Shepparton Swans' Jana Riordan gets the counterattack moving.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Shepparton Swans pulled off two heists in July to steal premiership points from flag-worthy opposition, and their on-court leader can be issued with plenty of credit.
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Star Swans coach Jana Riordan has kept the red and white’s season alive in the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball, with a draw against Mooroopna in round 13 and one-goal victory over Shepparton in round 15 keeping the Swans a game and a half in touch of the top six.
Riordan’s ability to be an on-court general and tactical master while simultaneously producing assists in wing attack for her goalers is why she has earned the News’ July Player of the Month award for GVL netball.
One of the more experienced heads at Princess Park’s asphalt, Riordan can also run the centre role and be an influence at either end of the court, with an all-round game built on defensive prowess and a keen eye on the counter attack.
The Swans’ draw with the Cats and win over the Bears are the first times her women have taken home premiership points against top six sides this season, save for the round eight win over Mansfield, although the Eagles were not perched in the finals equation at that time.
The Swans face lower-rung sides Rochester (round 16) and Benalla (round 18) on their run home, and if Riordan can lead her side to produce yet another upset result against Seymour in round 17, we may see Shepparton Swans play a final or two in 2026.
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