After a succession of close losses during the 2017 season, the team has been in pre-season training for the past six months.

The team has focused on basic skills and executing passes as well as strength and conditioning in the lead-up to its first game for 2018 against the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday.

McCulloch said the team was ready put its practice into play and secure a win against Queensland.

“Last year we lost games by one or two points,” she said.

“If we can bring everything together, we’ll have a good season.”

McCulloch, who took over as the captain of the team in 2017, impressed head coach Briony Akle in the off-season and was selected to lead the club for the 2018 season.

She will lead the team’s campaign to return to finals netball for the first time since 2016.

The midcourter will have no shortage of support on and off the court, with club stalwart Paige Hadley retaining her leadership role for the 2018 season, and 2017 most valued player Maddy Proud moving to the leadership group for the first time.

McCulloch said the opportunity to lead the NSW Swifts was a privilege.

“I grew up watching the NSW Swifts in Bowral,” she said.

“I feel proud and privileged to be the captain of the team.”

McCulloch encouraged young netballers who aspired to follow in her footsteps to work hard and never give up on their dreams.

“The biggest thing is to keep on trying,” she said.

“I missed out on teams but I turned up and kept training. 

“If you really want it, you can achieve it.”

The NSW Swifts will take on the Queensland Firebirds in round one of the super netball competition at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

The game will be a part of a double header, which will also include a round one clash between Giants Netball and the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Visit the Super Netball website at www.supernetball.com.au for more information or to purchase tickets to the double header event.