The NSW Swifts have confirmed two-time premiership midcourter Tayla Fraser will not be returning to the club for 2024.
Fraser has informed the Swifts she wishes to pursue “other opportunities” in a big move for the 24-year-old local junior.
Describing her teammates as “like sisters”, Fraser revealed it was the hardest decision to opt out of the Swifts for next season.
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“I have loved the Swifts since I can remember and getting to play for them has been the stuff of dreams,” she said.
“Wearing the red dress … winning two titles is something I’ll always cherish.
“I want to thank (coach) Briony who has coached me from my pathway days and developed me into the player I am today, as well as my teammates who’ve been like sisters.
“The backroom and office staff at the Swifts have always been hugely supportive and I’ll never forget the support of Swifts fans, not just in Sydney but wherever my time at the club took me.
“A sporting career is short and I feel like now is the right time to try a new environment but I will forever treasure what I achieved at the Swifts, and the people who made it such a special part of my life. A part of my heart will always belong to the club and everyone involved with it.”
Fraser has played 60 games for the Swifts, since making her debut back in 2019.
But questions had been asked of Fraser’s future at the club as she’s been forced to bide her time on the bench behind the likes of Diamond Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud.
Where Fraser will end up for 2024 remains just speculation, with cross-town rivals GIANTS looming large given their need to bolster midcourt depth.
Fraser becomes the second Super Netball star to announce she’s departing their club for 2024, off the back of 2022 grand final MVP Sasha Glasgow revealing she’s leaving the West Coast Fever.
With no CPA in place for the 2024 Super Netball season, no player contracts can be signed by any of the teams – with 80 spots on lists around the league up for grabs.
Swifts coach Briony Akle admitted she was disappointed to lose Fraser, who has been to three grand finals in her five seasons at the club.
“While we are disappointed to see her go, we understand that at 24 she has some big decisions to make about where she wants to take her career and we respect the decision she’s come to,” she said.
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“We’ve achieved a lot together and everyone at the Swifts wishes Tayla the best for what comes next.
“Tayla has been a key member of our setup for five years and I want to thank her for her immense contribution not just on the court, but across our netball community.
“A lot of players never get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final but Tayla played in three and won twice so she and her family can be exceptionally proud of everything she achieved with us. Tayla will forever be a double-champion of the Swifts and have a life-long connection with the club.”
Five Super Netball players including Collingwood pair Geva Mentor and Jacqui Newton have already announced their new deals overseas.
