Turning the Page: NSW Swifts Overcome ‘Dark Cloud’ After Netball Star’s Dismissal Hits Hard

The NSW Swifts have emerged from a difficult period as the club addresses its internal challenges head-on.

Star player Samantha Wallace-Joseph has parted ways with the team following reports about her “behavioural” issues in recent weeks.

The 30-year-old, who has played over 80 matches for the Swifts and secured two Super Netball championships, has been absent from the squad for unspecified reasons lately.

After returning from a knee injury, the club had supported Wallace-Joseph, but her controversial anti-transgender comments on social media overshadowed her comeback.

A club announcement confirmed that Wallace-Joseph’s departure was reached by “mutual agreement.”

“In recent weeks, the club has been in discussions with Samantha Wallace-Joseph and her management regarding matters related to her behaviour within the team,” read the statement from the club.

“For the welfare of all involved, the specifics of the issue will remain confidential. However, it has been mutually concluded that it is in the best interest of both parties to part ways.”

“We uphold a behavioural standard that is paramount for everyone associated with the Swifts – whether players, coaches, or staff – and emphasise that there are no exceptions.”

Samantha had been a standout player since her arrival at the Swifts in 2017, with her height and shooting prowess posing a significant challenge to competitors in Super Netball.

While the full circumstances surrounding her exit are not publicly available due to a signed nondisclosure agreement, her absence is clearly impacting the team’s dynamics.

In an interview with Fox Netball following the Swifts’ seven-goal defeat against the Fever on Sunday, head coach Briony Akle spoke about how the resolution has alleviated the burden on the team.

“We simply need to move forward. Losing a player midway through the netball season is quite rare and something decided by the club,” Akle noted.

“But it was essential for the team, and now that is behind us, we can eliminate the shadow that has been weighing us down.”

Co-captain Maddy Proud shared that the resolution brought “a degree of relief” by concluding the chaos that had overshadowed the team since the season’s start.

“There isn’t much we can divulge, so there will always be a lot of speculation surrounding it,” Proud commented.

“However, having a clear line drawn in the sand now allows us to focus on the remainder of the season, which is vital for us.

“This situation has brought us closer together as a team, compelling us to work hard to maintain our unity.

“It is unfortunate that this hasn’t been evident during matches, but we are growing stronger off the court, and our collective efforts will yield improved results in the coming weeks.”

Both Proud and Akle acknowledged that the events have impacted the team’s morale.

“It would be naive to assert that it hasn’t affected us,” Proud noted.

“We’re a close-knit group, and losing a player after so many years together is undeniably difficult. We’ve celebrated two championships with her, and such a change inevitably brings challenges.

“This transition has been demanding, impacting the mental well-being of everyone involved, not just the players but the entire club.”

Akle elaborated: “Naturally, the departure impacts the team.

“To refocus as a group, we’ve arrived in Perth a few days earlier than usual to regroup and concentrate on our netball, and it’s been a productive time away.”

The Swifts are set to take on the top-ranked Vixens on Sunday.