THEY are the NSW Swifts’ Diamonds in the rough – three key signings coach Briony Akle says has the potential to be representing their country in the near future.
The Swifts have been quick to secure the signatures of young defender Maddy Turner, midcourter Maddy Proud and shooter Sophie Garbin before they went onto the open market late in August post the Super Netball decider.
MOVERS: Giant step towards minor premiership
RARE FEAT: Liz Cambage pulls of All-Star dunk
Each of the eight clubs in the competition have the exclusive right to re-sign any of their 10 contracted players, replacement players or training partners until the Monday after the grand final.
More Swifts signing are expected to be made public in coming days with Akle hopeful of retaining most, if not all, of her current crop of players.
“Pretty confident, yes, and hoping to have them signed by the end of the week,’’ she said.
Turner, 22, and Proud, 24, have re-signed for two seasons, with Garbin, 21, recommitting for a year.
OVERTAKE: Black Jack claims major win over Wild Oats
GOOD SHAPE: Diamonds will survive talent drain
“Briony (Akle) has given us the licence to play with freedom and remember why we play the game, which is for the love of it,’’ Proud said.
“Considering our average age, I think that we can only get better and I can’t wait to see how far the Swifts can go in 2019.’’
Key to the Swifts success in season three of Super Netball will be keeping new Diamond’s squad member Sarah Klau, captain Abbey McCulloch and shooting imports Helen Housby and Sam Wallace on the books.
The Swifts this year earned themselves a reputation as one of the most dangerous in the competition after claiming a number of big-name scalps, including competition favourites, the Giants, Firebirds and Lightning.
