Ferns on a collision course

By Stephanie Smarrelli
 

The competition between the NSW Swifts and Queensland Firebirds has historically been one of the fiercest rivalries in national league history. 

It dates back almost 30 years from the likes of Cath Cox and Vicki Wilson to Helen Housby and Ruby Bakewell-Doran.  

And who could forget the booming voice of Sharni Layton or the impeccable reach of Laura Geitz?  

The sides have met 62 times since 1997 across the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball.  

The Swifts have taken the cake on 39 occasions and the Firebirds 20, with one draw between the two.    

But as SSN enters its tenth year, a new chapter is about to be written. 

And it’s headlined by one monster head-to-head. 

Grace Nweke vs Kelly Jackson.  

The Silver Ferns teammates are set to clash in Round 6 for the first time on an SSN court. 

They’re both in strong form with Nweke slotting 183 goals at 91 per cent throughout the recent Constellation Cup. 

While Jackson collected 13 gains, nine deflections, seven rebounds and two intercepts. 

Despite being teammates in the black dress, no love will be lost when they don their club colours in 2026. 

The last time the two went head-to-head was during the 2024 season of New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership. 

Nweke’s Northern Mystics defeated Jackson’s Central Pulse by 10 goals but the fight in the goal circle was tantalising. 

Jackson finished the match with seven deflections, five gains and three intercepts while Nweke shot 57 goals, at 89 per cent accuracy and collected eight rebounds. 

Both players will be key cogs for their respective teams in 2026 with their best capable of turning a game around.  

Nweke’s expertise in the goal circle will be bolstered by shooting partners Helen Housby and Grace Whyte. 

And the trio’s lethal connection will only get stronger heading into the new season. 

Housby finished 2025 with the most Suncorp Super Shots in the league with 60 and will have the Firebirds defenders on notice during the Power Five. 

On the flipside, Jackson will be backed up by Firebirds linchpin Ruby Bakewell-Doran and young gun Isabelle Shearer.  

Bakewell-Doran was a standout for the Firebirds in 2025 with the most defensive rebounds in the league.  

Moving down the court, the Firebirds have added some more firepower with the addition of Silver Fern Maddy Gordon and former Silver Fern Te Paea Selby-Rickit.  

Both players will add a wealth of experience joining fellow international stars Imogen Allison and Mary Cholhok in the purple dress.  

The Firebirds will have to quickly form connections and find their rhythm ahead of the season. 

We expect they’ll still be finding their feet a little when they meet the Swifts for the first time in Round 6, but a little bit of chaotic energy could be the key to disrupting the Swifts’ game.  

And the battle between Nweke and Jackson will be critical in determining the match winner.