Sport
14 April, 2026
Slow start costs Baggies
Swifts senior football side have begun its 2026 Horsham District Football Netball League season with a 47-point defeat to Noradjuha Quantong at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
The Bombers set the tone early, bursting out of the blocks with seven goals to one in the opening quarter to establish a commanding 36-point lead at the first break. Their momentum continued into the second term, stretching the margin to 50 points by half-time.
Despite the early deficit, the Swifts showed greater resilience after the main break. They lifted their intensity in the third quarter to reduce the margin slightly, before ultimately going down 12.15 (87) to 6.4 (40).
Will Wickham led the scoring for the Swifts with two goals, while Jack Cann, Daniel Clee, Justin Puruntatameri and Liam Scott each contributed a major. Among the best players were Scott Carey, Liam Scott, Jack Cann, Hayden Hamilton, Bourke Nicholls and Mack Padley.
Coach Nigel Sibson was left to reflect on another sluggish start, noting it had also been an issue during the pre-season.
“Our practice matches were similar in that we had a slow start, and that is something we need to address,” Sibson said.
“Against quality opposition, if you give a good team a head start, it’s never going to end well. But after quarter-time, we dug in and competed much better.”
He added that preparation would be a key focus moving forward.
“It’s always difficult to pinpoint exactly, but we need to make our preparation more structured and organised. If we can get that right, we’ll be in a much better position to compete.”
Sibson also pointed to improvement on last season’s heavy defeat to the same opposition, where the margin reached 145 points.
In positive signs, he highlighted Hayden Hamilton’s versatility in the ruck and midfield in the absence of Brett Hargreaves, as well as a strong showing from Jack Cann in the midfield.
“Hayden started in our back six, and then we moved him into the ruck, and he played some ruck and midfield in the second half and performed well against one of the best ruckmen in the league, Jack Vague,” he said.
“Jack also stood up in the midfield and did what was required, and one of the guys who got more physical and hungry.”
The Swifts now have a bye before returning to action against reigning premiers Harrow Balmoral Football Netball Club on Sunday, April 26.
Read More: Stawell