Both clubs had poor starts last weekend and will be focused on delivering a four-quarter performance to showcase their legitimacy as top four contenders this season.
The Magpies trailed all game in Round 4, before a final term 15-9 scoreline gave them a chance of an upset win against defending champions the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Magpies coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell told magpiesnetball.com.au she was proud of her teams fourth-quarter fight back.
“There were some really good runs for us, and then we’d just get broken off on the fourth or the fifth goal in that run.
“That swing of momentum is massive in this league at the moment. We have to get better at controlling it and pushing it in our direction,” Keppich-Birrell said.
In a similar fashion, it took the Swifts a half to get going against the ladder leading West Coast Fever – taking a bonus point with a 17-14 advantage in the final term.
Swifts coach Briony Akle told nswswifts.com.au she felt they had contributed to their own downfall against the Fever.
“The Fever are top of the competition for a reason but I think we made too many unforced errors today.
“There were times we were making basic errors, like getting caught offside and I felt we rushed our plays at times when we didn’t need to.
“I am very happy with the fight shown in the last quarter, that bonus point might prove very important later in the year,” Akle said.
With two top-four clashes this weekend – between the Fever and Firebirds and Giants and Vixens – both clubs have the chance to force their way into the top half of the ladder.
Magpies midcourt player Madi Robinson will be a handful for the Swifts, producing the highest number of centre pass receives (115) in the league, while also producing the most feeds last weekend against the Lightning.
How Caitlin Thwaites and Erin Bell combine in the circle will go a long way to determining whether the Magpies take the points in Sydney.
The Swifts haven’t been shy in using their bench this season, so getting the mix right will be key against the Magpies.
Like Robinson, the Swifts will be relying on their midcourt to stand up and will be expecting high quality output from Claire O’Brien and Maddy Proud.
The Swifts will also be keen to see Sam Wallace and Helen Housby shooting in the 90% region.
Tickets are still available here – doors open at 12pm for a 1pm tip off. The game will also be shown live and free on Channel 9.
