Verity Simmons is returning to netball, with the West Coast Eagles AFLW convert set to make a comeback in her original sport with the NSW Swifts next year.

Simmons, 33, pressed pause on her netball career last year, leaving the West Coast Fever to take up a cross-code role at the Eagles.

But after seven games in her inaugural AFLW season before being delisted, Simmons will now return to the netball court after seizing an opportunity to replace pregnant Swifts co-captain Maddy Proud.

“I said back in 2023 that I was 11 years not out, and some time away has made me realise I still have more to give in netball,” the midcourter said.

“When Maddy announced that she was taking time out to have a baby I reached out because I thought this could be a great new challenge at a club I have always respected.

“I grew up in NSW and played with current and former Swifts in the Netball NSW pathway so going back to the State where I first fell in love with the game is like coming full circle.”

Simmons won Super Netball titles with the Fever in 2022 and Queensland in 2015 and has three Australian Diamonds caps to her name.

The veteran made a surprise exit from the Fever just a year after playing a key role in the club’s maiden premiership, saying her “heart isn’t in it 100 per cent anymore” before making the swap to footy.

But just 13 months on, Simmons will trade in an oval ball for a round one and join NSW for the club’s pre-season training in Janurary.

Swifts coach Briony Akle said Simmons’ fitness, endurance and experience were big selling points when deciding to lock her in as a replacement player.

“We had plenty of competition for Maddy’s roster spot but Verity was a standout when she came into our environment,” Akle said.

“Not only did she fit in well on the court, she really impressed us with her approach to training and her fitness levels are as good as ever.”