Football
22 May, 2026
Swifts eye first win
The Stawell Swifts’ senior football side will aim to end their winless start to the season when they host Kalkee in round seven of the HDFNL this Saturday May 23.
The Kees demonstrated they were one of the big risers from the previous season by winning their opening three games of the season, including a decisive win over 2025 finalists Pimpinio.
But Kalkee have since suffered losses, albeit competitive showings to top-three sides Kaniva Leeor and Noradjuha Quantong.
Swifts coach Nigel Sibson said his side would enter Saturday with confidence but admitted Kalkee would be another tough encounter.
“We certainly go into the game optimistic and confident knowing that if we can produce our best over four quarters we can certainly be in with a chance,” Sibson said.
“Kalkee will be another significant challenge for us; they’ve started off the year quite strong.
“They’re certainly going to be a handful and a formidable opponent.”
Yet to get a win in 2026, the Swifts coach said he remained encouraged by his side’s ability to compete with quality opponents, saying the team had not made the most of the chances.
“We feel that we’re improving and growing all the time,” Sibson said.
“Laharum obviously knocked off Noradjuah Quantong the week before playing us and there have been games this year like Harrow Balmoral in round three and then Laharum last weekend that show we're capable of competing with the best sides in the comp.
“At the end of the day, those teams were just a little bit too classy and probably made the most of their opportunities, whereas I think we squandered a few opportunities.
“If we had taken those it might have looked a little bit closer on the scoreboard.”