Swifts scrape home

By Chloe Pilkington

The NSW Swifts have pulled off a last minute one-goal win (72-71) over the GIANTS Netball in their final game of the 2024 season. 

With no finals prospects for either side, this Round 14 match up was all about avoiding a wooden spoon finish. Despite leading for the majority of the game, the GIANTS let their lead slip in the final quarter as the Swifts capitalised through the on-point duo of Helen Housby and Uneeq Palavi. 

Although the Swifts had plenty to celebrate after the hard fought win, the team in red had a tough 2024 season, going from grand finalists to sitting sixth place in 12 months.

Housby was a true standout on court for the NSW Swifts, getting her team over the line with six crucial Super Shots out of seven attempts. 

Another key player for the side was newcomer Palavi. Holding strong under the post and confident to drain goals from anywhere in the circle, Palavi has well and truly made her case for a SSN contract in 2025.

With momentum on their side for most of the match, the GIANTS looked confident and determined in their final game, playing in front a sold-out crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena.

Keeping the ball short and sharp around the circle edge, Jamie-Lee Price and Maddie Hay found Sophie Dwyer and Jo Harten with ease. A Super Shot from Dwyer put the orange army in front by four-goals at the end of the opening term.

The second quarter saw the GIANTS continue to blitz ahead, with play beginning to unravel for the Swifts. Housby was forced to leave the court after a collision with Amy Sligar, but quickly made her return on the eve of the all-important Power Five period. 

A two-pointer from Housby kept the Swifts within striking distance, as the GIANTS held a narrow one-goal lead. A fired up Harten quickly responded at the other end, nailing a Super Shot as the contest between herself and Sarah Klau intensified as the game progressed.

The Swifts went on an unanswered three-goal run, tying the score at 40 a-piece early in the third term. However, the GIANTS swiftly regained momentum, extending their lead to 47-42 and prompting a tactical timeout from the Swifts. 

Goal keeper Matilda McDonell spearheaded the GIANTS' defensive line throughout today's match, picking up two clutch intercepts, three deflections and three rebounds.

At the other end, Harten and Dwyer continued to sink Super Shots, preserving the GIANTS' three-goal lead with a fiery final quarter yet to unfold.

An uncharacteristic miss from Harten under the post was picked up by Maddy Proud as she put her body on the line to keep possession for the Swifts. Proud's efforts seemed to trigger an energy shift on court, as the Swifts snatched the lead, bringing their fans in the sold-out crowd to life.

The team in red continued to take control, pushing the margin out to five-goals. To keep their team in the fight, Harten and Dwyer both drained crucial Super Shots to level the score at 71-all. 

In the dying seconds of the game, it was Palavi who came through with goal, squashing the GIANTS' hopes of a late rally and securing the Swifts a sixth place finish at the end of the regular season.