NSW Swifts coach Briony Akle is relieved to be entering a bye week and believes the exhaustion amongst her Super Netball squad was beginning to have an effect on the court.
The Swifts left it until the last minute to ensure victory on Sunday over last-placed Adelaide Thunderbirds, a side who had yet to win a single quarter this season.
"We looked exhausted," Akle said following their round-six 51-49 triumph.
"I think someone like Helen (Housby) hasn't really had a break since Comm Games and I think she looked exhausted."
"It does come down to the fact that they need a break - we're just very very lucky to get away with (a win)."
Goal shooter Sam Wallace was just one amongst a Swifts squad excited for a full five days away from netball and echoed her coach's concern over the energy levels of the squad.
"I think everybody's needs it at this point," Wallace said. "We're going to analyse (our last game) and relax."
While much of the squad were no doubt enthusiastic about the break, at least one player was finding it difficult totally distance herself from netball.
Swifts captain Abbey McCulloch directed her teammates' attention to a fixture 14 days away when NSW host reigning champions Sunshine Coast Lightning, who have found their feet in recent weeks.
"As Abbey said in our post-match huddle, our focus goes now directly to Lightning - even though we've got some time off, we've got loads of work to do," Akle said.
The NSW coach highlighted misplaced passes as a particular concern, given the core skill has been a mainstay of the Swifts' training regime in recent weeks.
"Obviously the shift won't be in our intensity in what we're doing," Akle said.
"These guys have got a goal that they want to win more games and be in the finals this year."