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Sport Nation
Swifts soar past Fever in dominant season opener
NSW Swifts • April 7th, 2025 1:31 pm
The NSW Swifts have launched their 2025 Suncorp Super Netball campaign in emphatic fashion, stunning the West Coast Fever with a commanding 67–49 win at RAC Arena in Perth.
In front of a vocal and packed crowd, the Swifts turned up the heat, winning every quarter and delivering a statement performance. With three players on debut—including superstar Kiwi goal shooter Grace Nweke — the Swifts showed poise, chemistry, and ruthless execution to dismantle last year’s grand finalists.
Nweke made an immediate impact in her first SSN match, putting up a jaw-dropping 50+ goals and combining her athleticism with elite positioning to give the Fever defense no answers.
The Swifts finished with an 86% shooting accuracy—testament to their clinical edge under pressure.
But it wasn’t just the attack that fired. Game MVP Sarah Klau was electric in defense, hunting down loose balls, closing space, and shutting down Fever’s attacking options with her trademark relentlessness.
“I love having a moving circle, you know, you're always guessing,” Klau said post-match.
“I’m really happy with the performance, we knew it was just going to be challenging but it's about building each quarter. I’m really happy we've got a lot of combinations out there and to see some new faces - that was great.”
Klau’s long-time defensive partner Maddy Turner was her usual reliable self, with the pair continuing to build on their years of experience together.
“There's always something to work on, and I think having Dylan (Nexhip) come in as our assistant coach has been really great,” Klau added. “He brings his own experience, he brings a lot of clarity, and I’m really excited to see how we can build further this year.”
The Swifts didn’t have the best start, trailing 1–5 early in the opening term, but quickly found their rhythm thanks to intercepts in the defensive circle and precision from Nweke, who shot 13 from 14 in the first quarter alone. By the end of the Super Shot period, the Swifts had surged ahead 18–10.
Quarter two was all about patience and composure. Co-captain Paige Hadley was tireless in the midcourt, while young gun Sharni Lambden impressed with her defensive hustle.
Nweke dazzled with a stunning retrieval of an outgoing ball, while Verity Simmons—returning to face her former team—received a warm cheer as she entered the game to replace Grace Whyte, who left the court following a nasty fall. Simmons immediately made her presence known with a trademark on-the-run pass, showing she’s lost none of her class at age 34.
At halftime, the Swifts led 33–25, with Nweke sitting on an incredible 28/30 shooting record.
“Lots to learn and really enjoying the opportunity,” Nweke said at the half time break.
“Sticking to what we have spoken to all week – committing to those drives and not putting pressure on passes," she said on what the Swifts would focus on in the second half.
The third quarter saw the Swifts begin to pull away, extending their lead to 52–37. Helen Housby played her role perfectly, feeding Nweke with calm precision, while Hadley controlled the tempo with purpose.
Fever’s defensive frustration boiled over with Kadie-Ann Dehaney receiving a warning before being subbed off. Fever's Fran Williams stepped in to contain Nweke but was thrown into a baptism of fire. A collision between the two highlighted the physicality of the clash, but neither backed down.
Despite Fever landing three Super Shots late in the third, the damage was already done.
The final term was all Swifts, with Simmons orchestrating the attack from the back with smart long passes and pinpoint execution. Coach Briony Akle made several rotations, with O’Shannassy replacing Turner and Smith coming on for Lambden, but the cohesion never wavered.
When the final whistle blew, it was a 67–49 triumph to the Swifts—a performance that will leave the rest of the league taking notice.
“Absolutely, and coming to Perth, I don't know how the girls (Fever) do it, every fortnight, it's a long way, and it's a challenging one, so I'm really happy to get that one done nice and early,” Klau said.
“It's always a great arena, always enjoy playing out here.”
The NSW Swifts next game is against the Melbourne Mavericks at Ken Rosewell Arena, 7pm Saturday 12 April.
