Swifts start mind games on Fever
NSW Swifts defender Sharni Layton has bad news for West Coast Fever — her team’s best is yet to come.
West Coast and NSW will face off for the second time in six days in Friday night’s Australian Conference elimination final in Sydney after the Swifts were too good for Fever at Perth Arena last Saturday.
The teams take vastly different form into the sudden-death final, with Fever losing three of their past four games and NSW on a five-match winning streak.
The Swifts have not lost since round seven, back on April 12.
But Layton said despite that and their strong 63-56 win over Fever in hostile territory, there was plenty of room for improvement.
“We’ve definitely started climbing at the right time,” she said.
“We’ve got a lot to improve. We are not at our best yet, but it’s exciting that we can keep growing from here.”
NSW will be further boosted by the return of star captain Kimberlee Green, who sat out last weekend’s win with calf soreness.
“I think it just shows the confidence we do have in our whole 12,” Layton said.
“We know we can put anyone out there and still play our style.”
Layton had an enthralling battle with Australian Diamonds teammate and Fever goal shooter Caitlin Bassett.
Bassett still managed 44 goals, despite plenty of attention from Layton.
The pair have been playing on each other since they were 15.
“C-Bass has just had an unreal year this year,” Layton said.
“She just keeps improving and growing and growing, which is super impressive given she has been around for a while now.
“She’s a tough player to play on because of the variety she provides.
“I do enjoy playing on her because she’s an awesome challenge.”
Meanwhile, Fever defender Erena Mikaere has been rewarded for a strong season with her new club by being one of 30 New Zealand players named to trial for the Silver Ferns.
The trials will take place at the end of the month as the Silver Ferns try to finalise their World Cup team.
