O F F I C I A L
M A G A Z I N E
NSW Swifts v Central Pulse ANZ Championship - Round 5 Monday 31 March, 2014 Volume 7, Issue 3
O F
T H E
N S W
S W I F T S
INSIDER
BROOKE MILLER
CROSSROADS
ABBEY McCULLOCH HAPPY HOMECOMINGS
CARLA DZIWOKI
HOW NETBALL TOOK HER AROUND THE WORLD
QBE Supporters’
moment of the match Vote for your NSW Swifts player of the match to win a prize pack on behalf of QBE ... QBE Competition Leader Board 1. Kimberlee Green 2. Caitlin Thwaites 3. Sharni Layton Voting closes 15 minutes before full time. Sporty Swift will award the winning supporter at the end of the match.
Enter by scanning the QR code J4839
NETBALL’S OLDEST RIVALRY – NSW V VIC Swifts take on the Vixens for the Sargeant-McKinnis Cup at SOPSC. Sunday 13 April, 12:18pm. Doors Open 11am.
TICKETS SELLING FAST! Purchase at swiftstickets.com.au
Welcome Before I get into tonight’s game, I want to take this opportunity to thank you our Members and fans for your amazing support during last week’s game against the Queensland Firebirds. Our home venue was packed to the rafters and the atmosphere was electric, and we will again need you in full voice for tonight’s trans-Tasman encounter. I would also like to congratulate Sarah Wall on her debut for the NSW Swifts last Sunday. Sarah only arrived in Sydney on the Wednesday evening and was straight into training on Thursday morning. She has fitted extremely well into our line and did a great job for us against the Firebirds. Tonight’s game is going to be another closely contested match. The Central Pulse boasts six Silver Ferns and are one of the competition favourites. The Pulse are the most experienced team in this year’s ANZ Championship and are very well coached, led by their Head Coach Robyn Broughton. The results of last round demonstrate just how competitive this year’s ANZ Championship is. Every team presents a tough challenge and no team can
afford any slip ups during the season, so we need to be on our game from the first whistle. I will be particularly interested in the battle between the Central Pulse shooters and the NSW Swifts’ defensive circle. The Pulse have in their ranks the world’s most capped player of all time in Irene van Dyk, and her shooting partner Donna Wilkins is a dual international in netball and basketball. This is going to be a contest not to be missed. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Robyn Broughton, her staff, players and fans of the Central Pulse and hope everyone enjoys tonight’s game. Go Swifts!
IN THIS ISSUE 4
NEWS CENTRAL
Get all the latest NSW Swifts’ news from both on and off the court.
5
CARLA DZIWOKI
Carla explains how netball ignited her passion for travelling.
7
STATS PACK AND LADDER
Check out the key stats ahead of tonight’s game.
Rob Wright Head Coach
8-9
MATCH CENTRE
Team profiles, Coaching Bench, Head to Head History and the One to Watch.
10
YOUR THIRD
Swifts Insider catches up with Contracted Specialist Midcourt Coach Megan Simpson about the on-court midcourt duals we will see tonight.
11
ABBEY MCCULLOCH
Abbey talks to Swifts Insider about returning home to NSW and balancing life as both an elite netballer and fulltime teacher.
Score goals for Tonight’s game is The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Official Charity Game – where the NSW Swifts support our friends at The Kids’ Cancer Project (TKCP) who are working hard to find a cure for children’s cancers.
The NSW Swifts are asking all netball Teams, Clubs and Associations throughout the State to participate in this year’s Crazy Hair & Sock Day to help raise important funds. Simply register at www.thekidscancerproject.org.au.
TKCP (formerly the Oncology Children’s Foundation) is an Australian charity focused on finding cures for childhood cancer, with one in five hundred Australian kids will develop cancer before the age of 15. TKCP provides over $3 million in funding to Australia’s best childhood cancer researchers every year, and so far over $100,000 has been raised through their annual Crazy Hair & Sock Days, which this year will be held on Sunday 31 May, 2014.
You can help us to help TKCP by donating a few dollars on your way home from the game this evening. Please look out for the friendly Bucket Collectors when leaving the venue at the end of the game. On behalf of Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts, thank you for your support of The Kids’ Cancer Project and helping find a cure for children’s cancers.
13
CROSSROADS
Brooke Miller talks to Swifts Insider about the decision to pursue netball over her other sporting love, Surf Life Saving.
14
CARISSA DALWOOD
Swifts Insider takes a trip down memory lane and catches up with former Sydney Sandpipers Captain, Carissa Tombs.
INSIDER
THE TEAM Following the huge success of our First 500 initiative from last season, the NSW Swifts have continued the concept in season 2014.
So far this season, fans have been able to get their hands on a Sporty Swift Face Mask and a limited edition “I Love Swifts” badge.
The Club are rewarding fans for coming early to our home games with the First 500 supporters to receive a special gift.
Today’s First 500 gift is a special pair of NSW Swifts shoelaces thanks to Team Partner, The Athlete’s Foot.
EDITOR Rebecca Trbojevich WRITERS Victoria Bain, Sharni Layton, Kimberley Lewis, Rebecca Trbojevich, Rob Wright DESIGNER Michael Costa ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Sarah Sugar PRODUCTION Imagination Graphics PHOTOGRAPHY SMP Images, Dave Callow, Fiora Sacco, Brooke Miller, Michael Rist/MRNPSA Photowire, Netball NSW, Carla Dziwoki, Netball Australia
CONTACT US PHONE +61 2 9951 5000 EMAIL nswswifts@netballnsw.com WEBSITE nswswifts.com.au TWITTER @thenswswifts FACEBOOK /nswswifts YOUTUBE /nswswiftstv INSTAGRAM @nswswifts MAIL Swifts Insider Editor, PO Box 396 Lidcombe NSW 1825
News Central NUMBER 35 – SARAH WALL
THWAITES HITS 2500! WATCH THE SWIFTS Congratulations to NSW Swifts’ shooter ON THE ROAD Caitlin Thwaites who during Round 4 scored
On Sunday 23 March, during the club’s Round 4 victory over the Queensland Firebirds, Sarah Wall became the 35th player to take the court for the NSW Swifts in the ANZ Championship.
her 2,500th ANZ Championship goal.
Currently sitting fourth on the all-time ANZ Championship goal shooters ladder, the 27-year-old went into the game on 2497 goals and her haul of 31 from 34 attempts saw her surpass the magic 2,500 goal milestone.
The former Melbourne Vixen and Firebird was called into the team as an injury replacement for Paige Hadley, and played all 60 minutes to help the Swifts defeat the Firebirds 53-48 at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre. Check out the NSW Swifts’ Honour Roll in the Club History section under “Team” at nswswifts.com.au
MEMBERS-ONLY TRAINING On Tuesday night, 25 March, the NSW Swifts hosted a Members-only training session at the Anne Clark Centre, Lidcombe.
This season the NSW Swifts have set a new Club record, with 1667 fans becoming Members in 2014.
A benefit of being a NSW Swifts’ Member is being invited to exclusive events such as this.
The NSW Swifts would like to thank our wonderful Members and fans for their continued commitment to the Club; you truly are the best supporters in the ANZ Championship!
160 Members had the opportunity to hear from Head Coach Rob Wright, watch a Swifts’ training session, and get photos and autographs with their favourite players.
In 2014 fans will be able to watch all NSW Swifts’ ANZ Championship games LIVE on television via FOX SPORTS. During the off-season, the ANZ Championship confirmed all 2014 ANZ Championship matches will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS in Australia and SKY Sport in New Zealand throughout the 17-week season including the ANZ Championship Finals Series which concludes at the end of June. Additionally in Australia one match per week will be simulcast live from 12.00pm each Sunday on free-to-air television via SBS 2, with the Swifts to be featured five times during the regular season.
Australian netball fans will now be able to watch every game of the ANZ Championship for free thanks to Telstra’s new SportsFan mobile app. The SportsFan app is free to download and is available for compatible iOS and android phone and tablet devices. Games will available to watch within two hours of first centre.
QBE SUPPORTERS’ MOMENT OF THE MATCH Vote at every home game for your NSW Swifts player of the match to win a prize pack on behalf of QBE. Enter by scanning
Are you getting married?
Do you need an invitation?
Crazy Hair and Sock Day Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts have partnered with The Kids’ Cancer Project to assist in fundraising for vital world-leading research into childhood cancer.
Specialty paper & envelopes Quote your Swifts Membership Number & Receive a 10% Discount!
Register your team today thekidscancerproject.org.au/netballnsw Or call: 02 8394 7777
Terms & Conditions Apply.
98-100 Chapel Street, Marrickville NSW 2204 T: (02) 9560 6511 F: (02) 9560 6968 E: production@imaginationgraphics.com.au www.imaginationgraphics.com.au
INSIDER
Get involved in
31st May 2014
Wedding Stationery
4
the QR Code or via the URL on the inside cover of Swifts Insider. Listen out at the end of match to see if you’re a winner!
VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
thekidscancerproject.org.au/netballnsw
TKCP-5-091 Netball Ad_FINAL 2014.indd 1
11/03/14 1:11 PM
Carla Dziwoki How netball took her around the world Carla Dziwoki has a guilty pleasure. It’s not her favourite ice cream (Gelato Messina’s salted caramel & white chocolate for those who are keeping tabs) nor is it enjoying a sleep in – she’s more of a ‘morning person’ anyway… It’s as expensive as it is rewarding; Travel. Netball has taken Carla not just around Australia, but around the world. Originally a South Australian girl, Carla has also played for the Queensland Firebirds before settling in New South Wales. But before finding her “home away from home” with the Swifts, Carla also did a stint in the United Kingdom playing for both Leeds and Northumbria in the English Superleague. “Netball was the avenue that took me to the UK, but it was while I was there that I really caught the travel bug,” Carla said. “I was living with some girls who were really keen travellers and I think it’s really easy to catch that travel bug when you’re spending a lot of time with people who really appreciate getting out and seeing the world. “It helps that the UK is so close to everything in Europe so you can take off for a couple days to another country. Unfortunately because of my netball schedule, and playing and travelling on weekends, I
didn’t get to travel as much as I would like. But it definitely left me with an appetite to go back and see more.” At the completion of the 2013 season, Carla and an old friend from Adelaide took off to chase the sun, spending two months in the European summer. They visited beautiful picturesque cities like Santorini in Greece, Barcelona and San Sebastian in Spain, as well as the romance capital city of France and the world, Paris. “I loved wandering the streets and taking in the amazing shopping in Paris – as well as the delicious food! Actually I’m glad we did plenty of walking with all the pastries I was eating, otherwise training would have been even harder once I got home,” smiled Carla. “During netball season I’m so busy balancing work with training and travelling with the Swifts, plus finding time to see my family and friends, that when I’m planning a holiday I plan to RELAX. That’s why I loved visiting places like Santorini and San Sebastian with their beautiful beaches – just give me sun, sand and a book and I’m happy!” The travel plans continue this year with Carla currently scheduling a trip back to the UK for a friend’s wedding. From there Carla and her best friend will skip over to Europe again, this time taking in a bit of Portugal and Italy.
“I think half of the fun of travelling is planning your holiday and the countdown towards take off – it’s so exciting and there’s countless activities you can plan to do; the world is your oyster,” Carla said. “I love the idea of packing my bags full of summer clothes while the weather is cooler here in Sydney, knowing that I’ll soon be basking in the European heat. Although I really don’t like unpacking.” So with travel always in the back of her mind, what is Carla’s dream holiday destination? “I knew you’d ask me this question, although I was hoping you wouldn’t because it’s so hard to choose!” Carla laughed. “I guess somewhere like the Maldives – somewhere with clear blue waters and a hot sun. Even though I’m not much of a swimmer, just sitting back with a good book overlooking the beautiful ocean just sounds amazing right now.” But Carla will have to wait a little while longer with the 2014 ANZ Championship season in full swing and the Swifts focussed on bringing home the trophy. Although she can certainly keep planning that perfect getaway! Victoria Bain
VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
5
Love netball? Love Netball Nation. As part of our commitment to supporting netball from the grassroots to the elite ANZ Championship, we have launched Netball Nation.
Now we want you to enjoy the benefits – grants to support clubs, Netball Nation carnivals with the country’s best players and coaches, and a National Netball Day to celebrate all things about the sport. Join the action now.
Find out more on NetballNation.com or follow us on:
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trademark of ANZ. 2/14
16243
NSW SWIFTS SUPPORTERS TOUR Join the team as they take on the Northern Mystics at The Trusts Arena on Sunday 1 June 2014. Package includes: • 2 nights twin share accommodation at Rydges Auckland incl. breakfast • Officially supplied ‘A’ reserved ticket • Exclusive access to the Swifts supporters welcome function • Airport & match transfers • Official NSW Swifts supporters apparel
Members & Fans alike have enjoyed the away game experiance and the team love to hear our vocal RED ZONE cheer squad in the stands. Contact Horizon Sporting Events Phone (02) 9764 3421 or enquiry@horizons-sport.com.au
SWIFTS P U L SE
Averages after Rd 4
STATS PACK
NSW SWIFTS & CENTRAL PULSE PLAYERS
TOTAL ANZC CAPS
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL CAPS
NSW SWIFTS 456 CENTRAL PULSE 592
NSW SWIFTS 240 CENTRAL PULSE 456
Per Roster
Per Roster
The PULSE have NEVER WON an ANZ Championship game on Australian soil.
SHOOTING CIRCLE MATCHUP (ANZC GOALS) NSW Swifts
Pulse
Caitlin Thwaites
2528
V
Irene Van Dyke
3041
Susan Pratley
2094
V
Donna Wilkins
1553
TOTAL: 4622 v 4594
H EAD
L
W
W
L
W
W
L
2014 ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER Team
Spot Colour Version
PANTONE 205C 204C 1895C Black 6C White
Process Version
C/M/Y/K
TO HEAD
4 WINS
2013
2009
LAST 6 MEETINGS
2 WINS
in favour of the NSW Swifts
SWIFTS RESULTS
as at 25/3/2014
Home Team
P
W
L
GF
GA
GD
%
Pts Form (last 4)
Waikato BOP Magic
4
4
0
230
183
47
125.70%
8
W W W W
NSW Swifts
4
3
1
224
206
18
108.70%
6
W W
Adelaide Thunderbirds
4
3
1
218
212
6
102.80%
6
W W W
L
Melbourne Vixens
4
2
2
214
187
27
114.40%
4
W W
L
Central Pulse
4
2
2
217
203
14
106.90%
4
L
Queensland Firebirds
4
2
2
204
199
5
102.50%
4
W
L
W
L
West Coast Fever
4
1
3
251
228
23
110.10%
2
L
L
W
L
Southern Steel
4
1
3
223
253
-30
88.10%
2
L
L
L
W
Northern Mystics
4
1
3
188
229
-41
82.10%
2
L
L
L
W
Mainland Tactix
4
1
3
201
270
-69
74.40%
2
L
L
L
W
L
W
0/83/17/0 0/59/5/0 0/28/2/0 100/0/0/100 White
L
W W
*Arrows indicate positional changes within the 2014 ANZ Championship Ladder from Rd 3 to the conclusion of Rd 4. Ladder does not include any results from Rd 5.
L
Away Team
Swifts
54 Fever
51
Tactix
57 Swifts
68
Thunderbirds
50 Swifts
49
Swifts
53 Firebirds
48
ROUND 4 RESULTS Home Team
Away Team
Steel
66 Fever
65
Swifts
53 Firebirds
48
Vixens
44 Magic
49
Pulse
53 Tactix
55
Mystics
71 Thunderbirds
68
VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
7
Team Match Centre NSW Swifts
/NSWSwifts
Nickname: Woki Date of Birth: 29/8/82 Height: 186cm Position/Role: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 30 Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2011 Austalian Fastnet Team 2011 NNSW Waratahs Captain, Australian Netball League Premiers
Carla Dziwoki
@carladziwoki
@theNSWSwifts
Nickname: Lee, Kimmy Date of Birth: 5/3/86 Height: 176cm Position/Role: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 85 International Caps: 56
Nickname: Paigey Date of Birth: 26/08/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: C/WA/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 21 International Caps: 2
Netball Career facts: 2014 NSW Swifts Captain 2013 Aus Diamonds Vice-Captain (Malawi Tests) 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership
Netball Career facts: 2013 Aus Diamonds (Malawi Tests) 2013 Aus 21/U Player of the Year 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2013 World Youth C’ship Silver 2011, 2012 Aus 21/U team 2011 Aus 19/U team captain
Kimberlee Green C
@kimmygee8
Nickname: Sharnz Date of Birth: 6/1/88 Height: 187cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 57 International Caps: 12
Nickname: Ape, Pril, Prilly Date of Birth: 19/4/90 Height: 185cm Position/Role: GK/GD/WD ANZ Championship Caps: 21 International Caps: 1
Netball Career facts: 2014 NSW Swifts Leadership Group 2011, 2013 Aus Diamonds 2011 World C’ship Gold Medallist 2010, 2013 Two time ANZ C’ship Premiership Player (Thunderbirds) 2009 World Youth Cup Gold Medal
Netball Career facts: 2013 Aus Diamonds (tour of Eng) 2010-2012 FastNet Diamonds team 2011 NSW 21/U Team Captain - Premiers 2011 Australian 21/U Team 2010 AIS Anne Clark Award
Sharni Layton
@sharni_layton
/NSWSwiftsTV
April Letton
@aprilletton
Paige Hadley
@paigehadley2
Abbey McCulloch
Netball Career facts: 2012/13 Aus Diamonds 2009 ANZ C’ship Premiership (Vixens)
Rob Wright
Paula Peralta
Jason Howell
Anita Keelan
Brett Doring
Mo’onia Gerrard
Toni Kidwell
Daniel Vukovic
Megan Simpson
Team Manager
Head Coach
Caitlin Thwaites
Megan Anderson
Technical Assistant Coach
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Contracted Defensive Specialist Coach
Contracted Midcourt Specialist Coach
NSW Swifts v CENTRAL PULSE
ANZ CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHUP HIGHLIGHTS Matches: 6 Series Record: 4-2 Swifts Home Record against the Central Pulse: 3-0 Swifts Streak against the Central Pulse: L-W-W-W-L First Meeting: 28/04/2008, Swifts win 59-30 at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre Last Meeting: 8/04/2014, Pulse win 55-49 at TSB Arena, Wellington The last time the two teams met the NSW Swifts suffered a six-goal loss to the Pulse in Wellington, 55-49 in Round 3 of the 2013 ANZ Championship. The Pulse got away to an early advantage but the Swifts, led by Mo’onia Gerrard, Kimberlee Green and Paige Hadley, rallied to get back within three by the first break, 13-10. It was goal-for-goal in the second quarter but Pulse still held on to a two-goal advantage at halftime. Swifts shooters Carla Dziwoki and Susan Pratley were flawless going to the post combining for 15 goals, but turnovers allowed the Pulse to increase the margin to four at the final break. Defenders April Letton and Sonia Mkoloma swapped bibs as the Swifts tried to fight back but they were ultimately unable to halt the Pulse with 2014 Swifts recruit Caitlin Thwaites spearheading the Kiwis with 30 goals from 32 attempts.
8
@abbey_McCulloch
Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist and Co-Captain 2010 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2007 World C’ships Gold Medallist 2006 Comm. Games Silver Medallist 2008 ANZ C’ship Premiership
Assistant Coach
INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
@maddiehay345
Netball Career facts: 2013 21/U Aus Squad 2012/13 Aus Institute of Sport scholarship holder 2011 NSW 19/U Team Captain national champions 2010 NSW 19/U Team 2008-2009 NSW 17/U Team
Netball Career facts: 2013 Eng Netball Hall of Fame Bronze medal at 2009 & 2011 World Netball Championships Bronze medal at the Comm. Games (2006 & 2010)
@SusanSwifts
Maddie Hay
Netball Career facts: 2013 ANZ C’ship debut (Firebirds) 2012 NNSW Waratahs ANL team 2010-2011 NNSW Blues ANL team 2010-2011 NSW 21/U Team* 2008-2009 NSW 19/U Team* 2006-2007 NSW 17/U Team* *National Champions
Nickname: Caity Date of Birth: 29/12/86 Height: 188cm Position/Role: GS ANZ Championship Caps: 83 International Caps: 4
Susan Pratley
Netball Career facts: 2012-2013 Netball NSW Blues ANL team 2013 Aus 19/U Squad 2013 NSW 19/U Team 2012 Aus 17/U Squad 2011-2012 NSW 17/U Team National Champions 2012
Nickname: Brookie Date of Birth: 14/4/92 Height: 173cm Position/Role: WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 2
Nickname: Prats Date of Birth: 23/3/84 Height: 180cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 87 International Caps: 54
@soniamkoloma
Nickname: Mads Date of Birth: 11/04/95 Height: 174cm Position/Role: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Nickname: Abs Date of Birth: 12/2/90 Height: 178cm Position/Role: WD/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 15
Nickname: Son Date of Birth: 17/1/79 Height: 183cm Position/Role: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 85 International Caps: 111 (Eng)
Sonia Mkoloma
@NSWSwifts
@caitlinthwaites
Brooke Miller
@brooklynKmiller Nickname: Grets Date of Birth: 3/7/93 Height: 192cm Position/Role: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 0 Netball Career facts: 2013 Fast5 Flyers World Series Silver Medallist 2013 World Youth Netball C’ship Silver Medallist
Gretel Tippett
Bjorn Maddern Performance Analyst
@gretskies11
Central Pulse Date of Birth: 12/11/82 Height: 183cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 42 International Test Caps: 51
Date of Birth: 12/1/86 Height: 179cm Positions: WD/WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 9 International Test Caps: 1
Date of Birth: 6/5/87 Height: 186cm Positions: GK/GD ANZ Championship Caps: 78 International Test Caps: 49
Date of Birth: 11/7/88 Height: 185cm Positions: GA/GS ANZ Championship Caps: 62 International Caps: 15
Netball Career facts: 2001 – Current Eng National Team 2009 Premiership Player (Vixens) 2006 Comm. Games Bronze Medallist
Netball Career facts: 2001 - 2005 NZ U21 2013 Silver Ferns Debut 2012 Pulse Debut
Netball Career facts: 2008 - Current Silver Ferns 2010 Comm. Games Gold Medallist 2005 World Youth Champions
Netball Career facts: 2011, 2012 Silver Ferns
Ama Agbeze
Katarina Cooper Date of Birth: 15/8/92 Height: 170cm Positions: GA/WA/C ANZ Championship Caps: 0
Date of Birth: 3/4/89 Height: 184cm Positions: GD/GK ANZ Championship Caps: 69 International Test Caps: 2
Claire Kersten
Marianne Delaney Assistant Coach
Netball Career facts: 2009 – 2012 Silver Ferns
Camilla Lees
Date of Birth: 21/6/72 Height: 190cm Positions: GS/GA ANZ Championship Caps: 96 International Test Caps: 217 (145 for NZ / 72 for SA)
Netball Career facts: 2013 NZ National Acceleration Group 2012 Premiership Player (Magic)
Elias Shadrock
Date of Birth: 27/3/89 Height: 177cm Positions: C/WA ANZ Championship Caps: 69 International Test Caps: 11
Netball Career facts: 2013 Central Pulse Team
Date of Birth: 2/7/90 Height: 178cm Positions: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 29
Netball Career facts: 2013 Silver Ferns Debut 2012 Silver Ferns sqaud
Paula Griffin
Date of Birth: 9/7/82 Height: 174cm Positions: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 1
Netball Career facts: 2003 – Current Silver Ferns 2006 & 2010 Comm. Games Gold Medal
Joline Henry
Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit
C
Date of Birth: 29/9/82 Height: 183cm Positions: WD/C ANZ Championship Caps: 80 International Caps: 78
Netball Career facts: 2012, 2013 NZU21 Netball Team World Youth Cup Champions
Gemma Hazeldine
Katrina Grant
Date of Birth: 29/4/78 Positions: GA/GS Height: 184cm ANZ Championship Caps: 57 International Netball Caps: 56 Netball Career facts: 2006 Comm. Games Silver Medallist - Basketball (Captain) 2000 & 2004 Olympic Games Basketball 1996 – 2002 Silver Ferns 1998 & 2002 Comm. Games Silver Gold Medallist - Netball
Netball Career facts: 2011 – 2014 Silver Ferns 2012 Premiership Player (Magic) 2006 & 2010 Comm. Games Gold Medallist 2003 World C’ship Gold Medalist 2002 Comm. Games Silver Medalist
Irene van Dyk
Donna Wilkins
Guy Mothersole Trainer & Conditioner
Jo Holmes
Team Operations Manager
Robyn Broughton Head Coach
Nikki Lynch Team Physiotherapist
Onetowatch
“Donna Wilkins is an extremely clever player who will be instrumental in controlling their attack end. She is a tireless worker off both the centre pass, as well as in and around the goal circle. She has a great shot and her combination with Irene van Dyk continues to develop. We will need to limit her influence on the game if we are to prevail.“
Rob Wright VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
INSIDER
9
Your Third In this edition of ‘Your Third’ we chat with Contracted Specialist Midcourt Coach Megan Simpson about the on-court midcourt duals we will see tonight between the NSW Swifts and Central Pulse… What a match-up we will witness tonight between the Swifts and Pulse; two sides who boast plenty of international experience across their line-up. While many netball fans will be looking forward to the match-ups in the circle between Sharni Layton and Irene van Dyk, Caitlin Thwaites and Katrina Grant – to name a few – there are plenty of close contests to be seen in the middle of the court. Coming off the back of an MVP-winning performance against the Queensland Firebirds, captain Kimberlee Green is in terrific form. A tantalising match-up for netball fans is Green coming up against Kiwi rival, Joline Henry. Although predominantly in the Wing Defence bib, Henry has been known to swap into Centre and it’s a tactic that Pulse Head Coach Robyn Broughton could use to limit Green’s free-range in the midcourt. Their on-court stoushes throughout the years have been incredible.
Camilla Lees is another Pulse to watch out for. After being called into the Silver Ferns line-up a couple of seasons ago, the 25-year-old has grown with every appearance and is a clever centre court player. Swifts will be looking for another top-notch effort from WD Abbey McCulloch, who pacified Firebirds WA Verity Simmons last week. The work of McCulloch will be critical in assisting the Swifts circle defenders to shut down the experienced shooting duo of van Dyk and Wilkins. For the Swifts it’s very simple; treasure possession. The key to winning a game is scoring off your centre passes and capitalising on your turnover possession – it’s that simple! Considering the calibre of the Pulse defenders, including their Captain Katrina Grant, this will be a challenge for the Swifts midcourt players. However, in recent performances the Swifts have demonstrated great patience and composure in attack, precisely what will be needed to break the renowned ‘Kiwi Zone’.
defensive strategy, their defenders could limit the influence of their opposition shooters. This is now more integral when considering van Dyk and Wilkins have 280 international netball caps between them. At the time of print it was unconfirmed whether replacement player Sarah Wall would again suit up for the Swifts tonight; but didn’t she do a great job against the Firebirds! Should she get the nod from Head Coach Rob Wright it will be great to see ‘Wallsy’ use her speed to find the circle edge – a highlight of her Swifts debut last weekend. Most importantly if the combination of McCulloch, Green and Wall can shift the Pulse defensive hands and use their blistering ball speed to deliver precise feeds to the Swifts shooters, it will provide a major headache for the Pulse defensive unit.
Another key strategy the Swifts midcourt will need to remember is transitioning quickly from attack into defence mode. Against the Firebirds and Thunderbirds, the Swifts showed that by deploying a full-court
Megan Simpson
Contracted Midcourt Specialist Coach
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INSIDER
VOL 7 ISSUE 3 | visit nswswifts.com.au
ABBEY McCulloch Happy homecomings Mature, focused, hardworking, organised – all words which are used to describe 24-year-old NSW Swift Abbey McCulloch. Abbey is one of six new faces in the NSW Swifts’ roster for 2014, but she is certainly not new to the NSW netball scene having represented the Waratah at 17/U, 19/U, 21/U and Australian National League Level. In fact, Abbey is a six-time National Champion with NSW, and it’s this winning mentality and determined demeanour that she credits the NSW system for helping to foster. “I think netball in NSW is really competitive and I believe that’s what sets it apart from other States,” explained Abbey. “We have a lot of talent and a lot of depth, so it makes everyone work a lot harder for their positions, both in teams and on the court.” Timing is everything in sport and unfortunately for Abbey the start of her elite netball career overlapped with some of the best netballers of all time representing the Swifts, so she decided to look elsewhere for an ANZ Championship berth.
“Ahead of the 2013 season I was competing against Mo’onia Gerrard for a roster position and she is a class act, one of the best to ever play our sport,” Abbey said. “I went to the Queensland Firebirds for an opportunity. I thought I would have a better chance of getting on the court there, which I did at the beginning of the season but obviously towards the end things changed. That’s netball and I was fine with that. “But with Mo’onia taking a break from netball, the opportunity presented itself at the Swifts, and it’s now my turn to step into that space and see what I can do.” After the first four rounds, this Goal Defender come Wing Defence seems to have cemented herself in the Swifts’ starting line-up playing every minute thus far, but that’s certainly not how Abbey approaches the situation. “I didn’t expect to start every game, I don’t think you can. If you’re too complacent, you’re not going to play well in my opinion. “So I’ve gone into every training and every game thinking I’m competing against other people for my position and I think that’s really helped me this year.” Away from the court, Abbey is a full-time High School Teacher at Leumeah High where she teaches History, Geography and Legal Studies.
While it’s a demanding schedule juggling both a sporting career with a full-time job, it’s a reality she has learnt to balance. “It’s hard, but I’ve always thought I had good time management, so I think that is showing so far this season.” “I go to school and I leave right at the bell so I can get to training, and then get home so I can prepare my work for the next day. “It is what it is, and I’m just happy to be doing two jobs that I love – playing netball and teaching.” While only in her second ANZ Championship season, Abbey knows there is something special about the current Swifts’ Roster. “I think Rob has done a really great job of putting together this roster of not only talented players but great people.” “Obviously we’ve had a couple of major injuries in Paige (Hadley) and Taylah (Davies), plus some setbacks with injuries to Brooke, Sharni and Gretel; so it’s testament to Rob for putting together such a roster that we can overcome these adversities and I think that will only help us as the season goes on,” Abbey concluded. Rebecca Trbojevich
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COURTSIDE SHOTS Here are some of our favourite photos from the NSW Swifts Round Four ANZ Championship game against the Queensland Firebirds, as taken by SMP Images.
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Have you ever come to a Crossroad when you have to make a decision which could impact the rest of your life? During the 2014 ANZ Championship, Swifts Insider will be sitting down with members of the 2014 Swifts’ Roster to find their Crossroad Moment and how it’s impacted their netball journey.
SURF LIFE SAVING WITH BROOKE MILLER THE STORY (IN SHORT)
Brooke Miller is an ultra competitive athlete. Currently an elite netballer at the age of 21, Brooke spent her younger years chasing her Surf Life Saving dream. As soon as she was old enough she started swimming, and it wasn’t long after that she started making Netball State Representative teams for her age group. Brooke represented NSW in Surf Life Saving and peaked from the age of 14 to 17 to be one of the top two NSW representatives. Between the ages of 14 to 16, Brooke was National Iron Woman Champion, and when she began to focus more on netball, she then specialised in Board events becoming the National Champion at 17. This table outlines a training week for Brooke when aged 14 to 16. 5am – 7am
9am – 3pm
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Monday
Swimming
School
Board Session
Tuesday
Off
School
Ironman Technical Skill Session
Wednesday Swimming Sprints School
Cross fit Session – boxing/hill running/kayaking
Thursday
Swimming
School
Transition Ironman – boards, sand running and body boarding.
Friday
Swimming
School
Off
Saturday
Practice Ironman which consisted of 400m swim, 600m boards and 800m ski.
Sunday
Carnival – Netball or Surf Life Saving
WHERE DID NETBALL START TO FIT IN?
At the age of 15, netball training started creeping in on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. I was really fortunate to have my school walking distance from my Life Saving Club, which meant on netball training days I would do my board or swim sessions during my lunchtime or free periods. I never had to do extra running as the netball training complemented my aerobic fitness.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN NETBALL AND LIFE SAVING?
It was challenging going from an individual to team sport and that’s why I liked netball. When I was younger I wanted more hard training so that I could push myself to the limit. I can now help push others and get more out of myself because they push me too.
WHAT DROVE YOU TO BECOME A SWIFT?
In 2012 I ruptured my ACL at the Australian Institute of Sport. Whilst recovering and rehabbing in 2013, I saw my former AIS scholarship team mates Paige Hadley and Gabi Simpson killing it in the ANZ Championship and knew that’s where I wanted to be. Having grown up with them I knew if I applied myself, I could get there too. I was ecstatic when Rob (Wright) called, even though it was what I was working towards it was very unexpected.
HOW DID YOU BALANCE YOUR EDUCATION WITH WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING YOUR SPORTING COMMITMENTS? I had to teach myself how to be really proactive with assignments and NETBALLERS? time management. I was fortunate to be at a Sports School and during my free periods I made myself do my homework, because I knew if I didn’t then I wouldn’t get it finished on time. It was a lot of trial and error when I was learning how to balance sport, school and life, however starting sport so young gave me the tools I needed to get on track early in life.
Brooke feeding into Caitlin Thwaites during her ANZ Championship debut against the Tactix in Round Two.
In relation to injuries, remember you’re not the only one who’s gone through it. If you’re injured, speak to other people that can give you advice on how to go about rehab so you can learn from their experiences. It’s about learning how to get on with it. Just accepting it, moving on and taking the positives out of it. You can come back stronger and better than ever.
The Miller sisters: Alisha, Georgia and Brooke
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A trip down memory lane with…
CARISSA TOMBS OAM (NEE DALWOOD) In this issue of Swifts Insider we catch up with former Sydney Sandpipers Captain Carissa Tombs. The midcourter, who helped NSW win seven straight National Championships between 1988 and 1994, was a part of the Australian team that claimed the 1991 World Championships in Sydney, and was rewarded with an Order of Australia medal alongside her teammates.
3. What do you remember of your National League debut?
Carissa played for various incarnations of Sydney teams in the Superleague from 1989-1991 and 19931996 (Sydney Tigers, Sydney Pulsar Panthers, Sydney Pulsars, Sydney Electricity Hot Shots and Sydney Energy Australia).
4. What was the highlight of your netball career?
She notched 94 Test caps for Australia, the second highest number of caps for Australia at the time of her retirement, which included a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (1998), and three World Championship crowns (1991, 1995 and 1999). Carissa retired in 1999 after her final game in the green and gold dress, the 1999 World Championship Grand Final.
I do have the world’s worst memory. I don’t even know who was coaching! It might have been Anne Sargeant... I can remember things like funny stuff that happened on tour but don’t remember details like who we played or what country we were in! I’ve got several highlights, it’s hard to choose but 1991 [World Championship victory] because it was in front of a home crowd and I was only young into the team and I got to take the court and I was fortunate enough to play in that [Final] so that is a highlight. Another highlight is the last game that I played in
[the 1999 World Championship Grand Final], when we just beat New Zealand in the final – in New Zealand – which is always a bonus, and that was pretty special too because we came from behind and we weren’t expected to win and we had this great comeback in the last quarter. They are the two that stick out for me.
5. What is one thing you miss about netball and one thing you don’t?
I miss my mates within the team, the laughs we used to have. Obviously playing for your country. The things I don’t miss, I had to sit on the weekend and watch my daughter do a beep test and it just sent shudders down my spine! I do not miss that beep test!
Since her retirement Carissa has been inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions (you can see one of her Australian playing dresses hanging upstairs at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre!), the Netball NSW Hall of Fame and Australian Netball Hall of Fame.
1. How did you get started in netball?
My mum was coaching netball and playing netball. As a five-year-old I used to go down there and sit by the sideline and wait for someone to leave early or run off to the bathroom so I could take the court. So I was just always around the sport and as soon as I was able, well, old enough to play, which was six, was when I started.
2. Which player did you most admire and why?
I always admired Sandra Edge from New Zealand. I just loved the way she played. She just had a real flair with her game and I had the honour of being able to play her a few times...It kills me to be saying that – a New Zealand player!
from the NSW Swifts The NSW Swifts would like to thank the ongoing support from our family of Partners, in particular those who have provided some amazing prizes on offer to the fans:
• • •
2014 Partners Challenge • The Sydney Boulevard Hotel – Overnight Accommodation Package in a Deluxe Harbour View Room with full buffet breakfast for two worth $300 • Taronga Zoo Family Passes (4 tickets) thanks to NSW Swifts’ Principal Partner QBE worth $120
2014 RED ZONE Members Draw • The Edge in Hair $100 voucher in-salon • Winston Hills Mall – $50 shopping voucher • Imagination Graphics – $200 voucher for Graphic Design or Printing • Cartridge World – Printer & Voucher worth $150 • NSW Swifts Pack
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SKINS – $150 online voucher Coast2Coast – $150 merchandise voucher The Athlete’s Foot – $150 in-store voucher
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Nancy taking part in the Half Time Partner Challenge during Round 4
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Can you spot the four differences in this action shot from the ANZ Championship match between your NSW Swifts and Fever in Round One? Three of them are quite easy, and one of them is super hard. Don’t forget to look at the crowd.
ANSWERS: 1. Ball is missing | 2. Extra ANZ Logo on the post padding | 3. Logos missing on West Coast Fever’s Eboni Beckford-Chambers Dress | 4. A fan goes missing walking down the stairs on the left
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