 43 International Caps: 15

Netball Career facts • 2012-2016 NSW Swifts Captain • 2015 NSW Athlete of the Year • 2015 Australian Diamonds Netball World Cup Team – World Champions • 2015 Aus Diamonds Vice-Captain • 2014 Comm. Games Gold Medal • 2011 World Championship gold medal (extra-time) • 2008 ANZ Championship Premiers

Netball Career facts • 2015 Australian Diamonds Netball World Cup Team – World Champions • 2013 Australian Fast5 Flyers – Silver Medallists • 2013 Netball Australia 21U Player of the Year • 2013 Australian 21/U World Youth Championship silver medal • 2012 NSW Swifts Coaches’ Award • 2011-2012 NSW 21/U team – National Champions & 2012 Vice-Captain • 2011 Netball NSW Waratahs ANL team – undefeated premiers

C

Paige Hadley

Date of Birth: 16 April 1986 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 125 International Caps: 131

Date of Birth: 6 January 1988 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 89 International Caps: 36

Netball Career facts • 2015 Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award recipient • 2015 New Zealand ANZ Championship Player of the Year • 2015 Silver Ferns Player of the Year • 2015 New Zealand Silver Ferns Vice Captain • 2012, 2013, 2014 Fast5 Netball World Series Gold Medallist • 2010, 2006 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist • 2009 FastNet World Netball Series Gold Medallist

Netball Career facts • 2016 Vitality International Netball Series – Player of the Series (AUS) • 2016 Australian Diamonds tour of England, co-vice-captain • 2015 Australian Diamonds Netball World Cup Team – World Champions • 2014 Australian Commonwealth Games Netball Team (Gold) • 2014 NSW Swifts Leadership Group • 2011 World Champion with Australian Diamonds

Sharni Layton

Date of Birth: 30 January 1998 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 3

Lauren Moore

Netball Career facts • 2014 Australian Diamonds selection camp invitee • 2012 Netball NSW Waratahs ANL team – Vice Captain • 2010-2011 Netball NSW Blues ANL team • 2010-2011 NSW 21/U Team – National Champions • 2008-2009 NSW 19/U Team – National Champions • 2006-2007 NSW 17/U Team – National Champions

Abbey McCulloch Date of Birth: 21/03/1993 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 3 Netball Career facts • 2015 NSW Swifts replacement player • 2013-2015 Netball NSW Waratahs ANL Team • 2014 NSW 21/U Captain • 2013 Australian 21/U Squad • 2012-2013 AIS Scholarship Holder • 2011-2012 National 21/U Champion • 2011 National 19/U Champion

Netball Career facts • 2015 Marilyn Melhusih OAM NSW Swifts Player of the Year • 2015 NSW Swifts Coaches’ Award • 2014-15 Foxtel ANZ Championship All-Star Team (GA) • 2013 Australian Fast5 Flyers – Silver Medallists • 2010 Commonwealth Games Silver Medal (double extra-time) • 2008 ANZ Championship premiers • 2007 World Netball Championships gold medal • 2006 Commonwealth Games Silver Medal

Susan Pettitt

Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29 December 1986 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 115 International Caps: 20 Netball Career facts • 2015 Australian Diamonds Netball World Cup Team – World Champions • 2015 NSW Swifts QBE Most Valued Player • 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal • 2012 ANZ Championship MVP nominee • 2011 Central Pulse MVP • 2009 ANZ Championship Premiers with Melbourne Vixens

Caitlin Thwaites

Date of Birth: 12 February 1990 Height: 178cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 44

Date of Birth: 23 March 1984 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 119 International Caps: 54

Netball Career facts • 2016 National 21/U Champions • 2015 NSW Swifts replacement player • 2015 Netball NSW Waratahs ANL Team • 2014-2015 Australian 17/U Squad • 2014-2015 NSW 17/U Team (co-Vice Captain 2015) • 2014 Netball NSW Blues ANL Team

Amy Sommerville Date of Birth: 17 December 1995 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 5

Date of Birth: 28 November 1991 Height: 175cm Position/Role: GA/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 16

Netball Career facts • 2016 National 21/U Champions • 2015-16 National 21/U Tournament MVP • 2015 Netball Centre of Excellence Residential Program • 2014-2015 National 21/U Champion (SA) • 2014 Australian 21/U Squad • 2013-2014 South Australian Premier Netball Competition Team of the Year • 2013 Australian 19/U Squad • 2012 Australian 17/U Squad

Netball Career facts • 2016 Australian Diamonds tour of England Training Partner • 2015 ‘Future Diamonds Focus’ Camp invitee • 2014 QLD Fusion MVP • 2011 Australian 21/U Team • 2011 Gweneth Benzie Award • 2010-2011 Australian Institute of Sport scholarship recipient • 2010 Australian 19/U Team • 2010 Australian 19/U Champion with Queensland, Tournament MVP

Maddy Turner

Stephanie Wood

Coaching & Support Staff Megan Anderson

Paula Peralta

Anita Keelan

Daniel Vukovic

Gail Eckert

Jason Howell

Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach

Rob Wright Head Coach

Team Manager

@NSWSwifts

Date of Birth: 5 March 1986 Height: 176cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 114 International Caps: 74

Kimberlee Green

Laura Langman

NSWSwiftsTV

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst

9 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

NSW Swifts

CHARITY ROUND

Crazy Hair & Sock Day The NSW Swifts are getting the party started early this year by hosting our annual Crazy Hair & Sock Day at today’s Round 6 home fixture to support our Official Charity Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project.

The Kids’ Cancer Project has been a long-time partner of Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts, and they do vital work funding childhood cancer research.

Netball NSW, the Swifts and netball communities across the State have helped raise more than $175,000 through Crazy Hair & Sock Day in the last five years, and we’re looking to continue that great work in 2016.

Today is your chance to support this amazing cause and there are a number of fun ways you can contribute.

There will also be volunteers in Crazy Hair & Socks selling raffle tickets before the game for $2 each (or three for $5), with the winner taking home a VIP Experience for four people to the Swifts’ Blockbuster Match against the Queensland Firebirds at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday 29 May, which includes a pre-match function access, hospitality and box seats – amazing!

But that’s not all… we’re calling on our Swifts Family to host their own Crazy Hair & Sock Day to put the FUN in fundraising. Sign up your netball club, Association, school or workplace to get involved in the official Crazy Hair & Sock Day next weekend – Saturday 14 May – or any other day. Your help goes a long way to helping The Kids’ Cancer Project continue to do incredible work.

99 Didn’t have time to pick up some Crazy Socks? Don’t worry! Stop in to the Mad Mia Pop up shop who are selling crazy socks in the bus bay outside Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

99 Stop in to see the team at our Swifts Styling Station who are creating some crazy, colourful hair styles for a gold coin donation.

99 If you’re not one to dress up, you can still be involved; The Kids’ Cancer Projects’ Oscar Bear and his helpers will be roaming around Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre before and after today’s game with donation buckets – every little bit helps.

Register your Assocation or Club for Crazy Hair & Sock Day - Sat 14 May, 216 at www.thekidscancerproject.com.au

FAN PACKAGES ON SALE NOW 29-30 OCTOBER 2016 10 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

HISENSE ARENA, MELBOURNE

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT FAST5WORLDSERIES.COM.AU

IN THE KITCHEN

MEXICAN BEEF LASAGNE

AB

McCU BEY LLOC H

SWIF T

50-60 mins | Mexican | Serves 4 Ingredients • 1 tbsp Olive oil • 600g Lean beef mince • 1 Enchilada kit • 2 Medium tomatoes – finely chopped • 1 1/3 Cup reduced fat grated tasty cheese • Guacamole and sour cream to serve • 1/3 cup Cold water

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a large ovenproof dish.

2. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add mince and stir with a wooden spoon for 4 minutes or until browned. Add seasoning from the enchilada kit and add 1/3 cup of cold water. Stir for another 2 – 3 minutes.

3. Place enchiladas in the oven proof dish – trimming where necessary to fit. Spread 1/3 of mince mixture over the base, sprinkle with 1/3 of the tomatoes and 1/3 cup of cheese. Repeat – ending with enchiladas.

4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden.

5. Set aside for 10 minutes, cut into pieces and serve with guacamole and sour cream. Enjoy!

Book your Family Getaway Package today

WIN Swifts tickets!

Book now

www.sydneyboulevard.com.au reservations@sydneyboulevard.com.au Tel: (+61) 2 9383 7222 or Toll Free Tel: 1800 671 222 90 William Street, Sydney NSW 2011 Terms and Conditions may apply

Sign up for free What’s On? enewsletters and your chance to win five tickets to see NSW Swifts vs Queensland Firebirds on 29 May. Enter now! sydneyolympicpark.com.au/NSWSwifts2016

11 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

to enjoy Vivid Sydney, the festival of lights.

SELF CERTIFIED

Self

12 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Certified

FEATURE

Rob Wright

Our Head Coach’s Number One Supporter If there is one thing NSW Swifts Head Coach Rob Wright has learnt over the years is that no matter what happens in life his mother Jeanette will always have his back.

As a youngster Wright would spend many hours following his extremely passionate mum – affectionately known as ‘Gnome’ – around the netball courts while she was coaching; watching and observing everything she did before he too grew fond of the game.

“I spent at least ten years when I was really young watching mum coach club teams on a Saturday, as well as Representative teams on Sunday. So I spent hours just tagging along with her,” Wright explained.

“She really gave me a lot of in-depth education from just watching her and asking questions, and that is where my interest to the game and coaching really started.”

Twenty years on, Wright has successfully paved his own path through the netball world; becoming the first male ANZ Championship Head Coach and establishing a strong reputation as an elite tactician.

But it is Wright’s dedication, passion and commitment towards the game that he credits to his family, and especially to Jeanette.

“Mum has really shaped how I go about what I do in life, especially in terms of just being myself and keeping my feet on the ground,” claimed Wright.

“My dad passed away when I was in my first year of university so mum and I have been quite close since then and we get along really well which is nice,” Wright said.

“Mum enjoys seeing what we do every week and she knows how much hard work goes into it, and she obviously sees all the work that it takes to get to where we are … the stuff that happens away from the court,” Wright stated.

“To get to where I’m at today and achieve everything I have is a real reward for both of us and I can’t thank her enough. She has always been so supportive regardless of what I do or where I have been.”

“The thing that my mum does really well is [she’s] always there for me; she will come and watch all of our home games and watches all the away games, and it makes her happy so I always try to take her to the international games as well.”

“She absolutely loves all the Swifts players and that’s something I enjoy too – being able to have netball as a shared passion of ours. It’s really cool.”

The NSW Swifts would like to wish a Happy Mothers’ Day to Jeanette Wright, and all the Mums in the crowd today at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

13 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

“She taught me to keep working hard and to be true to myself, and just try my best to be honest and do the best I can. That’s not just in my coaching [but] it’s in everything I do.”

The Mother-Son duo have an inseparable friendship which evolved many years ago after the loss of Rob’s father, and since then their friendship has only grown and propelled Rob to be his absolute best.

Jeanette Wright watching on at the Swifts’ Open Training Session.

PARTNERS

NSW SWIFTS PARTNERS 2016

Principal Partner

Premier Partners

Major Partners

Official Partner

Official Charity Partner

Official NSW Swifts Merchandising Partner

Official Radio Partner

Team Partners

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP PARTNERS 2016 PRINCIPAL PARTNER

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

NEW ZEALAND

14 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

SUPPORT PARTNERS

BROADCAST & NEW MEDIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

MATCH STATISTICS

STATS PACK

SWIFTS PULSE

GOAL ASSISTS

Kimberlee Green

SHARNI LAYTON

GOALS SCORED FOR: 317 | AVG 63 PER GAME

leads the ANZ Championship with

21 INTERCEPTS & 24 DEFLECTIONS

GOALS SCORED AGAINST: 249 | AVG 50 PER GAME

V

78

after Round 5

Chelsea Locke

84

GOALS SCORED FOR: 265 | AVG 53 PER GAME

S H O O T I N G S TAT S

CAITLIN THWAITES 166 GOALS @ 87.8% MAIA WILSON 162 GOALS @ 93.6% SUSAN PETTITT 119 GOALS @ 85% AMELIARANNE WELLS 101 GOALS @ 75.9%

LAST TIME THEY MET SWIF T

Caitlin Thwaites

E PULS

S

47 47

188cm 189cm

GOALS SCORED AGAINST: 294 | AVG 59 PER GAME

Maia Wilson

TA L L E S T P L AY E R S

after Round 5

LAST 8 MEETINGS 2008

2015

W

L

SWIFTS 59 PULSE 30

SWIFTS 52 PULSE 53

W

W

W

SWIFTS 50 PULSE 36

SWIFTS 48 PULSE 43

SWIFTS 39 PULSE 36

W

L SWIFTS 49 PULSE 55

D

SWIFTS 63 PULSE 45

SWIFTS 47 PULSE 47

2016 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP

CONFERENCE LADDERS Spot Colour Version

PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White

AUSTRALIA

ROUND 2 RESULTS

P

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

Queensland Firebirds

5

5

0

0

308

244

64

126.20%

10

Home

Steel

69

Fever

62

NSW Swifts

5

4

0

1

317

249

68

127.30%

8

Firebirds

61

Swifts

51

West Coast Fever

5

3

0

2

295

270

25

109.30%

6

Vixens

57

Magic

34

Melbourne Vixens

4

2

0

2

205

193

12

106.20%

4

Pulse

57

Tactix

58

Adelaide Thunderbirds

5

0

0

5

227

300

-73

75.70%

0

Mystics

52

Thunderbirds

49

Process Version

C/M/Y/K

Away

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

Team

P

NEW ZEALAND W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

Southern Steel

5

4

1

0

315

284

31

110.90%

9

Mainland Tactix

5

2

1

2

277

304

-27

91.10%

5

Nothern Mystics

5

1

1

3

260

269

-9

96.70%

3

Central Pulse

5

1

1

3

265

294

-29

90.10%

3

Waikato BOP Magic

4

0

0

4

193

255

-62

75.70%

0

*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2016 ANZ Championship Ladders from Rd 4 to the conclusion of Rd 5. Ladders does not include any results from Rd 6.

as at 3/5/2016

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Team

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