The 2022 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season is almost upon us, so it is time to take a look at each of the contenders for the upcoming season and what 2022 might have in store for them.

Today we look at the NSW Swifts, who are the defending champions heading into 2022.

Season 2021

Ladder: 1st
Win-loss: 9-5
Percentage:  105.57%

Last year could not have gone much better for the Swifts. They had one or two little hiccups along the way in the regular season, but still had a great season.

After they finished the regular season second on the ladder, they beat their cross town rivals the GIANTS in the major semi final to make the Grand Final. They then faced the GIANTS again in the Grand Final and were once again victorious. The win saw them take out their second Suncorp Super Netball premiership in three years in the process.

In 2021 a key component of the Swifts’ success was that they were a very well rounded side. They had a strong capability to play clean and clinical netball as well as treasure possession. They especially did this throughout their finals campaign.

Not much went wrong for the Swifts last season, but they had so many talented players that it was hard for everyone to get a run. Also, when coach Briony Akle would ring in the changes like she was so willing to do, it would be hard for the side to settle.

Now 2022 brings a whole new set of challenges for the Swifts. They have gone from one of the hunters to being the hunted, so the question for the Swifts will be is how will that change in mindset and can they repeat what they were able to achieve in 2021 and then go back to back.

Heading into 2022, the reigning premiers have made a few changes to their squad.

Firstly, Sophie Garbin has left the club and moved south to Collingwood, while fellow premiership star Lauren Moore has left to join crosstown rivals the GIANTS. To replace the pair, the Swifts have gone young with their recruits.

Their first new recruit is Allie Smith, who comes to the Swifts from the Vixens. She is able to rotate through both wing defence and centre, and her defensive capability, competitiveness and relentlessness are among her biggest strengths.

The two other Swifts’ recruits are players who have been promoted from training partners to the senior squad for 2022.

Kelly Singleton is a goaler who has followed the NSW pathways right the way through and been rewarded for her hard work and development. Teigan O’Shannassy is a defender who will be looking to make the most of her second chance at the top level. She had a contract with the GIANTS in 2020 before illness struck and ended her opportunity before it really even started. Her work rate and dynamic movement will be a great addition to the Swifts side.

They did not have a great Team Girls Cup, finishing fourth in their pool, but Swifts fans should not worry too much because they were rather undermanned for the tournament. Not only were the minus coach Akle, but they were also missing both their top shooter from 2021 Sam Wallace and fellow experienced shooter Helen Housby.

Akle was forced to stay in Sydney due to her having to isolate as a close contact of a positive Covid case, while Wallace missed the tournament due to injury and Housby sat out part of the tournament.

Now that they are the hunters and not the hunted, will the Swifts be able to go back to back?

First up, the Swifts have a NSW Derby in Round 1 against the GIANTS. This match is on the 26th March at 7pm at Ken Rosewall Arena.

2022 SQUAD

Attack:

Helen Housby
Sam Wallace
Kelly Singleton

Midcourt:

Maddy Proud
Paige Hadley
Tayla Fraser
Allie Smith

Defence:

Sarah Klau
Maddy Turner
Teigan O’Shannassy