Despite coming into the Suncorp Super Netball final as underdogs, The Swifts were dominant from the opening whistle and settled into the game quickly, never looking back. They finished the opening quarter 4 goals up against the reigning Super Netball champions and maintained their lead for the rest of the game.
It was far from what the netball community expected given the team’s less than ideal year; including three season-ending injuries for key players, including a torn ACL for Captain, Maddy Proud.
The starting seven players who took the court on Sunday were still adjusting to the changes and new combinations. It didn’t stop them from scoring three consecutive goals to start the match.
They also dominated in terms of shooting accuracy, scoring an impressive 88% of attempted goals.
Starting the final quarter with a ten-goal lead, the Swifts pushed on, overcoming the back-to-back premiers to take the title.
The win is the Swift’s sixth premiership and first in the Super Netball era.
FULL TIME ⏱️
The Swifts have done it! They’ve pulled off a massive upset and are the 2019 Suncorp Super Netball Champions.@sc_lightning 47 vs @NSWSwifts 64#SSNGrandFinal#SSNFinals pic.twitter.com/lNAHGYb4nN
— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) September 15, 2019
“I’m just so proud of these girls,” said Paige Hadley after the win.
Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud speak after the win.
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #SSNLightningSwifts #SSNGrandFinal #LIGvSWI pic.twitter.com/wf0VKi6kdN
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 15, 2019
“We’ve had the ingredients for a few years and today was the day we put it all together,” said injured captain Maddy Proud.
Swifts goal shooter Sam Wallace was named player of the match for her dominance in the circle and 40 from 44 shooting performance.
Sam Wallace is your player of the Grand Final 🙌
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball #SSNLightningSwifts #SSNGrandFinal #LIGvSWI pic.twitter.com/P2sCeF0n1f
— 9Netball (@9Netball) September 15, 2019