NSW Swifts head coach Briony Akle will have to reapply to keep the position in 2027 and beyond after the state netball body launched an "open recruitment process" – a bizarre situation that is rarely replicated.
But Akle said in a club statement she was "fully supportive" of the move, adding being head coach of the Swifts "is a privilege, not a right, and standing still is not an option".
"It is important to state first and foremost that Briony is a fantastic head coach and a proven champion of the club and at SSN level," Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said in the statement.
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"Today's announcement is a reflection of her motivation and commitment to continue to drive high-performance standards at the NSW Swifts.
"After nine seasons and a new SSN cycle to commence from 2027, the board in conjunction with Briony is focused on best practice governance to ensure a transparent, open process."
Scott said it was "testament to her professionalism" that Akle was "supportive of and engaged in the process".
"Applications are now open, with coaches who meet the criteria encouraged to apply," Scott added.
Akle has been head coach of the Swifts since 2017 and led them to premierships in 2019 and 2021, as well as the 2023 grand final.
She was a champion Swifts midcourt player in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning premierships in 2001 and 2004.
"I am fully supportive of the process that Netball NSW has engaged in, as it is vital to best practice, good governance, and being a leader in high-performance output," Akle said.
"At the Swifts, we always aim to be best on court and off it.
"Being head coach of the Swifts is a privilege, not a right, and standing still is not an option.
"I am exceptionally proud of what we've been able to achieve over the past nine years and passionate about where we can go next.
"I both welcome and am excited by the opportunity to present that vision through the process.
"Success of the Swifts over many generations has been driven by standards, innovation and doing more. I expect this of my players, and I am ready to do likewise."
Ahead of round 12 in the 2026 Super Netball season, the Swifts are sitting sixth in the eight-team competition on 16 points.
They have won four games this season and lost seven.
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