Thunderbird Leigh Waddington ready to take on Queensland Firebirds in netball grand final

THREE years ago Leigh Waddington was recovering from a knee reconstruction. Now she's taking to the court with the Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship.

Holly Petersen

less than 2 min read

July 9, 2013 - 2:32PM

Northern Messenger

THREE years ago Leigh Waddington's fitness goals were limited to being able to run the length of a netball court after a knee reconstruction and two arthroscopies.

But this weekend, Waddington, of Gawler, will take her place in the Adelaide Thunderbirds' line up vying for the ANZ Championship.

"Getting to the grand final is the high point of my career," Waddington says.

"If we win it will be even more of a high.

"I think if that was the end of my playing career I'd be satisfied."

Waddington, 28, took up a one-year contract as one of the Thunderbirds' 12-strong squad in the top competition in November.

Before that she was called up for the reserves after showing her skills at the Australian Netball League Championships in 2011, a prime recruiting ground for the ANZ Championship teams.

But her road to the top was far from straight forward. After being cut from the T-Birds in 2007 and taking up a spot with state league side Cougars, Waddington severely injured her right knee. Two years of surgery and recovery followed.

"Just being able to run was a huge thing," Waddington says.

"It took me about two years to get back to the pace and speed I had before."

The Thunderbirds booked their place in a home Grand Final with a win over Melbourne Vixens on June 30.

Waddington says going one step further to win the premiership in front of a home crowd would be a "dream come true"

The Adelaide Thunderbirds take on the Queensland Firebirds at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday, July 14, 2pm.

And having the home crowd behind her will make all the difference.

"Our crowd is amazing," Waddington says.

"When you hear the roars ... they just really push you through.

"Having the opportunity to play in front of 10,000 supporters at the Entertainment Centre for the Grand Final is. . something I thought I'd never be able to experience."