Swifts look to end Brisbane netball woes

Jul 25, 2016 - 7:24 PM NSW Swifts will take confidence from their dazzling semi-final performance ahead the formidable assignment of trying to beat the Queensland Firebirds in next Sunday's trans-Tasman competition netball final in Brisbane.

The Swifts' speedy passing and relentless defence were highlights of their crushing 64-45 win over the Magic in Hamilton on Monday.

It represented a lift in form after they lost 63-52 to the Firebirds in the Australian conference final the previous week.

The challenge for the Swifts will be trying to get their first win over the Firebirds in Brisbane after 11 losses.

"Coming off the back off today's performance I think we can take confidence from that going into next week," Swifts' shooter Caitlin Thwaites told AAP after the game.

"We'll look at the way that we played this week and try and put some of those things into practice again for next week."

Diamonds' representative Thwaites was a big contributor to the semi-final win, nailing 43 of her 46 shots.

Her cause was helped by silver platter service from captain and midcourt ace Kim Green, who racked up 20 goal assists.

Green played out a full game for the first time since round five, after which fitness issues forced her to miss some games and play limited minutes in others.

"It's a great sign for her to be putting out four quarters again, so it's great timing for us," Thwaites said.

Another key Swifts player displaying great form at the business end of the season was Diamonds' defender Sharni Layton.

The irrepressible goalkeeper made a stack of big plays in her 100th competition appearance and was named game MVP.

"She's just an absolute solid rock back there for us," Thwaites said.

"It's awesome just to be able to be up the other end of the court and see her do her work, because she's an absolute legend."

Thwaites ensured many of the turnovers the Swifts forced were converted into goals, something she said they had focused on and done better than the previous week.

Wing defence Abbey McCulloch came off late in the game with an ankle issue, though team officials were not immediately worried about her missing the grand final.

Swifts coach Rob Wright pulled a minor surprise by starting McCulloch and putting Laura Langman at centre and leaving Diamonds' midcourter Paige Hadley out of his run on side.

Source: AAP