Swifts Insider - Vol 9, Issue 5

NSW Swifts v Queensland Firebirds ANZ Championship - Round 9 Sunday 29 May, 2016 Volume 9, Issue 5

INSIDER

SUSAN PETTITT FINDING THE MIDDLE GROUND

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 4-5

SUSAN PETTITT

6-7

NEWS

8-9

MATCH CENTRE

The veteran shares how she keeps balanced.

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

We’re certainly expecting that trend to continue today when we host arguably the league’s leading franchise, the Queensland Firebirds, who are currently on a record winning-streak of 21 consecutive games; the last time they were defeated was in Round 1, 2015.

There’s no doubt the Firebirds have talent across the court, and our Swifts will have to be at the top of our game when that first whistle sounds today. The last time we met in Round 5 earlier this season, 12 athletes with international netball experience were in the starting line-ups for both sides – proving that a Swifts v Firebirds match-up promises fans an exciting, world-class contest.

Rob Wright Head Coach

All the NSW Swifts and QLD Firbirds statistics and facts.

NNSW WARATAHS

13

IN THE KITCHEN

14

SELF CERTIFIED

15

STEPH WOOD

17

STATS PACK

BLOCKBUSTER ROUND

See how NSW is faring at the halfway point of 2016 Australian Netball League.

As our Head Coach mentioned, today is our Qudos Bank Arena BLOCKBUSTER – arguably the Swifts biggest home fixture of the regular season.

Over the last three years, the NSW Swifts have set the record crowd attendance for the regular season – currently standing at 10,370, set in Round 10, 2015. Previous to that the Swifts set records in 2014 (10,118) and 2013 (8,021); the latter was later eclipsed by the Melbourne Vixens two rounds later by less than 500 people.

Amy Sommerville shares her Asian prawn dish.

The club also holds the league record for the largest netball crowd ever when 12,099 fans packed Qudos Bank Arena (then known as Acer Arena) for the 2008 ANZ Championship Grand Final to see the Swifts claim the inaugural Premiers title.

Maddy Turner shares a little bit about herself with fans.

The shooter tells fans about her valued support system.

The best fun facts for netball fans!

SWIFTS POSTER Hold them high throughout the game!

The Team EDITOR Victoria Bain WRITERS Shane DeBarra, Ellen Conroy, Victoria Bain, Kath Tetley 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

2016 SEASON FIXTURE RND DATE

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

SWI 79 def PUL 41

7

Sun, 15 May 12:00pm Melbourne Vixens

Hisense Arena, Melbourne

SWI 59 def VIX 51

8

Sun, 22 May 4:00pm Mainland Tactix

Horncastle Arena, Christchurch

SWI 73 def TAC 52

9

Sun, 29 May 12:00pm Queensland Firebirds

Qudos Bank Arena

10

BYE

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

12

18-19

As a netball fan, I hope that continues again.

Certainly the team and I are excited by the opportunity today brings, and that our fans will be loud and proud in our corner. You’re our 13th player and we will need all your voices to give us that extra boost of energy against the reigning This fixture has built itself a reputation for producing some memorable moments, both on Premiers. and off the court, including record results and Yours in netty, record crowds.

Welcome to our amazing Swifts Members and fans – both new and old – to our biggest home game of the regular season; our Qudos Bank Arena BLOCKBUSTER.

4 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

FEATURE

Susan Pettitt Finding the middle ground But to presume she’s had a one-size-fits all approach to her netball wouldn’t do the shooter justice. Pettitt (nee Pratley) has had to change it to ride the waves of a career that’s seen great highs and a few lows too.

In fact, it’s the latter she admits that have helped her most.

“I’m a bit more balanced now,” Pettitt says when asked about how she manages to stay fresh after so long at the top of her game. ”When you first start out in your netball career you want to play everything, you want to say yes to everything, and there were times when you’d step away and just be exhausted from it, and lose the love of it.”

Like elite athletes the world over, Pettitt put body and soul into her sport but was at times too hard on herself. The effort and dedication would eventually pay off, but not in the way she expected – and blessings can often be disguised.

Having shone for the Australian Diamonds the season before, her failure to make the squad for the 2011 Netball World Cup was a huge blow. But it proved to be a watershed moment, one that’s ultimately put Pettitt

in a happier place; and the Swifts are still benefitting as a result. ”I was forced to take that time off and reassess what I wanted to do,” Pettitt recalls. “In many ways it was the best thing for my netball career. It allowed me to see that netball was only a part of my life and there were other things going on as well.

“I love my netball now, but I also make sure I have my time outside of it, which is really important.”

“I just like the simple life, not being in the rush of the big cities – I definitely want to have a mini pony and a mini pig and my own little farm,” she says, smiling.

“I love animals and would like little ones that follow me around the farm – in fact I want a mini-farm, yep, that’s what I want.”

Wisdom and experience are great tools when it comes to self-assessment and Pettitt now has very welcome distractions to help her improve her game and be more at ease with herself.

“I just like the simple life, not being in the rush of the big cities” And what better way to do that than escape to the country. A country girl at heart, Pettitt smiles with anticipation as she describes the new house she and her husband are building in the Illawarra, which she says will have ample room for a pony – well, a mini one at least.

“We bought a property, two and a half acres, at the end of last year so that’s been a really good focus to have outside of my netball,” Pettitt says.

“It’s great to go out there after a really gruelling weekend of training or playing – we’ve got the city close by but it’s still a country feel. Me and my husband are both from the country so that’s why we picked that lifestyle.”

And the animals?

A trip to the country might be the perfect tonic to relieve the pressures of the ANZ Championship, but she remains a fearsome competitor and that won’t change.

“I feel like I’ve been playing stronger netball because I don’t rely purely on my netball world. I rely on my personal life, the balance between family and friends, and I’m in a better place for that.”

And that’s good news for Swifts fans.

5 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

In a sporting career as decorated and well documented as Susan Pettitt’s, it would be easy to think that there’s been a set formula to her success from day one. She has, after all, played every game since the NSW Swifts came into existence, and alongside teammate Kim Green, is one of only two originals left on the franchise’s roster.

NEWS NSW SWIFTS GALA DINNER Join us in the spectacular setting of Doltone House on Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont 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 a thrilling final season of the ANZ Championship. It promises to be a wonderful night of celebration.

The night kicks off with canapés and drinks from 6:30pm before the Gala commences at 7pm. Tickets are $145 for members and $160 for nonmembers. Head to nswswifts.com.au for more information and tickets.

#RethinkRoleModels

Reth nk role models

Sharni Layton

RETHINK YOUR ROLE MODELS As you may have seen on the way to your seats, Samsung has launched a great new campaign highlighting the importance of role models.

You will have seen the banners flying proudly outside today and the double page launch poster in the middle of our Swifts Insider, which is all part of our way of supporting the new campaign which features five Australian diamonds – including two of our own NSW Swifts, Sharni Layton and Paige Hadley.

We won’t give too much away, but keep your eyes peeled for Samsung promotion around the ‘Rethink Role Models’ campaign.

Discover their stories: /samsungaustralia /samsungaustralia @samsungau Laura Geitz

Kim Ravaillion

Paige Hadley

Caitlin Bassett

@samsungau

SAMSUNG MORE THAN PROUD TO SPONSOR

CRAZY HAIR & SOCK UPDATE The NSW Swifts held their annual Crazy Hair & Sock Day in Round 6 to support our Official Charity Partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project.

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing Swifts Family, we helped raise over $2,000 which will go towards vital childhood cancer research.

To date, 42 Associations and four Clubs around NSW have signed up to host their own Crazy Hair & Sock Day. There’s still time for your Club, Association, school or workplace to get involved – register at www.thekidscancerproject.com.au

6 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

ROUND 7 ACTION IN NSW! NETBALL NEW SOUTH WALES

WARATAHS

V

GAME 1 NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE FIRST PASS AT 3:15pm GAME 2 NETBALL CENTRAL, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK FIRST PASS AT 12pm

NEWS POST MATCH MEMBERS FUNCTION A reminder that 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.

Any 2016 Satellite Members who do not have tickets to the Swifts’ Round 14 home game are still welcome to attend the function at Netball Central and meet your favourite players.

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

MAKE SOME NOISE Today is a day to make history happen; a day for you to be part of the biggest-ever gathering of our Swifts Family.

A sea of red will welcome the QLD Firebirds and we need every member of our Red Zone cheering at the top of their lungs to get our players over the line.

It won’t be easy… the reigning premiers are a fantastic side, but together we can help defend Qudos Bank Arena with vigour and passion.

So wave your banners, sing your chants, even shout like Sharni… You’re our 13th player out there and YOU make the difference.

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

FAN PACKAGES ON SALE NOW 29-30 OCTOBER 2016

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT FAST5WORLDSERIES.COM.AU

7 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

HISENSE ARENA, MELBOURNE

MATCH CENTRE

Queensland Firebirds Date of Birth: 19 Nov 1988 Height: 196cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 123 International Caps: 77 (JAM)

Romelda Aiken Date of Birth: 4 Nov 1987 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 120 International Caps: 64

Date of Birth: 9 Oct 1995 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 4

Mahalia Cassidy

Date of Birth: 21 Jan 1992 Height: 190cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 5

Beryl Friday

Laura Clemesha

Date of Birth: 14 Sep 1995 Height: 178cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 1

Date of Birth: 19 Jan 1994 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GS/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 1

Date of Birth: 28 Sep 1994 Height: 182cm Position/Role: GS/GA/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 2

Date of Birth: 11 Jul 1985 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 92 International Caps: 8

C Laura Geitz Date of Birth: 1 Jun 1987 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WA/C/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 28

Caitlyn Nevins

Roselee Jencke

Hulita Haukinima

Chelsea Lemke

Date of Birth: 26 Jul 1993 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WD/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 56 International Caps: 30

Kim Ravaillion

Clare McMeniman

Date of Birth: 17 Oct 1992 Height: 176cm Position/Role: WD/C/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 54 International Caps: 5

Gabi Simpson

Date of Birth: 3 Jul 1993 Height: 192cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 26 International Caps: 6

Gretel Tippett

Season Results in the ANZ Championship 2015 – 1st Premiers 2014 – 2nd 2013 – 2nd 2012 – 6th 2011 – 1st Premiers 2010 – 5th 2009 – 5th 2008 – 5th

Head Coach

8 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

LAST TIME THEY MET

The NSW Swifts and Queensland Firebirds last met in Round 5, where the defending champions came out on top 61-51 in front of 7,000-plus fans at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

It is the Swifts one and only loss for the season, and was the Firebirds’ 18th consecutive win.

OUR TEAM NSWSwifts

Date of Birth: 7 July 1995 Height: 170cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 4 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: 46 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

Date of Birth: 16 April 1986 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 128 International Caps: 131 (NZ)

Date of Birth: 6 January 1988 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 92 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: 4

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

Susan Pettitt

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

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

Amy Sommerville Date of Birth: 17 December 1995 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 8

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

Netball Career facts • 2016 Aus Diamonds Camp Invitee • 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

Nickname: Kippa Date of Birth: 26 August 1997 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 0

Stephanie Wood

Coaching & Support Staff

Netball Career facts • 2016 NSW Swifts - Temporary Replacement player • 2016 21/U National Champions • 2015 Australian 19/U Squad • 2015 19/U National Champions - Captain • 2014 Australian 17/U Squad

Megan Anderson

Paula Peralta

Anita Keelan

Daniel Vukovic

Gail Eckert

Jason Howell

Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach

Team Manager

Rob Wright Head Coach

Kiera Austin (temporary replacement)

Date of Birth: 12 February 1990 Height: 178cm Position/Role: GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 46

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

Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29 December 1986 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 118 International Caps: 20

Caitlin Thwaites

Paige Hadley

Date of Birth: 23 March 1984 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 122 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

@NSWSwifts

Date of Birth: 5 March 1986 Height: 176cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 117 International Caps: 74

Kimberlee Green

Laura Langman

NSWSwiftsTV

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst

9 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

NSW Swifts

Reth 10 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

role models

Laura Geitz

Kim Ravaillion

Paige Hadley

Caitlin Bassett

#RethinkRoleModels

h nk Sharni Layton

Discover their stories: 11 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

/samsungaustralia /samsungaustralia @samsungau @samsungau

SAMSUNG MORE THAN PROUD TO SPONSOR

NNSW WARATAHS

NSW’s winning start to ANL Season The ANZ Championship isn’t the only netball action fans can catch across Australia, with the 2016 Australian Netball League (ANL) also in full swing.

As the under-pinning domestic netball competition, the eightweek ANL season was moved to be contested alongside the 2016 ANZ Championship; and the Netball NSW (NNSW) Waratahs are one of six teams vying for the 2016 Premiers title.

After four rounds, NSW are leading the competition with four wins, a loss and a draw – and also took a very big scalp as the first side since 2012 to defeat four-time ANL Premiers Victorian Fury when they claimed a 50-41 victory in their last appearance.

they will be back in action on their home turf in Round 7 when they host Western Sting at Newcastle Entertainment Centre (Saturday 11 June, 3:15pm) and Netball Central (Sunday 12 June, 12pm).

The Waratahs and Sting will act as curtain-raisers for the NSW Swifts v West Coast Fever Round 11 ANZ Championship fixture, and your Swifts Ticket provides you early entry to watch the ANL contest live!

So make sure you get down early to support the NNSW Waratahs.

Tickets for the Netball Centralhosted game are $11.50 for Adults, $6.50 for Child/Concessions and can be purchased today through our website – visit netballnsw.com.

While the NNSW Waratahs are enjoying back-to-back Bye rounds,

Here’s to the start of something special.

12 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

More than proud to sponsor Netball in Australia.

IN THE KITCHEN

KING PRAWN STIR-FRY

AM SOMM Y ERVI LL

E

SWIF T

20-30 mins | Asian | Serves 2 Ingredients • 1 zucchini - sliced • 2 carrots - sliced • 1/2 capsicum - cut into strips • 1/2 cauliflower- roughly chopped • 1 bunch broccolini - roughly chopped (include stalks) • 100g snow peas - stringed & left whole • 300g prawns - peeled & deveined with tail left on - seasoned with salt & pepper.

• 1tbsp Olive Oil

Method 1. Heat olive oil in wok.

Sauce • Sweet Chilli Sauce 1/4 Cup • Light Soy Sauce 1/3 Cup • Combine both ingredients until mixed (add brown sugar to taste if needed)

5. Add prawns to wok and stir fry for 5 minutes or until cooked through then add vegetables including snow peas add sauce. Stir through sauce for 1 minute to heat through and enjoy!

Can serve with rice or hokkien noodles.

2. Put carrots, cauliflower, capsicum and broccolini in the wok - stir fry for 5 minutes or until just tender.

3. Add zucchini and cook for further 2 minutes or until tender.

4. Remove vegetables from wok and set aside.

2016

NETBALL RANGE

48 STORES LOCATED ACROSS NEW SOUTH WALES

GEL-NETBURNER 18

13 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

GEL-NETBURNER PROFESSIONAL 12

SELF CERTIFIED

Self

14 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Certified

FEATURE

Stephanie Wood Team Player At just 24 years of age NSW Swifts shooter Stephanie Wood has overcome some of life’s biggest challenges in her pursuit of becoming an elite athlete.

After years of hard work, dedication and endless kilometres spent travelling to various netball events, Wood was rocked by the realisation that she may never get the opportunity to play in the ANZ Championship.

In 2014 a young and shy Wood set herself the goal of being selected in one of the ten transTasman teams or else walk away from the game she adored.

“I remember setting myself a limit that if I hadn’t cracked the ANZ Championship by the end of 2014 then that would be it for me, I would just stick to playing netball socially,” she said.

“I am actually so glad it took me so long to make the team because I appreciate it so much more.

I think if I was given a contract at 20-years of age I wouldn’t be working as hard as what I am right now.”

“I had finally made my goals and it was so exciting for me, but the thought of leaving my sisters behind was the worst.”

The youngest of three girls, Wood admits she was that annoying younger sister who would follow her older siblings - Tracey and Jodie - around the netball courts, subconsciously learning traits from them.

“My sisters have been a massive influence on me. I always go to both of them for advice on all of the decisions I make or if I’m feeling down and they are the ones who talk some sense into me - brutal or not brutal, they tell me how it is,” she laughed.

“They don’t try and sugar coat things… they even tell me how to work on my ‘pretty’ laugh and give me feedback on how my hair is looking after every game.”

Her positive mindset and outlook on life is something Wood has worked hard on and for now she is focusing on the possibility of being a part of a Championship-winning team.

“I want to work hard and I want to have those hard conversations and I want to be better than what I was yesterday. I have had to learn that by not playing week in and week out doesn’t mean I’m not a good player,” says a humble Wood.

“I remember dropping my parents and sisters off at the airport when I first moved to Sydney and I went home and balled my eyes out for the rest of the day,” Wood said.

“I just want to put in 110 percent no matter what role I have in the team, I will back the girls all the way.”

15 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

After reaching her goal by signing with the Swifts for the 2015 ANZ Championship, her dream also came with some big life sacrifices; including leaving her family and friends behind in Queensland.

Tracey (left) and Jodie (right) accompany their little sister Stephanie to 2016 ANZ Championship Pre-Season Tournament at SOPSC.

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

16 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

SUPPORT PARTNERS

BROADCAST & NEW MEDIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

MATCH STATISTICS

STATS PACK

SWIFTS FIREBIRDS KEEPER V KEEPER Sharni Layton

GAME AVERAGES

Laura Geitz

RECORD CROWDS

INTERCEPTS

V

18

DEFLECTIONS

53

1st in ANZ

V

48

2nd in ANZ

ALL TIME LEAGUE CROWD RECORD 2008 12,099 NSW Swifts v WBOP Magic | Grand Final

L SWIFTS 48 FIREBIRDS 52

Romelda Aiken

WINNING STREAK

V

The QLD Firebirds are currently on a league record winning streak of 21 GAMES IN A ROW

TOTAL GOALS

360 V AVERAGE GOALS 35 V 45 % TOWARDS TEAM TOTAL 54% V 72% 283

D

L

SWIFTS 53 FIREBIRDS 48

Total 200

SHOOTER V SHOOTER

2016

W

5.6 16.7 63

Total 67

Total 501

Caitlin Thwaites

LAST 10 MEETINGS 2012

Average goals scored in 2016

Total 528

This is the first time the NSW Swifts have hosted the QLD Firebirds at Qudos Bank Arena

2nd in ANZ

Average quarters played by roster in 2016

Total 207

REGULAR SEASON CROWD RECORDS 2015 10,370 NSW Swifts v Melbourne Vixens 2014 10,118 NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds 2013 8,021 NSW Swifts v Adelaide Thunderbirds

Height: 187cm Height: 185cm ANZ Championship Caps: 92 ANZ Championship Caps: 120 International Caps: 36 International Caps: 64

35

Average games played by roster in 2016

Total 78

V

1st in ANZ

6.5 17.25 66

SWIFTS 40 FIREBIRDS 55

SWIFTS 47 FIREBIRDS 47

L

L

L

L

SWIFTS 47 FIREBIRDS 51

SWIFTS 44 FIREBIRDS 55

SWIFTS 56 FIREBIRDS 57

SWIFTS 53 FIREBIRDS 61

2016 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP

CONFERENCE LADDERS Team

AUSTRALIA

ROUND 8 RESULTS

P

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

Queensland Firebirds

8

8

0

0

501

389

112

128.80%

16

Home

Fever

53

Away

NSW Swifts

8

7

0

1

528

393

135

134.40%

14

Magic

49

Melbourne Vixens

7

4

0

3

379

353

26

107.40%

8

Firebirds

62

West Coast Fever

8

4

0

4

458

429

29

106.80%

8

Tactix

52

Swifts

73

Adelaide Thunderbirds

7

0

0

7

332

431

-99

77.00%

0

Pulse

63

Steel

67

Spot Colour Version

PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White

Process Version

Vixens

54

Mystics

45

Thunderbirds

51

C/M/Y/K 0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0

100/0/0/100 White

Spot Colour Version

PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White

Process Version

C/M/Y/K 0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0 100/0/0/100

Team

P

NEW ZEALAND W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

Southern Steel

7

6

1

0

451

401

50

112.50%

13

Mainland Tactix

8

2

1

5

402

441

-39

91.20%

5

Nothern Mystics

8

2

1

5

434

504

-70

86.10%

5

Waikato BOP Magic

7

2

0

5

344

415

-71

82.90%

4

Central Pulse

8

1

1

6

422

495

-73

85.30%

3

*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2016 ANZ Championship Ladders from Rd 7 to the conclusion of Rd 8. Ladders does not include any results from Rd 9.

as at 24/5/2016

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White

G

@nswswifts

#goNSWSwifts

SWIFTS

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