NSW Swifts star Helen Housby has no doubt her side can overcome last year’s grand final heartbreak and claim the Super Netball premiership with the return of “game winner” Sam Wallace-Joseph.
Wallace-Joseph (nee Wallace) hasn’t featured for the Swifts in two years due to a devastating knee injury suffered in the opening match of the 2022 Super Netball season.
But after a lengthy rehabilitation – which included more surgery on her troublesome knee, forcing her to miss last year’s Netball World Cup – Housby believes Wallace-Joseph is ready to stand tall for the Swifts.
Watch every game of the Suncorp Super Netball Season live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
“She hasn’t really missed a trick – she can still shoot and move,” Housby said on The 4th Quarter Podcast, ahead of the 2024 season starting this weekend.
“Whatever she’s been doing in her rehab, she’s been smashing it.
“It’s been a very long road for her and a tough road. I think at times for her there were times she didn’t really think she’d play professional netball again… but I’m proud to see her back out there.”
WATCH THE FULL 4TH QTR CHAT WITH HELEN HOUSBY THIS THURSDAY: https://bit.ly/3U95kTV
Housby, who was a bridesmaid at Wallace-Joseph’s recent wedding, described her shooting partner as a “big part” of her Swifts career.
“We just did everything to do with the Swifts together,” she recalled.
“For her to go down with the injury she did was devastating. Not just for her, but for the whole team. She’s such a massive part of this group.
“I don’t think anyone thought it would be as long as it had been (Wallace-Joseph’s recovery).
“The fact she’s even playing now is incredible. Nevermind that she’s playing brilliantly, scoring super shots and doesn’t look like she’s left the court.
“It just feels like the olden times.
“We’re just smiling, chilling.
“I think she’s going to have a big year on court.”
And that’s a worry for rival Super Netball clubs, given together Housby and Wallace-Joseph have led the Swifts to two premierships – including Wallace-Joseph’s MVP performance in 2019.
“She’s a game winner,” Housby said.
“Her track record speaks for itself.
“If you can get Sam at her best or just near her best, it can win games and it can win premierships.”
And it’s not just Housby and Wallace-Joseph rivals need to fear, with 20-year-old attacker Sophie Fawns showing she’s just as capable – as seen in last year’s remarkable semi-final.
“She plays well ahead of her years,” Housby said of the young Fawns.
“She’s got so much confidence now … she’s still a young netball player.
“You’d never know she’s the age she is as she plays so many years ahead of herself.”
With just two changes to their squad from last year’s heartbreaking overtime grand final loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, including the return of Wallace-Joseph, Housby believes the Swifts are the team to beat in 2024.
“This season we’re going to leave no stone unturned,” she said.
“Last year we came about as close as you can come.
“The belief is there; we know we’ve got the players to do it.
“If anything, we’re getting better, getting fitter, getting stronger … I think this is the year.”
#Super #Netball #NSW #Swifts #Helen #Housby #Sam #WallaceJoseph #4th #Quarter #podcast #prediction #news #latest #premiers #champion #grand #final #heartbreak
