Swifts sign double-champion Simmons as Proud replacement

Swifts sign double-champion Simmons as Proud replacement

Double-Premiership winner Verity Simmons has joined the NSW Swifts for the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season.

The former Australian Diamond, who is a product of the Netball NSW Pathway, will replace Swifts Co-Captain Maddy Proud who is expecting her first child next year.

A powerful midcourter, who has won Premierships with the Queensland Firebirds (2015) and West Coast Fever (2022), Simmons originally hails from Grafton in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and represented the State at pathway level in her junior years.

After 11 seasons and 159 games at the top, in November 2023 she made the decision to step away from netball and try her hand at Aussie Rules, moving to the Perth-based West Coast Eagles in the AFLW.

However, Simmons – who has three Diamonds caps to her name – said joining the Swifts is a full circle moment for her.“I said back in 2023 that I was 11 years not out, and some time away has made me realise I still have more to give in netball,” she said.

“When Maddy announced that she was taking time out to have a baby I reached out because I thought this could be a great new challenge at a Club I have always respected.

“I grew up in NSW and played with current and former Swifts in the Netball NSW pathway so going back to the State where I first fell in love with the game is like coming full circle.

“After reaching out I was invited to trial and I would like to thank everyone at the Swifts for making me feel so welcome.“I can see why the Swifts have been so successful in recent years and I am keen to make an impact as they look to win another Premiership in 2025.”

Swifts head coach Briony Akle welcomed Simmons to the seven-time Premiers.“Verity is a champion athlete and big-game player with proven ability to deliver at Super Netball level,” she said.“Losing an athlete of Maddy’s calibre and experience for next season meant we were looking for someone who could hit the ground running.

“We had plenty of competition for Maddy’s roster spot but Verity was a standout when she came into our environment.“Not only did she fit in well on the court, she really impressed us with her approach to training and her fitness levels are as good as ever.

“While she has done great things so far in her career, especially with West Coast Fever, it is really nice to bring her to the Swifts given she is a NSW athlete born and bred. I would like to welcome Verity to the Club and look forward to her joining our pre-season setup in January.”