Netball
10 April, 2026
HDFNL 2026 preview: Ellis to lead Swifts
After being in finals contention throughout 2025 before just falling short, the Swifts A grade netball side is aiming to push one step further in 2026.
Hoping to lead them to the top five is new coach Jayde Ellis, who takes over from Amy Kenny and Kristy Dodds.
Having played her junior years with the Horsham Demons, Ellis previously played all her senior netball with Pimpinio, including coaching the A grade side in 2023 and 2024.
Ellis jumped at the opportunity after the Swifts approached her about the role.
“I was just looking for a bit of a change up, and the Swifts approached me about coaching, and I thought it'd be a good opportunity to jump back in after not coaching for a year,” Ellis said.
“I was excited to do it again, so I took the opportunity.”
Helping Ellis transition is the return of most of the 2025 squad, with the new coach also excited about some juniors rising into the senior ranks.
“Two players from last year aren’t returning, but otherwise, it’s a very similar team,” Ellis said.
“We do have a couple of juniors coming into the team this year, which is very exciting.”
Ellis has conducted preseason training with a positive approach, emphasising fitness and fundamentals.
“Preseason has been really good; the girls are enjoying it, and the effort has been great,” Ellis said.
“We’ve been working very hard on fitness early on to ensure everyone’s ready to go for round one.
“In terms of my coaching, I’m trying to bring a real positive energy, while making sure we prioritise the basics.
“I want people to want to come and enjoy netball, so I’ve been trying to bring that positivity every session.”
After finishing sixth in 2025, Ellis wants to maintain that standard and believes making the top five is a real possibility.
“The side just missed finals last season, so obviously the finals are on our radar, but at a minimum, we want to hold where we’re currently at and not drop down the ladder,” Ellis said.
“Like everyone, we are pushing for that top five, and it would be nice if we could make it.”