Swift Housby misses more Super Netball

The Super Netball-leading NSW Swifts will again be without England shooter Helen Housby for Saturday's home clash with the third-placed Melbourne Vixens.

Housby missed last week's narrow loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning with a thigh problem and has yet to fully recover.

With the Swifts already assured of making the finals with three rounds remaining they are taking no risks with the accomplished shooter.

Housby will be assessed again next week ahead of the match against the Magpies in Launceston.

"Saturday's clash with the Vixens will be one of our biggest challenges to date but it comes too soon for Helen," said Swifts head coach Briony Akle.

"There's no question that we'd love to have her out there going up against one of the best defensive units in the game, but we have top class replacements in Sophie Garbin and Natalie Haythornthwaite.

"We've had our problems with injuries this year but we have pulled together really well when we've needed to and got results."

The Swifts took the maximum points from their last clash with Vixens In Melbourne, though they didn't win any of the quarters by more than three goals.

However, the Vixens approach this clash at Sydney's Quaycentre in form having won four straight either side of the World Cup-enforced break.

The Swifts are just three points ahead of Sunshine Coast Lightning with Vixens a further point back.