When the NSW Swifts clinched a narrow one-goal victory over their city rivals to conclude the 2024 Super Netball season on a high note, it was evident that a significant burden had been lifted from the players’ shoulders.
Indeed, it had — the burden of a tumultuous season plagued by injuries and off-court controversies.
While the full account of the Swifts’ rollercoaster year is yet to be revealed, co-captain Paige Hadley acknowledges the impact that these circumstances had on the team.
“It was incredibly disappointing,” Hadley commented to Wide World of Sports.
“After narrowly losing the 2023 grand final, we held high hopes for a comeback. However, to find ourselves playing the last match in contention for the wooden spoon was disheartening. That’s not the legacy of the Swifts.”
Helen Housby of the Swifts appears dejected after the 2023 Super Netball grand final. Graham Denholm via Getty Images
As they moved into 2024, the Swifts appeared to have moved past the crushing defeat of the prior season, clinching the pre-season Suncorp Team Girls Cup and re-establishing themselves as contenders for the title.
After a promising first half of the season, the Swifts found themselves in the top four of the league. But then, everything fell apart.
Many observers point to a scandal involving a Swifts player and accusations of transphobia as a critical turning point.
Before the start of the 2024 season, Netball Australia announced it would examine a controversial social media post from two-time premiership goaler Samantha Wallace-Joseph.
The post, shared via Wallace-Joseph’s Instagram account, sparked outrage within the transgender community, particularly in light of the Swifts’ involvement in a Pride-themed game.
Shortly thereafter, the Swifts and Wallace-Joseph released a joint statement, with the player retracting her comments and issuing an apology.
At that time, the club affirmed that the sentiments expressed by Wallace-Joseph did not reflect the organisation’s views.
Samantha Wallace-Joseph warms up ahead of the Swifts’ round four Super Netball match. Getty
Having spent two seasons recovering from an ACL tear sustained in the first round of the 2022 season, Wallace-Joseph had signed with the Swifts in anticipation of her return in 2024.
However, the three-time club MVP experienced limited playing time compared to previous seasons since joining the Swifts in 2017, ultimately being dropped following the team’s disappointing performance against the Thunderbirds in the round seven rematch of the grand final.
The Swifts were reportedly frustrated, having only been able to score 33 goals in that match.
While it was initially believed that Wallace-Joseph was managing her knee injury, coach Briony Akle clarified after the round-eight match that the change was tactical, rather than health-related.
This revelation fueled rampant speculation regarding potential behavioural issues within the team.
Matters escalated in June when Wallace-Joseph and the Swifts mutually agreed to part ways.
The club’s statement highlighted that the breakdown stemmed from “behaviour within the team environment.”
To compound the team’s troubles, co-captain Maddy Proud was also sidelined due to a knee injury during this timeframe.
The loss to the Thunderbirds marked the start of a seven-game losing streak, which ultimately saw the Swifts fall out of finals contention and embroil themselves in a fight to avoid finishing last.
Paige Hadley speaks with her team during the round seven Super Netball match between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the NSW Swifts. Sarah Reed via Getty Images
“Internal conflicts between certain players occurred, and it was unfortunate how this unfolded. What transpired was not what we had envisioned,” Hadley remarked. Notably, she is collaborating with Netball Australia on the Woolworths NetSetGo program to foster the next generation of stars.
“As a team, we were deeply affected by last season’s events.
“It’s ironic, really. I couldn’t possibly document what happened because it was so unpredictable.
“As a leader, it reminded me that everything can be going smoothly one minute, and the next, it all changes. It’s all about embracing the present.”
“If we had the chance to revisit, we’d likely approach things differently, but we’ve gained valuable lessons as a team.”
“We are determined to look ahead, not back.”
When questioned about what the club would change if given a second chance, Hadley admitted that managing the emotional strain on players and staff could have been better handled.
While the club has refrained from using the incident as a rationale for their poor performance last season, it is evident that internal strife had an effect.
NSW Swifts head coach Briony Akle with Samantha Wallace-Joseph. Getty
“It was a highly emotional period, and asking players to perform consistently in the world’s premier competition under such circumstances was challenging,” Hadley noted.
“Given the media scrutiny and various narratives that emerged, different players were blamed for various issues. As a club, our initial course of action should have been to clarify the situation from the onset to eliminate any ambiguity.”
“I wish we hadn’t approached the team while events were still unfolding, as everyone needed to cope in their own manner.”
“I wouldn’t wish this experience on any team. However, we learn from our challenges, which can ultimately strengthen us. I genuinely believe that overcoming this year will empower us as a group as we look forward to 2025.”
Due to a non-disclosure agreement regarding Wallace-Joseph’s exit, Hadley is limited in what she can publicly address.
“Those who were present are aware of what transpired, and I believe the corrective measures regarding behavioural issues were justified,” she explained.
“The situation has been resolved; we moved on from that player, and now it’s time to focus on our future.
“I can’t divulge specifics about the events that occurred within the club. The management decides what information to release, and I respect that completely.”
Paige Hadley competes for the NSW Swifts. Paul Kane via Getty Images
“It’s also crucial to acknowledge the temporary players who stepped up during this time.”
Despite the tumultuous events, Hadley remains hopeful that all parties can move forward.
“Decisions are made, and life happens,” Hadley stated.
“I genuinely wish Sammy the best. She was a significant part of our club for many years.”
“People’s choices are influenced by circumstances, and sometimes they lead us down an undesired path, but we all experience this in life.”
The NSW Swifts are set to participate in this year’s Suncorp Team Girls Cup commencing on Friday, March 14.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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