Sport
Tongala’s Dylan Nexhip steps up to the national frontier, assistant coaching NSW Swifts for the looming Super Netball season
Dylan Nexhip’s next move has him placed right at the peak of national netball.
The Tongala product was recently unveiled as the assistant coach of Suncorp Super Netball side NSW Swifts, understudying veteran mentor Briony Akle for the 2025 campaign.
Nexhip, a national and international defender with the NSW open men’s team and the Australian Kelpies, rises to the national netball plateau from North Shore United.
He coached NSU to the minor premiership in the open division of the 2024 Netball NSW Premier League, but is now thrilled to embark on a fresh challenge in the upper echelon of the sport.
“Firstly, I would like to thank Briony and her team for giving me this chance to take the next step in my netball journey,” he said.
“I have always had a huge admiration for the Swifts and everything they stand for, so to have this opportunity is a dream come true, and not one I take for granted.
“I am really excited to work with my fellow coaches, the players and everyone at the club both on and off the court.”
Being named in the coaching nucleus of a Super Netball club is a far cry from Nexhip’s humble beginnings in the Goulburn Valley.
Nexhip took on the A-grade job at Tongala in 2013, steering the Blues to two Murray Netball League grand finals before moving across to the Goulburn Valley League to lead Benalla and Shepparton Swans.
Now, he’ll get to work with some of the best in the nation.
As part of the Swifts’ coaching panel, Nexhip will rub shoulders with Australian Diamonds Sarah Klau and Paige Hadley and learn under long-time NSW netball brain Akle, who he voiced determination to impress in his new role.
“I want to approach my new role with determination, unwavering commitment and a relentless drive to assist Briony in further cultivating team and wider club success,” he said.
“I would also like to thank everyone at North Shore United and Knox Grammar Prep School, where I teach, for their support in helping me realise this dream.
“It is my philosophy that open-mindedness and willingness to evolve as both a person and a coach are hugely important when it comes to long-term success and the Swifts environment that Briony’s created is the epitome of this. I cannot wait to join the team.”
Meanwhile, another Goulburn Valley export has been tearing up the court — albeit with a basketball in hand.
Shepparton’s Maddie Garrick drilled 14 points for French-based club Charnay Basket in an 81-53 victory over Slovakian outfit Piestanske Cajky in the EuroCup Women last Thursday.
The 3x3 expert now eyes off a match against Hungarian side Sopron Basket this Thursday in round two of the cup.