Sunshine Coast Lightning will travel to Sydney this weekend to take on the NSW Swifts for First Nations Round. This weekend marks the second First Nations Round of the 2025 season, with Lightning players wearing a dress designed by proud Kabi Kabi woman, Zartisha Davis.
Lightning just slipped out of the top four after falling short to the West Coast Fever last weekend, so they’ll be wanting to put out a strong performance to keep themselves in finals contention.
Second on the ladder, Swifts are also coming off the back of a loss, going down to the Melbourne Mavericks at John Cain Arena.
KEY MATCH UP
Reilley Batcheldor vs Sarah Klau
Young gun Reilley Batcheldor has had to step up in the past few weeks, gaining valuable court time and thriving in both the GS and GA bibs.
On the other side, Sarah Klau has had a stand-out season for the Swifts, currently sitting second in the league for intercepts and third for deflections.
While Klau brings significantly more experience, Batcheldor is cool, calm and collected on court, and is known for her ability to step up in high-pressure moments and sink super shots for her side.
COACH’S COMMENT
“We’ve got two big challenges ahead of us in the Swifts and the Thunderbirds, but we’ve been good on the road this season.
“Obviously not having Cara in the line-up has affected our rhythm — she’s a world class player. We’re giving Cara every chance to play this weekend, but either way, we’ll be ready to attack the Swifts.
“Historically we’ve played some really good matches against the Swifts and I know the team is really eager to respond this weekend with a strong performance.”
LAST TIME THEY MET
Round 7 2025
Sunshine Coast Lightning 62 | NSW Swifts 70
THE TEAM
- Steph Fretwell (C)
- Cara Koenen
- Tara Hinchliffe
- Reilley Batcheldor
- Ashleigh Ervin
- Liz Watson
- Mahalia Cassidy
- Courtney Bruce
- Kristiana Manu’a
- Leesa Mi Mi
MATCH DETAILS
- Suncorp Super Netball Round 13, First Nations Round
- Sunshine Coast Lightning v NSW Swifts
- Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney
- 5pm, Saturday 5 July
HOW TO WATCH
Watch every game live on Kayo Sports & Foxtel plus for the first time, now on Binge.
