Having won two Super Netball premierships in the past three seasons, the Swifts were determined to keep the nucleus of their side together and locking in their co-captains is a massive start.
The NSW Swifts have laid the foundation for further Super Netball success by re-signing captains Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley for the next two years.
Having won two premierships in the past three seasons, the Swifts were determined to keep the nucleus of their side together to maintain success and locking in the double premiership-winning midcourters is a massive start.
Proud, who joined the Swifts in 2017 and made up for the agony of missing the 2019 grand final with injury by playing in her first decider last month – with a broken rib – said joining another outfit was never an option.
“I have loved being a part of the Swifts since moving from Adelaide after Suncorp Super Netball replaced the ANZ Championship and have really found a home in Sydney,” she said.
“With Briony at the helm and sharing the captaincy with Paigey, I have learned so much about the Swifts teams of the past and I think we’ve given ourselves a great shot to continue their legacy.
“It’s a bloody great club with top people on court, off court, in the stands and wherever people tune in from around NSW and further afield.
“The Swifts have also given me the platform to make the Diamonds squad and now I want to take my game to the next level.
“I’m up for it and the Swifts are up for it, so I can’t wait to get started.”
NSW junior Hadley grew up supporting the Swifts and said to be re-signing with the club she had played 100 games for and led to two premierships was a dream.
“I love the Swifts and I am passionate about what we have created over the past number of years, and where we can go in the coming seasons,” said Hadley, who has already racked up a decade as a Swift.
“I am proud to not just play with a brilliant bunch of teammates, but also represent a club which means so much to so many people all over NSW and beyond.
“The legacy of the Swifts has inspired this group and we are looking to build on it even more.
“The challenge for us now is to go back-to-back.
“This is a very special club, and to have had the honour of captaining the Swifts makes me immensely proud and excited for challenges that lie ahead. in front of my family, friends and of course our Swifts fans.”
While the Swifts have lost premiership players Nat Haythornthwaite (England) and Sophie Garbin (Super Netball), coach Briony Akle’s hopes to have most of her squad remain have had a strong start with the signing of Proud and Hadley.
“Our plan was those few years ago when we won in 2019 that we would drive this home and try and get success not just once,” Akle said.
“It wasn’t a fluke – we’ve got a bloody great team. I hope we all stay together.”
Originally published as Super Netball: NSW Swifts re-sign co-captains Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley on two-year deals