The NSW Swifts have secured the key signature of goal keeper Sarah Klau, who will remain with the Sydney-based franchise for the 2020 season.
Klau, who will play her 50th game for the Swifts this weekend, has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see her remain in Sydney for another year.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in Suncorp Super Netball, establishing herself as an Australian Diamond and playing a key role in the Swifts' march to their first finals appearance under the Super Netball banner.
Klau was not among the eight Swifts who had finalised deals when an initial list of contracted Suncorp Super Netball players was released last week, but has since agreed to terms with the club.
Klau's signature brings the number of current Swifts players signed for 2020 to nine, with injured Victorian Kate Eddy the only player yet to re-sign.
The defensive star said she was still coming to terms with her meteoric rise, and was delighted to wear the Swifts' colours for another season.
"To think this is my fourth year (including 2016 with the Thunderbirds) and to have made the Diamonds is still something I can't believe," she said.
"It's been incredible and that's a massive credit to the Swifts' environment."
"They've really instilled that belief in me and I can't thank them enough because they're the reason that I'm standing here today and I'm the athlete that I am."
Swifts coach Briony Akle paid tribute to Klau's attitude and said she would form a key part of their plans moving forward.
"Sarah is a key signing for us and with the majority of our roster set for next season I think we are in a really good place to plan ahead," Akle said.
"It is remarkable to see how much her game has taken off since arriving back at the club in 2017 and I know her best days are still to come."
"Sarah is now one of the best defenders in the world and I think she has the potential to be the best in the world, period."
The second-placed Swifts host the Queensland Firebirds on Saturday, with the minor premiership still up for grabs if the Sunshine Coast Lightning stumble against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
