By Pip Turton
The Sydney double header delivered a thriller at Qudos Bank Arena, where the NSW Swifts edged out the Melbourne Mavericks 70 to 69 in a high-intensity contest that had a record Sydney crowd of over 13,000 on the edge of their seats.
The Swifts entered the match hungry for redemption, chasing their first win since the start of last season in front of a home crowd, the Mavericks on the other hand arrived determined to make a statement.
It was the Mavericks who struck first, asserting control through the commanding presence of Shimona Nelson under the post.
Nelson opened with five consecutive goals, displaying her strength and accuracy while immediately testing the Swiftsâ defensive structure.
Maddie Hay was instrumental in feeding the circle, delivering precise entries that allowed Nelson to thrive.
The early dominance created doubt within the Swiftsâ lineup, as the Mavericks capitalised on clean ball movement and forced turnovers.
Shimona Nelson finished the game with 54 successful shots.
The midcourt battle quickly became a defining feature of the contest, with Jamie-Lee Price and Amy Parmenter applying relentless pressure through the transverse line.
Their defensive efforts disrupted the Swiftsâ attacking flow, while Parmenterâs work rate around centre passes kept the Mavericks in control.
At the other end, the Swifts struggled to contain Nelsonâs height advantage, posing a constant challenge for Teigan O'Shannassy.
Despite the early Mavericks surge, the Swifts began to respond late in the opening quarter.
Head coach Briony Akle urged her side to âget on the loose ballsâ during a tactical timeout a message that sparked a lift in intensity.
Helen Housby answered the call, converting crucial goals including a Suncorp Super Shot that ignited the home crowd. Still, the Mavericks held firm to take a six-goal lead into the first break.
Helen Housby steps up with a clutch Super Shot for the Swifts.
The second quarter saw momentum shift in waves.
The Swifts began to find better connection in attack, particularly through Grace Whyte, who delivered high, accurate feeds into Grace Nweke.
However, missed opportunities and mounting pressure six missed shots across the term prevented them from fully capitalising.
The Mavericks, to their credit, remained composed. âWe are in control here,â Nelson was heard saying during a timeout, reflecting the confidence within the group.
Smart defensive plays from Reilley Batcheldor and an intercept from Kim Brown highlighted their ability to read the play and disrupt the Swiftsâ rhythm.
As the Super Shot period unfolded, Housby once again became a key figure, draining multiple two-pointers to keep the Swifts within striking distance.
The closing minutes of the half were frantic, with both teams trading goals in a high-pressure finish.
The Mavericks held a narrow but deserved 38â35 lead at halftime.
Sarah Klau and Jamie-Lee Price go down in a tough contest after a strong defensive battle.
Out of the main break, the contest tightened further.
Both sides were plagued by penalties, leading to a stop-start rhythm that limited fluid attacking play.
Still, the intensity never dropped. Whyte and Price continued to influence through the midcourt, while defensive pressure from both ends ensured every possession was contested.
The Swifts began to claw their way back through increased defensive pressure and improved ball security.
Maddy Proud marked her 150th national league appearance with a composed and influential performance, leading from the front through the midcourt.
Housby remained clinical, shooting at 90 per cent, while Nweke provided a strong target in the circle.
Yet every time the Swifts threatened, the Mavericks responded Batcheldor nailed a Super Shot, and Jessie Grenvold produced a crucial intercept to maintain a slim margin.
Heading into the final quarter, the Mavericks held a three-goal advantage, setting the stage for a gripping finish.
Jamie-Lee Price gets airborne in a strong contest for possession.
The last term delivered exactly that. The margin hovered within two goals for much of the quarter, with both teams going goal-for-goal in a relentless exchange.
Gina Crampton lifted for the Swifts with composed feeding, while Brown continued to contest strongly in defence for the Mavericks.
A pivotal moment came when Uneeq Palavi entered the game, immediately making an impact with Super Shots that kept the Mavericks level. With seven minutes remaining, Nweke levelled the scores at 60-all, igniting the arena.
From there, it became a battle of composure.
Tactical timeouts emphasised discipline and defensive structure, with Maddy Proud urging her side to âembrace this moment.â
In the dying minutes, Housby once again delivered under pressure, sinking her fourth Super Shot of the match.
A missed opportunity from Batcheldor opened the door, and Nweke capitalised to edge the Swifts ahead.
Despite a late Super Shot from Palavi, a crucial turnover proved costly for the Mavericks.
With seconds remaining, Housby sealed the result, guiding the Swifts to a hard-fought victory and a long-awaited return to the winnerâs circle.
While the Swifts celebrated a proud and emotional finish, the Mavericks were equally deserving of recognition. Their consistency, defensive intensity, and attacking composure kept them in control for large portions of the match. Nelsonâs 54 successful shots, combined with the tireless efforts of Parmenter and Price, highlighted a team that continues to grow in cohesion.
Next week the NSW Swifts travel to face Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday 28 March, 7pm AEDT at UniSC Arena.
The Melbourne Mavericks return home for a blockbuster derby clash against the Melbourne Vixens on Saturday 28 March, 5pm AEDT at John Cain Arena.
