Wright stays as Swifts netball coach

Aug 1, 2016 - 6:16 AM The scramble for signatures for netball's new 2017 competitions has started, but record scorer Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and NSW Swifts coach Rob Wright are definitely staying put.

Sunday's epic double overtime grand final between the Swifts and Queensland Firebirds brought the curtain down on the trans-Tasman competition after nine years.

The two countries will stage separate domestic competitions next year, with three new clubs joining the five established Australian franchises.

The Swifts moved quickly to secure Wright's services after Sunday's loss, their second narrow grand final defeat by the Firebirds in successive seasons.

Wright has signed up for three more years, with an option for two more, after initially joining as an assistant coach before the 2010 season.

"We have worked hard to instil a strong culture and winning environment and I have a lot of belief in the future of the Club," Wright said.

"I've always said it's just incredible to be doing this (head Coach) as a job.

"Obviously, yesterday's result was not the one we wanted, but the fight that the team showed, the effort, the gutsy play... I could not be prouder to be leading this club and I'm really excited about the next chapter."

There is expected to be plenty of player movement over the coming weeks with negotiations starting, but signings can't be confirmed until a collective bargaining agreement has been finalised.

Netball Australia have lifted their import restrictions, but Jamaican superstar Fowler-Reid is one player who won't be seen by Australian audiences next year unless a crossover component is added to the domestic competitions .

Three-time league MVP Fowler-Reid 27, was the most prolific shooter in the ANZ Championship's history.

She scored a league record 779 goals in the 2016 season with an accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent.

The 1.98m shooter has turned down interest from elsewhere and declared her intention to remain with the Invercargill-based Southern Steel for a fifth season.

"Family is so important to me and I feel like family here," she said.

"Everyone looks out for me and, wherever I go, I feel like I'm home. This is my second home and happy players make good players."

Source: AAP