The season that was: NSW Swifts

The 2009 season for the NSW Swifts was the ultimate fall from grace and one they would rather forget. No one predicted that the defending champions would win only two games for the entire season and finish the year in ninth place - a result that really hurt this proud and successful club.  

It was no secret the Swifts struggled to fill the void left by Selina Gilsenan in the backline. They were found wanting in the defence end for most of the season, and made costly errors on attack at crucial moments. But season 2010 is set to be a year of redemption for the Swifts. With the addition of one of the world’s best defenders (and 2008 ANZ Championship joint MVP) Sonia Mkoloma, to the line-up, the Swifts now have the personnel to set the record straight. Expect this proud team to feature prominently at the business end of the season.      

Season Prospects

With four Diamonds in their starting line-up and one English international, there is no doubt the Swifts have what it takes to reclaim their title-winning form. In 2009, they came undone defensively with coach Julie Fitzgerald searching long and hard for the winning formula. Her players failed to deliver, as opposition teams made the most of their defensive cracks and vulnerability. But enter Sonia Mkoloma, and the Swifts` defensive end is a completely different proposition.

During the World 7 series against the Silver Ferns, Mkoloma shone under the tutelage of Fitzgerald. If Mkoloma can maintain a cleaner and more disciplined approach to her game and combine well with the likes of Rebecca Bulley and Kimberley Smith, the Swifts are highly likely to return to the winners` list.             

The Swifts attacking line is a tried and true combination and remains unchanged, but will need to rise to the occasion in 2010. Captain Catherine Cox will again call the shots up front and combine with Susan Pratley to create of the league’s most lethal shooting circles. Vanessa Ware and Kimberlee Green will pair up in the mid-court and provide plenty of shooting opportunities for the Diamonds duo. The frontline will need to focus on ball retention and smart decision making at key moments during the big games, an area that let them down in 2009. Both Cox and Green had sluggish starts to the season before showing glimpses of their best. The Swifts will need these two key players to fire from the onset and make their 2010 season aspirations clear. It may take only one change to their starting seven to see the Swifts climb back up the competition ladder. Rest assured, 2009 was a one-off experience for this team. 

Player to Watch

It’s worth keeping a close eye on Swifts` spearhead Catherine Cox. The veteran shooter will be keen to avenge her form from season 2009. Although her court play was sound, the 33-year-old struggled with consistency under the post. With the Commonwealth Games and World Championships just around the corner, expect this champion goal shooter to answer her critics and return to her best in 2010.  

In - Sonia Mkoloma (Tactix), Kimberly Borger (AIS), Courtney Tairi (AIS), Ashleigh Brazill

Out - Erin Bell (Thunderbirds), Emma Koster, Jessica Mansell, Ashlee Mann

2010 Squad – Kimberley Borger; Rebecca Bulley; Ashleigh Brazill; Catherine Cox; Kimberlee Green; Samantha May; Sonia Mkoloma; Susan Pratley; Kimberley Smith; Courtney Tairi; Vanessa Ware; Amy Wild

Coach – Julie Fitzgerald

NSW SWIFTS

State: New South Wales

Home:  Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre and ACER Arena

Membership enquiries: Call  02 9951 5018.