Swifts Insider - Vol 9, Issue 7

NSW Swifts v Southern Steel ANZ Championship - Round 14 Saturday 2 July, 2016 Volume 9, Issue 7

ABBEY McCULLOCH CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY TO 50 GAMES

MADDY TURNER I WON’T BACK DOWN

INSIDER

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2 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

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IN THIS ISSUE 4-5

MADDY TURNER

6-7

NEWS

8-9

MATCH CENTRE

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

All the NSW Swifts and Southern Steel statistics and facts.

ABBEY MCCULLOCH Celebrating 50 games

ROB WRIGHT

Kiwi opponents have been in magnificent form this season, and we will need to be at our best today to claim the win.

Welcome to the Swifts’ final home game of the regular season! I can’t quite believe the 2016 ANZ Championship is almost over for another year, and the final time we will see Australian v New Zealand franchises in the same competition.

While they’ve long had firepower up front through prolific goal shooter Jhaniele FowlerReid, I think it’s the improvement of the midcourters and defensive end which has seen the Steel put together their best performance season to date.

Before we get into today’s contest, I wanted to extend my sincere thank you to our Swifts Family. To our incredible Members and fans – you truly are the world’s best and we are forever grateful for your continued support in everything we do. Every time we take the court we can feel your presence.

Yours in netty,

To the many volunteers who help at each and every home game – you do such a terrific job and again, we couldn’t do what we do best on court without your support. Whether it’s helping set up before the doors open, or packing everything away when the crowds are gone; we’re very grateful.

Rob Wright Head Coach

With that said, there’s still plenty of netball to be played and that starts again today when we take on the New Zealand Conference Minor Premiers, Southern Steel. It’s no secret that our

12

ANL FINAL

13

IN THE KITCHEN

As it is our final home game of the regular season, the NSW Swifts would like to say a massive THANK YOU to our incredible Members and fans for what has already been a truly great season.

14

SAMSUNG STATE AGE

While we wait with anticipation on the format of the Without you we couldn’t do what we love, and it’s 2016 Finals Series, including when and who we will your passion and support that will help drive us host, today is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge during the Finals Series. your passion and support which helps drives the players out on court week in, week out.

15

SELF CERTIFIED

16

THANK YOU

17

FINALS SERIES

19

THANK YOU!

We recap the action from Netball Central

Caitlin Thwaites shares an amazing ice cream cake

Young netballers from accross the State will be in action this weekend

So thank you… for the many thousands of fan mail letters, to the DIY posters, to the sell-out crowds and record Membership figures; plus so much more.

Sharni Layton shares a little bit about herself with fans.

A big thank you to all our members and supporters

We take a look at the 2016 Finals Series format

STATS PACK

The best fun facts and Conference Ladders!

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

SWI 58 def FIR 54

10

BYE

11 Sat, 11 Jun

5:30pm West Coast Fever

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

SWI 57 def by FEV 58

12 Sat, 18 Jun

4:30pm Adelaide Thunderbirds

Titanium Security Arena, Adelaide

SWI 67 def THU 53

13 Sun, 26 Jun

4:00pm Northern Mystics

Trusts Arena, Auckland

SWI 59 def MYS 53

14 Sat, 2 Jul

5:00pm Southern Steel

Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

Finals Series: 9 July - 30 July, 2016

3 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

10-11

The rookie defender admits not being shy of a challenge

Welcome

4 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

FEATURE

Maddy Turner I won’t back down It’s been a remarkable year for the 2016 debutant both on and off the court. While many 19-year-olds would be daunted by the prospect of leaving the comfort of home for the bright lights of Sydney, Turner just simply rolled with it.

If comfort zones exist in the dog-eat-dog world of modern professional sport, she’s certainly not interested in them.

“I could have stayed in Adelaide and continued my netball there, but I wanted to challenge myself both on and off the court and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made,” Turner says.

“I’m not a person to get stressed out or anything like that; I like to take things as they come and just roll with the punches.”

“I knew I would be able to learn a lot from them and it was a big reason why I came to the Swifts.”

That said, Turner’s rapid progress in the world’s best netball competition has continued to take her by surprise. She wasn’t even planning on getting many minutes, let alone being included in the starting line-up for every game so far.

“ANZ seemed so far off to me before I got called up,” Turner recollects.

“Last year I was playing State League and some Australian Netball League, but I never

“You look at someone like Laura, she’s been at the top for 10 years, and how she goes about things and her mental state, it’s pretty incredible – she’s amazing! And she’s a freak in the gym and in conditioning; she is always trying to get better.

“I definitely want to follow in those footsteps.”

Ironically, for someone who’s never afraid to travel the rocky road instead of the easy route (her mother is the nervous one, she concedes) Turner’s own comfort zone is out on court.

“Nerves, as I said, aren’t a big thing for me and

“Last year I was playing State League and some Australian Netball League, but I never thought I would be in the Swifts team, yet alone starting.”

It’s clear to see the pride she takes in her achievements both personally and professionally, and she has earned the right to do so. Turner remembers watching teammate Sharni Layton when the formidable keeper was plying her trade at the Adelaide Thunderbirds, but never did Turner think she’d be partnering her in just a few short years.

thought I would be in the Swifts team, let alone starting.”

getting out on court just feels natural,” she says.

But here she is and having cemented her place in the starting seven, Turner is quickly developing into one of the Swifts’ most prized assets and a fan favourite among the Swifts Family.

“It feels like a natural environment for me and I think it would be very hard to not be doing it. I’m loving it and I don’t want to take a step back, that’s for sure.”

Yet when it happened, Turner characteristically simply took it in her stride.

Despite this, Turner is full of humility and professionalism, and credits living with teammates Laura Langman and Stephanie Wood to help keep her focused.

“There were people in the Swifts that I looked up to and watched on TV and who I aspired to be… to be in the same team wasn’t daunting to me, it was more exciting,” she says.

“Getting some tips from them that they have learned along the way has really helped me this year,” Turner says.

5 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

If there’s one thing you learn when meeting Maddy Turner it’s that very little fazes her.

NEWS 2017 MEMBERSHIPS: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Our Red Zone is the heartbeat of the Club, which is why we’re excited to announce a waiting list for our 2017 NSW Swifts Memberships.

Due to overwhelming demand for 2016 Memberships we’ve created an online waiting list for anyone interested in joining the Swifts Family in 2017; however, if you are an existing 2016 NSW Swifts Member, you DO NOT need to register your details.

If you’re interested in joining our waiting list then head to nswswifts.com.au; you can register via our home page.

Please note: Information regarding 2017 Membership Packages will be made available in due course.

2016 FINAL SERIES FAQ While there is still matches to be played in Round 14, your NSW Swifts are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the Australian Conference; which means the club will be hosting a Finals Series game.

An announcement confirming the date, venue and ticketing information will be made by the Trans-Tasman Netball League who own and run the ANZ Championship Finals Series. The Club will ensure to relay this message to our Members and Fans through nswswifts.com.au and our social media channels.

Meanwhile, turn to page 17 to read our Finals Series preview or visit nswswifts.com.au to view our Finals Series FAQs.

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

CAROLINE CHISHOLM DRIVE, WINSTON HILLS, NSW 2153 9838 7822

FREE Go Pony Rides 3rd July & 17th July 10am to 2pm

FREE Winter Magic Craft Workshops 4th to 8th July | 10am to 2pm Daily

Snow Globes Cupcake Decorating Snowflake Candle Holder Snowflake Fairy Bread Plaster Painting

Snow Queen

6 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

7th & 8th July | 10am to 2pm Face Painting Glitter Tattoos Balloon Twisting

CAROLINE CHISHOLM DRIVE, WINSTON HILLS, NSW 2153 WWW.WINSTONHILLSMALL.COM.AU LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

School Holidays 3rd to 17th July 2016 WINTER

MAGIC STAGE SHOW

FREE SHOW | 11th - 15th July ILY | 11am and 1:30pm 2 SHOWS DA

NEWS SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR SWIFTS! Did you see the Swifts Red Letterboxes on the way to your seat?

Members and Fans can now send messages to your favourite Swifts players wishing them best of luck for today’s game, and the upcoming Finals Series.

Draw them a picture… send them a cute note… maybe even write a poem to share how big of a Swifts fans you are!

Hint: If you include your email address, the players will make sure to send you a response – happy days!

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 $145 for members and $160 for non-members. Head to our website www.nswswifts.com.au for more information and tickets.

MEMBERS’ POST-MATCH FUNCTION TODAY Reminder: if you’re a 2016 Member and have registered for today’s exclusive Post-Match Function, make sure you collect your wristband from the Membership Team located at the Box Office to allow entry.

If you’re a 2016 Member and have not yet registered for the function, there is still time! Visit the Membership Team at the Box Office to register your attendance before quarter time.

COMMEMORATIVE POSTER

NSW SWIFTS | SEASON 2016

It also acknowledges our wonderful Members and fans that have joined us at our three home venues – SOPSC, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Qudos Bank Arena, which set a new league record crowd of 13,314 spectators.

Make sure you hang onto your poster until the end of the game and it could be signed by one of the NSW Swifts as they make their way around the court signing autographs after the final whistle.

QUDOS BANK ARENA

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK SPORTS CENTRE

NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

ROUND 9 | QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS

ROUND 1 | MELBOURNE VIXENS, ROUND 2 | WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY MAGIC, ROUND 3 | ADELAIDE THUNDERBIRDS, ROUND 6 | CENTRAL PULSE, ROUND 14 | SOUTHERN STEEL

ROUND 11 | WEST COAST FEVER

7 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

On your way into Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre today, you would have received a special, one-off commemorative poster featuring our 12 NSW Swifts in action.

MATCH CENTRE

Southern Steel Date of Birth: 7 Dec 1991 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 31

Gina Crampton

Date of Birth: 18 Apr 1997 Height: 181cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 0

Abby Erwood

Date of Birth: 15 Oct 1984 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 103 International Caps: 1

Date of Birth: 12 Oct 1990 Height: 178cm Position/Role: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 63 International Caps: 21

Date of Birth: 21 Jul 1989 Height: 198cm Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 52 International Caps: 48

Shannon Francois

Jhaniele Fowler-Reid

Date of Birth: 22 Mar 1986 Height: 182cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 0

Date of Birth: 17 Dec 1993 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 15

Date of Birth: 30 Mar 1992 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 16

C Wendy Frew

Jamie Hume Date of Birth: 20 Apr 1993 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 53

Storm Purvis

Noeline Taurua

Brooke Leaver Date of Birth: 3 Apr 1989 Height: 184cm Position/Role: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 96 International Caps: 2

Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit

Stacey Peeters

Date of Birth: 14 Jan 1992 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 43

Te Paea Selby-Rickit

Date of Birth: 7 Mar 1990 Height: 181cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 53

Jane Watson

Season Results in the ANZ Championship 2015 – 3rd in the New Zealand Conference 2014 – 5th 2013 – 6th 2012 – 9th 2011 – 7th 2010 – 4th 2009 – 4th 2008 – 6th

Head Coach

LAST TIME THEY MET

8 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

The Swifts and Steel last met in Round 1, 2015 , at Invercargill’s ILT Stadium where the visitors emerged victorious 68-62.

It was the Swifts’ first victory in New Zealand’s southernmost city, and was a game to remember for Caitlin Thwaites who was voted MVP after finishing with 39 goals at 91% accuracy.

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: 50 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: 132 International Caps: 131 (NZ)

Date of Birth: 6 January 1988 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 96 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 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: 122 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: 50

Date of Birth: 23 March 1984 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 126 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: 12

Date of Birth: 28 November 1991 Height: 175cm Position/Role: GA/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 20

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

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: 118 International Caps: 74

Kimberlee Green

Laura Langman

NSWSwiftsTV

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst

9 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

NSW Swifts

10 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

FEATURE

Abbey McCulloch

Celebrating the journey to 50 games Growing up in the Southern Highlands, McCulloch would play netball at a facility that had just four netball courts; so signing a contract with the NSW Swifts was something she didn’t foresee ever happening.

That was before she joined her local netball club which played in the Sutherland Shire Netball Association competition.

“When I saw the netball courts at Sutherland Shire I was shocked to see more people actually play this sport,” McCulloch says.

“It wasn’t until I was about 16 or 17 when I thought ‘oh yeah, I go alright at this sport.

Maybe if I put in a bit of hard work I might get there one day’.

“Each year it would change; in the under 17’s I cried, in the 19’s I threw tantrums and said I would never play again and then when I got to the 21’s that’s when I told myself I would prove them all wrong and that’s what I did.”

Despite all the setbacks and hurdles that McCulloch faced in her early career, her personality and life outside netball has helped her stay grounded.

“I have been told I am the funny one in the team, but I guess having a job outside of netball really helps because I know there is more to life than just sport,” she says.

“I know I won’t be playing forever and I know there is more to life than netball – I wish there

“My partner and I have just bought our first house. We were looking for at least two years and we finally found something which is really exciting,” she says.

“I would also love to take my personal training qualifications to another level, but I do see myself in a school environment for a while to come.

“And I did promise my partner that we would have two kids, so we will have them eventually if he is lucky.”

“When I saw the netball courts at Sutherland Shire I was shocked to see more people actually play this sport”

“Obviously it took a bit more than hard work but I’m here and I just played my 50th game for the Swifts and I am very grateful to be here.”

wasn’t but unfortunately everyone has to join the real world eventually.”

It hasn’t been easy for the 26-year-old who admitted to struggling to get a foot in the door of the ANZ Championship despite her continued efforts on and off the court.

As if being an elite athlete isn’t hard enough, McCulloch also juggles part-time work, netball clinics and has recently completed her Certificate IV in Personal Training.

“I missed out on a lot of teams when I was younger. I was part of a really successful NSW age-group in that every year we went to Nationals we ended up winning. But when the Australian squads were announced, I was never selected while a lot of my teammates were. It was pretty hard,” she says.

“You would think I would have all of this stuff written down but I don’t, I just seem to turn up at the right place at the right time,” she says, laughing.

But McCulloch admitted that as the years went by, she would soon use her disappointment as motivation.

If McCulloch is not on the netball court or in the classroom, she is spending some valuable time with her family, friends and thinking about her future.

“I am very organised and I do have good time management, so I’m pretty good with maintain a balanced lifestyle. But it has come from years of practice and I have got it wrong many times, however I think I have it right these days.”

For now McCulloch will be turning all of her attention to today’s contest against the Southern Steel, before focusing on the 2016 Conference Finals and whatever remains of the 2016 season.

“I can’t thank my parents, siblings, partner and all of my friends enough for all the support over the years,” McCulloch says.

“To play 50 ANZ Championship games is a pretty big achievement I think, and I can’t wait to see all the presents I get at home for my congratulatory gifts,” she concludes… halfjokingly.

11 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

When Abbey McCulloch was just 12 years old she didn’t even know there was an elite netball competition until her parents packed up and moved the family to Sydney.

AUSTRALIAN NETBALL LEAGUE

NNSW Waratahs finish Runners-Up The 2016 Australian Netball League Finals Series took place at Netball Central last weekend, 25-26 June, and saw VIC Fury take out their fourth consecutive title.

there by their NSW hosts, after the Waratahs won a thrilling semi-final against the Southern Force 58-56 in perhaps the game of the weekend.

The Fury, who were joined in Saturday’s semifinals by Western Sting, Southern Force and the Netball NSW Waratahs (pictured above) – the latter playing the series on their home turf – produced a wonderful two-day performance and were well deserved of another title at the end of a fantastic weekend of netball.

If the action on Saturday had already lived up to expectations, Sunday’s may well have exceeded it as all four teams took to the court again to serve up more top-quality action. The Sting and Force played out an enthralling Preliminary Final with the Western Australians taking out the Bronze Medal, finishing well to take the spoils 68-60.

The Victorians defeated the Western Sting in the first of Saturday’s semi-finals, eventually running out 56-74 winners in a close contest to book their place in Sunday’s Grand Final. They were joined

The stage was set for an epic Grand Final and it didn’t disappoint as the Fury, who had some good travelling support of their own in the crowd, and Waratahs played out a thriller.

The second quarter proved a game changer, as the Waratahs entered with a slim one goal lead to be overtaken by a rampaging Fury outfit.

The Fury siezed momentum to outscore their opponents 16 goals to eight to force the Waratahs into chase mode. In the end the Fury were able to maintain their advantage right to the very end to claim the 2016 title, 53-46.

There was a silver lining for the Waratahs, however, with goal attack Vanessa Mullampy being named the ANL’s Most Valuable Player for 2016 after a fine seaso which saw her come into her own on court.

when

netball

moves this fast...

12 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

...it ignites your senses 29-30 OCTOBER FAN PACKAGES ON SALE NOW FAST5WORLDSERIES.COM.AU

IN THE KITCHEN

EPIC DEEP DISH CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER ICE CREAM CAKE

CAIT THW LYN AITE S

SWIF T

Dessert | Serves 4

Filling • 3 x Frozen Bananas • 1x Cup Dates • 2 x Cups raw Cashews • 2 x tbs coconut oil • 1 and 1/4 cups water (as needed) • 1/4 Cup Cacao Powder • 3 Tbs Peanut Butter Optional- extra peanut butter to swirl through and spread on top of the cake like icing, plus Cacao Nibs to decorate.

Method 1. Crust: Pulse the Pepitas, Sunflower seeds, Flax seeds and cacao powder in a food processor until they become a rough flour, then add the dates and process until it all gets sticky. Press into the bottom and sides of a spring form tin, and put in the fridge to set.

2. Filling: Blend all of the ingredients until smooth adding water as needed to make it creamy. Spread evenly on to your crust, occasionally swirling through some Peanut butter if you like (recommended!).

Put into the freezer over night or until frozen solid.

3. Add Peanut butter on top of cake and sprinkle with Cacao Nibs to decorate.

4. Thaw a little bit before serving - and Enjoy!!

Hint: A knife dipped in warm water helps with serving.

13 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

Ingredients Crust • 1 Cup Dates • 1/4 cup Pepitas • 1/4 cup Sunflower seeds • 1/3 cup Flax seeds • 3 tbs Cacao Powder

SAMSUNG STATE AGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Iconic netball event underway Thousands of visitors from across the State have descended on three venues for one of Netball NSW’s most iconic events; the 2016 SAMSUNG State Age Championships!

The State Age Championships have long been considered one of the biggest female sporting events in Australia, if not the Southern Hemisphere, and it’s hard not to fault that logic with 309 teams representing 87 Associations participating this year.

When you consider there will be over 3,300 players will be taking the court, over 400 coaches and 500 umpires, and we’re expecting over 10,000 spectators in attendance across the three days; it’s not hard to argue that the State Age Championships are an iconic part of our fantastic sport.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Campbelltown (Championship Division), Bankstown City (Division Two) and Illawarra District (Divisions Three and Four) Netball Associations, and will see athletes contest four age-divisions: 15/U, 14/U, 13/U and 12/U.

The inaugural competition was originally known as the ‘Junior District Carnival’; a day-long carnival which was first held on Sunday 14 July, 1968 at Moore Park which saw 44 teams representing 10 Associations participate.

In 1969, the Netball NSW State Age Championships came into being for the 15/U, 14/U, 13/U, 12/U and 11/U age groups and as the years rolled on, the number of entries grew to such an extent that it became necessary to contest over a two day period; this trend continued to increase, so the Championships expanded to include a third day.

In 1983, the decision was made to introduce a second division in each age group, and two years later the competition was re-structured, settling on ages groups for 15/U, 14/U, 13/U and 12/U. Since this time, the competition has continued to grow, to include four divisions in each of the age group.

groups by itself! Therefore, multiple Associations are used simultaneously to host the event, which is an incredible effort from our fantastic volunteerpowered Associations.

Some of your favourite NSW Swifts even made their representative netball debuts at State Age, including; Kaitlyn Bryce (Shoalhaven), Kimberlee Green (Sutherland Shire), Paige Hadley (Penrith), Abbey McCulloch (Sutherland Shire), Lauren Moore (Wyong District), Susan Pettitt (Sapphire Coast), and Amy Sommerville (Eastwood Ryde).

So who knows; maybe there is a future NSW Swift or Australian Diamonds participating in this year’s tournament! Best of luck to all involved.

The competition is so large now, that no single Association has the court, venue space or facilities to host all four divisions and age

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Thank You As today’s game against Southern Steel is our last regular season home fixture for 2016, it serves as the perfect opportunity for us to say a massive thank you to our amazing Swifts Family for another phenomenal year of support.

It is always special to play in front of our home fans, and as coach Rob Wright says on a daily basis, few sports teams in the world enjoy as much fervent support and love as our Swifts do out on court; be it at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, at Qudos Bank Arena or in Newcastle.

16 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

In 2016 the Swifts sold 2,379 RED ZONE Memberships, beating the previous Club record which was 2,200 set ahead of the 2015 season. Ninety one per cent of 2015 Members renewed for the 2016 ANZ Championship, showing just how close the bond has become between the Swifts Family and the team.

“This marked a very special achievement in the history of Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts,” Netball NSW Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Campbell said.

“Since forming ahead of the 2008 season, the NSW Swifts have always put our Members and fans at the centre of everything we do, and value greatly the connection we have with our supporter-base.

“Ours is a special bond and it is a real boost for the players and staff to see such passion on show at every home game.”

Club Captain Kim Green echoed these sentiments and said the Swifts Family were like an eighth player out on court.

“I would love to thank our extra family - our members and fans for all of their support and love this year,” she said.

“There is zero doubt that we have the best fans in the world, and I love meeting you all every home game.

“THANK YOU for bleeding red as much as we do, and can’t wait for what this year may bring.”

FINALS SERIES

2016 ANZ Chmpionships

Finals Series While your NSW Swifts have been preparing to take on New Zealand Conference Minor Premiers Southern Steel today, the club is also keeping one eye on the upcoming 2016 Finals Series which will begin next weekend.

team from Australia and one team from New Zealand feature in the Grand Final, the team with the highest points on the combined league ladder at the end of the regular season (Round 14) has the right to host the match.

While we won’t know who we play, where or when until the Queensland Firebirds v West Coast Fever match concludes tomorrow, Sunday 3 July, your Swifts are guaranteed a top two finish based on our previous results.

Should two teams from Australia, or two teams from New Zealand, feature in the Grand Final then the team who was crowned the Conference Champion (Week 2 of Conference Finals) has the right to host the match.

Whilst there are still games to be played and outcomes to decide the precise format of the Finals Series, we thought it was good timing to remind our Swifts Family on what the format looks like; with the assistance of the Trans-Tasman Netball League (TTNL) who own and operate the 2016 ANZ Championship Finals Series.

An announcement confirming the date, venue and ticketing information will be made by TTNL who own and run the ANZ Championship Finals Series.

The Club will ensure to relay this message to our Members and Fans through nswswifts. com.au and our social media channels.

2016 NSW Swifts Members will have access to a pre-sale period for the Finals Series before tickets are made available for public sale. Information will be available via your exclusive Members newsletter, Red Alert, once announced by TTNL. Still need more information? Then head to nswswifts.com.au to check out our 2016 Finals Series FAQs or visit the ANZ Championship website.

The accompanying graphic provides a great snapshot of how the Finals Series progresses, starting with Week 1 – the Eliminations.

The second placed side on both Australian and New Zealand Conference ladders will host their respective third placed team in the Conference Elimination Final on the weekend of 9/10 July (date/time announced by TTNL).

Only the victor will progress through to Week 2 – the Conference Finals.

It’s important to note that no sides will be eliminated after the result of the Conference Final; the winner of the Australian Conference Final will host the losing New Zealand side, while the winner of the New Zealand Conference Final will host the losing Australian side.

Then it’s back to sudden-death netball in Week 3 with the winners of both Semi Finals, to be played on the weekend of 23/24 July (date/time announced by TTNL), progressing through to the 2016 ANZ Championship Grand Final on the weekend of 30/31 July.

The 2016 Grand Final host will be determined by the results of both Semi Finals; should one

17 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

The teams who finish Conference Minor Premiers (the Steel are confirmed for New Zealand) will enjoy a rest weekend on 9/10 July and then host the winners of their respective Conference Elimination Finals on the weekend of 16/17 July (date/time announced by TTNL), with the winner earning the right to host a Semi Final.

PARTNERS

NSW SWIFTS PARTNERS 2016

Principal Partner

Premier Partners

Major Partners

Official Partner

Official Charity Partner

Official NSW Swifts Merchandising Partner

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Team Partners

ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP PARTNERS 2016 PRINCIPAL PARTNER

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

NEW ZEALAND

18 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

SUPPORT PARTNERS

BROADCAST & NEW MEDIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

MATCH STATISTICS

STATS PACK

SWIFTS STEEL

D1 UN RO

2 WINS

STEEL

S

8 00

6 WINS

LAST TIME THEY MET SWIF T

,2

HEAD TO HEAD

in favour of the NSW Swifts

68 62

The SWIFTS & STEEL met in their VERY FIRST ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH in Round 1, 2008 (6 April) in Sydney, with the Swifts winning 53-42.

Round 1, 2015 Invercargill, NZ

The SWIFTS confirmed their place in the AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE FINALS after a win over the Thunderbirds in Adelaide in Round 12.

The STEEL confirmed their place in the NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE FINALS after beating the Tactix in Round 10.

Foundation Swifts Kim Green (WA) and Susan Pettitt (GA) were on court that day, as well as Steel’s Wendy Frew at WD alongside Swifts Assistant Coach Megan Anderson who played at GA for the Kiwis.

The Steel and Swifts have met in Sydney on three previous occasions and the SWIFTS HAVE WON ALL THREE.

LAST 8 MEETINGS 2008

2015

W

W

W

W

SWIFTS 55 STEEL 38

SWIFTS 40 STEEL 39

SWIFTS 55 STEEL 42

L

SWIFTS 53 STEEL 42

SWIFTS 48 STEEL 55

L SWIFTS 55 STEEL 60

W

W

SWIFTS 65 STEEL 52

SWIFTS 68 STEEL 62

2016 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP

CONFERENCE LADDERS Team

AUSTRALIA

ROUND 13 RESULTS

P

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

NSW Swifts

12

10

0

2

769

611

158

125.90%

20

Home

Queensland Firebirds

12

10

0

2

733

604

129

121.40%

20

West Coast Fever

12

7

0

5

704

644

60

109.30%

14

Melbourne Vixens

12

7

0

5

665

626

39

106.20%

14

Mystics

Adelaide Thunderbirds

12

2

0

10

605

719

-114

84.10%

4

Magic

Spot Colour Version

PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White

Process Version

Away

Fever

70

Pulse

47

Steel

65

Vixens

56

Thunderbirds

58

Tactix

55

53

Swifts

59

47

Firebirds

71

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

NEW ZEALAND W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

%

Pts

Southern Steel

12

11

1

0

793

673

120

117.80%

23

Waikato BOP Magic

12

5

0

7

609

700

-91

87.00%

10

Northern Mystics

12

2

1

9

612

689

-77

88.80%

5

Mainland Tactix

12

2

1

9

654

763

-109

85.70%

5

Central Pulse

12

2

1

9

623

738

-115

84.40%

5

*Ladders does not include any results from Rd 14.

P

as at 28/6/2016

19 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

White

20 | NSW SWIFTS INSIDER

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