Derby day belongs to Swifts

By Pip Turton

There’s always something a little extra when the NSW Swifts and GIANTS meet. 

It’s competitive, it’s passionate, but there’s also a shared respect that sits underneath it all and on ANZAC Day at Ken Rosewall Arena, that balance felt just right.

Before the first whistle even blew, there was a sense that this wasn’t just another game, taking time to recognise Women Veterans Australia and to shine a spotlight on the contributions of female service personnel.

Then, of course, came the netball.

From the outset, the Swifts looked comfortable. Not rushed, not frantic, just composed. The ball moved cleanly through the midcourt, hands finding hands with ease. Maddy Proud set the tone early, directing play with her usual calm authority.

Waiting at the end of those passes was Grace Nweke, who got to work quickly.

Strong on the hold and sharp on the finish, she opened with a handful of early goals and immediately looked in control. She’s so reliable and a real pillar the team could lean on all afternoon.

The GIANTS weren’t going to let it slide, though.

Sophie Dwyer stepped up and gave her side a spark, moving well and converting her chances. There were some nice passages of play too,  a smooth delivery from Whitney Souness here, a defensive effort there, a little reminder that the contest was still very much alive.

Still, the Swifts just kept ticking. A couple of quick goals late in the first quarter gave them a bit of breathing room, and that momentum rolled into the second.

That’s where the game really started to tilt.

The Swifts didn’t suddenly explode, they tightened things up in a confident manner with a 7-goal lead.

Defensively, they got their hands on more ball and offensively, they stayed patient. It forced the GIANTS into a tough stretch, including a long scoring drought that made it hard to keep pace.

There were positives for the GIANTS. Jodi-Ann Ward competed strongly in defence, and Dwyer wasn’t shy about taking on Super Shots, landing a couple that lifted the energy.

And then came a pair of debut moments worth celebrating.

First, Skye Thompson stepped into the action and looked right at home. In a high-pressure derby, she played with confidence, moved well, and capped it off with her 3 goals. It was a composed, energetic performance that gave GIANTS a real lift.

Alongside her, Dakota Thomas also made her debut. 

While her time on court was more understated, there was still plenty to like. She brought effort, stayed disciplined in her role, and showed glimpses of the defensive pressure and work rate that earned her the opportunity.

Those fresh faces added a sense of future to the GIANTS lineup, a reminder that even in tough moments, there are positives to build on.

But the Swifts just felt settled. They trusted their system, trusted each other, and by halftime they’d built a steady 14-goal lead.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern. Not rushed, not overplayed, just controlled netball. 

Grace Whyte worked hard through the middle, keeping things connected, while Nweke continued to do what she does best, pushing her tally higher and higher with over 50 goals scored.

By the final break, the Swifts had taken all three quarters, a deserved reminder of how consistent they’d been.

To their credit, the GIANTS found another gear in the final quarter. The ball moved a little more freely, the confidence lifted, and Dwyer continued to lead the way with her shooting. 

Gina Crampton added some nice touches as well, helping link the play and keep things flowing for the Swifts.

And that’s what made the final term enjoyable, it felt like both teams were just playing.

Competing hard, but also backing themselves, taking chances, and finding moments.

In the end, though, the result had already taken shape.

The Swifts had done the work earlier, building their lead through consistency and composure. 

When the final whistle went, they walked away with a 72–59 win and the Carole Sykes Trophy in their hands.