NSW coach Briony Akle paid tribute to the 6,000 fans who turned up to watch the Swifts’ first home game in 616 days – and took a swipe at Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart after her side posted a hard-fought 55-43 victory over the Vixens.

The Swifts made their bow at their new home of Ken Rosewall Arena, battling out an aggressive match in which multiple players hit the floor and came out with injuries.

Swifts captain Maddy Proud battles with Mwai Kumwenda and Kate Eddy for the ball.Credit:Getty

After winning the premiership last year, Sunday’s loss was the Vixens’ third in a row. The major hole in the Vixen’s shooting circle left by the retirements of star goalers Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip was again exposed.

Kaylia Stanton struggled to step up into the role when needed and was hooked from the circle in the third quarter after shooting at just 37.5 per cent accuracy.

Throughout the game, the 2021 Vixens could hardly get within an inch of the Swifts, who are playing with confidence and skill.

From the first minute, the combination of Sam Wallace and Sarah Klau proved too dominant for the youth of the Vixens with the duo drawing a number of errors in possession from the visitors early on.

Almost 6,000 fans packed into Ken Rosewall Arena to watch the swifts down the Vixens.Credit:Getty

The shaky start from the Vixens allowed the Swifts stretch out to a 18-8 lead after just 15 minutes with Wallace’s perfect shooting accuracy pushing them to a 32-19 halftime advantage.

Mwai Kumwenda was pushed into GA as Vixens coach Simone McKinnis tried to stem the tide, and her decision paid dividends as the visitors clawed the deficit back to seven heading into the final quarter.

But Kumwenda fell awkwardly after attempting a shot and was unable to continue, ending the Vixens’ hopes of overhauling the hosts.

While the Vixens will be sweating on the injury to Kumwenda, the Swifts will also anxiously await results of scans on Maddy Proud’s foot after she was taken off in the final quarter.

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