SWIFTS V FIREBIRDS (64 – 63)

The NSW Swifts were able to knock off the Firebirds by just a single point in a thriller at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.

It what many would have assumed to be a walkover match for the Swifts, Queensland were not interested in finishing their 2019 season quietly.

Despite winning just a single match for the season, the Firebirds sent the second placed Swifts into a state of shock.

Yet, after recovering from a six-goal deficit, NSW reasserted themselves in the game.

It wasn’t until Helen Housby scored a goal in the final 30 seconds, that the Swifts grasped a victory.  

While Briony Akle gave her bench players game-time in preparation for finals, such a lacklustre performance won’t cut it against the top four teams.

However, Paige Hadley insisted the learning’s from this match will be advantageous for her side heading into next Saturday’s semi-final against the Lightning.

“You want [these] sort of games that are back and forth,” Hadley told AAP.

“We know the Sunshine Coast is going to come down to the wire

“You have to stick to your structure and believe your process will come out on top.”

It will be important for the Swifts to find composure for a full four quarters, if they are to take it to the Lightning next weekend.