WITH the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season done and dusted Draft Central takes a look back at the year that was for each team, where they went wrong, improvements and hopes for the 2021 season. It has been an unconventional season to say the least with a condensed season, rolling subs, introduction of the super shot, extended benches and of course the Queensland hub making for an action packed year of netball. The reigning premiers, NSW Swifts finished fourth on the ladder after an inconsistent season by their lofty standards.

Ladder: 4^th
Win-loss: 8-1-5
Percentage: 101.47%

Overview:
The Swifts unfortunately did not live up to the expectations of last year despite winning eight games. They proved they knew how to win ugly but struggled to find their normal balance and speed across the court in what was an up and down season. Despite making it to finals they were bundled out by eventual runners-up West Coast Fever but will take plenty of positives out of the season. Missing the backend of last year and the subsequent premiership, captain Maddy Proud came out firing on all cylinders and injected plenty of intensity in the Swifts attack. She rotated seamlessly through centre and wing attack, hitting the circle edge with great precision as did Paige Hadley. Natalie Haythornthwaite provided a steady head in attack while youngster Tayla Fraser offered speed and excitement to light up the court.

The endless options through the midcourt and defence gave the Swifts plenty of versatility with Hadley occasionally pushing back into wing defence while Sophie Craig showed her hand in goal defence every now and then. Sarah Klau was a stalwart in goal keeper, picking up a wealth of ball and pressuring opponents over the shot while partner in crime Maddy Turner found her form in the latter stages of the season after being sidelined with injury early on. Up the other end, Sam Wallace continued her scintillating form of 2019 with the Trinidad and Tobago product a class above in the goal circle. Her casual approach on the take, paired with her sheer strength, accuracy and overall netball smarts was hard to stop while England Roses goaler Helen Housby proved to be a real playmaker. Her long range shooting and smooth movement was another key attribute in her gameplay that spurred the Swifts on.

Shining light:
Goaler Sophie Garbin gave a real glimpse into what is possible when she is isolated one-on-one in the goal circle and can to get to work, with her mind blowing Round 2 performance where she slotted 21 goals in one quarter showcasing just that. She is a commanding force under the post and has the body strength to back up after each contest. Her aerial capabilities starred throughout the season, reeling in the high balls and absorbing the physicality time and time again. Garbin’s adaptability to change between goal shooter and goal attack within an instant is credit to her high netball nous and read of the play, and although she tired at stages throughout the condensed season her skill and composure was impressive able to work the ball to her advantage and dominate in the air.

Best off-season pickup:
Named in the squad last year but ruled out with injury, Lauren Moore came to the fore in season 2020 and did not skip a beat. The typical goal keeper got a run out in goal defence and made no mistake with her sticky hands paying dividends for the Swifts. Her court coverage was impressive while you could not underestimate her leap and tenacity in the air to force tips and deflections. Her cleanliness at the contest was another key element of her game play, able to attack the ball and it wrench it out of mid-air to create scoring opportunities for the girls in red. Moore was a real livewire using her fancy footwork and long arms to cause havoc and apply pressure on the ball carrier while her versatility was also paramount to the Swifts campaign.

Prediction:
Set to retain a core group of players, the Swifts definitely have the makings to once again challenge for the premiership in 2021 but will just need to find that level of consistency and return to their signature brand of possession netball. With a number of international stars and young up and coming players in the mix the Swifts are primed for a finals berth if everything clicks into gear.