WELCOME to After the Fact, a new series here at Rookie Me Central, chatting to key figures in the Suncorp Super Netball post match and get their thoughts on the match that just transpired and the bigger issues in the game.

This week’s interviewee is NSW Swifts’ coach Briony Akle, who chatted with us after her side’s comprehensive win over the Melbourne Vixens.

Post-match, Akle was certainly pleased her side got the win and shored up a finals spot with three rounds still left to be played.

“It was lovely to get the win” she said.

“I think we knew the Vixens would be awesome and come back at us just like they did in that last quarter, but very happy that that finals spot is there, we can get on with getting our game better each week.”

Despite being 16 goals down at the final change the Vixens did come right back at the Swifts in the final term, which Akle admitted did leave her feeling a little nervous.

“I had it in my head Kiera Austin and Kumwenda are fantastic with two point shots, so yes I was very nervous that they would come back and I think it was an 11 goal turnaround in that last quarter so I knew that they could come back. The clock was in our favour, just that last three minutes was in our favour.”

At first unsure what it was specifically that helped opened the game up for her side in the middle stages, Akle did eventually suggest some factors that may have played a part.

“I think for us we got some ball back” she said.

“I think just little tips, I think Tay Fraser just got little hands in and I think we got two or three in a row, and I think that’s what broke the game apart. So I think the defensive effort of our team was really, it was awesome, and we have been wanting that sort of performance this season, a full at least three quarters of awesome one on one defence, and I think that’s what the difference was.”

Fraser was one of several players to receive praise post match from the coach.

“She is just a warrior” Akle said.

“I think she never, ever gives up. She’s on the loose ball pick up, she’s one on one in defence, she’s drives it down in attack and she’s another one that just did not get a lot of court time at the beginning of the season, but has certainly treasured every moment out there and it’s certainly a testament.”

Someone else who Akle praised post match was Sophie Fawns, who had a strong game and finished with a whopping seven successful Super Shots.

“I think Soph did some great stuff. I think every minute we get her out there in Suncorp Super Netball, every minute is great experience for her. So Super Shots are awesome but I’d probably just value the time on court and building that combination with Helen Housby and [Romelda Aiken-George].”

Akle also spoke about the well timed position switch of Sarah Klau and Maddy Turner, who have been playing in the switched around positions longer than many may realise.

“I think Klau brings a great presence out on that transverse line. She’s obviously an awesome athlete and quite tall and rangey arms. I think that’s just instinct that they can play together but certainly that can help that along with just mixing up, you know giving the opposition something to think about, and not many people know but they played their junior games that way round, so Maddy Turner was goal keeper and Sarah was goal defence. So I think it’s probably a natural switch that people don’t know about more about rangey arms.”

Next week the Swifts are back in Sydney to play crosstown rivals the GIANTS, and Akle is certainly excited for what is in store next week.

“I think we know going back to KRA, two Sydney teams who both want the victory, I think it just builds for a fantastic story and GIANTS want wins on the board too, so that just brings another element to the game. So we love playing them, we love the battle and it’s good for netball.”