A record National Netball League crowd has watched the Sydney Swifts jump to the top of the competition with an emphatic 51-38 victory over defending champion Melbourne Phoenix at the Sydney Superdome.

A crowd of 9,543 packed the Olympic venue, easily eclipsing the previous record of 6,000 for the 2000 grand final in Melbourne.

More than 9,000 people were present by halftime of the early game of the double header in which Sydney Sandpipers scored a 54-35 win over Queensland Firebirds.

In Friday night's other match, Melbourne Kestrels scored a 54-44 away win over AIS Canberra Darters at AIS Arena.

Swifts coach Julie Fitzgerald hailed her team's first half performance as its best half of netball since Sydney's 2001 premiership victory.

Phoenix had won its last seven matches stretching back to round 134 last year when it lost 49-46 to the Swifts in Sydney.

Leading 15-10 at quarter time, Sydney blew Phoenix away with e 14-2 burst in the first 9-1/2 minutes of the second quarter.

The Swifts relentless defence hurried Phoenix into turnovers with the Swifts decisively winning the mid-court battle.

Sydney shot 75 per cent with Jane Altschwager scoring 27 goals at 73 per cent and Catherine 24 at 77 per cent.

Phoenix converted 73 per cent of their opportunities with Kristen Wheeler landing 22 at 81 per cent and Australian shooter Sherelle McMahon enduring a rare off night with 16 goals at 64 per cent.

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