Sophie Halpin, Tayla Fraser, Kelly Singleton and Claire O’Brien are all familiar with the Swifts’ environment after all having spent time with the team in previous seasons. And 2019 will be young shooter Matisse Letherbarrow’s first taste of the Suncorp Super Netball system.
NSW Swifts head coach Briony Akle stressed the importance of recruiting local talent and spoke of the exciting opportunities that lay ahead for all five players.
“I’m thrilled that this calibre of young talent will be joining us; they’ve all earned their spot to be here. They’re extremely passionate athletes, and with them coming through the NSW pathway, they have such pride in and commitment to the Red Dress.
“It’s really important to us to have training partners because they get the chance to further develop their skills in a high-performance environment, and the players in the main Swifts roster push themselves harder as a result.”
Swifts fans should recognise Halpin, who made her debut in the mid court during the 2017 season and, most recently, started in last year’s Round 10 match against the GIANTS Netball. She has also represented Australia as part of the 19/U squad and her state as part of the NSW 19/U and 21/U.
Centre Tayla Fraser and goal shooter Kelly Singleton will also be familiar to the Swifts faithful after both players made their debuts against the Melbourne Vixens in Round 9 this season. Both players have played at the state level in the 17/U and 19/U competitions and represented Australia in the 17/U squad.
2019 will be the first year in the Suncorp Super Netball system for young shooter Matisse Letherbarrow who, at 188cm, figures to learn a lot from fellow tall Swifts shooter Sam Wallace.
Rounding out the Swifts training partners is midcourter Claire O’Brien who will be looking to bounce back from an Achilles injury sustained during the team’s 2018 Suncorp Super Netball campaign. O’Brien has 13 NSW Swifts caps and will be pushing to add to that total in 2019.
These five players will have the opportunity to train with the NSW Swifts squad and will also provide support as replacement players should the need arise.
“The Swifts have been building something really strong and special, and the 2018 season showed we are able to compete with the best in the competition.
“Everyone at the NSW Swifts is confident that, with help from these young guns, 2019 is going to be an even better year for us.”
