NETBALL is back for another season and the NSW Swifts are looking to turn the 2014 ANZ Championship on its head.
In the opening round of the season on Sunday, the Swifts scored a 54-51 home victory over West Coast Fever.
St George and Sutherland Shire players are among the line-up hoping to return the Swifts to the top of the championship after a disappointing 2013 season.
The Swifts have worked hard in the pre-season and proved they are serious contenders by going through the pre-season tournament in Melbourne undefeated.
Captain and centre Kimberlee Green, of Miranda, said the team had recuited well.
"We've got an international player in each area of the court," Green said. "We've got quite a bit of experience this year and depth on the bench."
Green said the team has had a confident start and new coach Rob Wright has been working with each player's individual skill set.
Goal shooter Carla Dziwoki, who plays for Sutherland, said the team was excited about good membership sales.
"There is a buzz around the team this year and it's great to know we'll be playing in front of passionate supporters. We finished eighth last year but this year we're confident we'll make it through to the top eight."
Abbey McCulloch, younger sister of world champion team sprint cyclist Kaarle McCulloch, grew up at Gymea and plays wing defence.
She said the pre-season was long and hard but could only be beneficial.
"We have high expectations this year. There is a good feel in the team and morale is high," McCulloch said.
The team will travel to Christchurch this weekend to take on Mainland Tactix.
