Adelaide Thunderbirds want star shooter Maria Folau to play on next season
Adelaide Thunderbirds’ shooting stocks have taken a hit but they would “love” to have superstar Maria Folau back in the ranks next season.
Adelaide Thunderbirds will meet with gun shooter Maria Folau in the next couple of weeks in a bid to convince her to extend her stint with the club into the 2020 Super Netball season.
Thunderbirds coach Tania Obst said she would love the New Zealand champion to return to Adelaide after showcasing her extraordinary talents in her debut season this year.
The push to have Folau return to Adelaide has taken on added significance after emerging star Sasha Glasgow ruptured her ACL in the opening quarter against Giants Netball in Mile End on Sunday.
Glasgow will have a knee reconstruction in the next two weeks, although the youngster is optimistic she will miss few games next season.
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“Having Maria return would be ideal but we have had no discussions with her,” Obst said. “We will have those conversations with her in the next week or two.
“There has been so much going on with Sasha and Emma (Ryde) this week and that has been at the front of our minds. Sasha’s injury does add another layer of complexity (recruiting) and we will start to nut that out next week.
“Recruiting for next year and what that team looks like has been put on hold for this week.”
Scans have alleviated Fears Ryde had also damaged her ACL against the Giants with her issue being diagnosed as a hyperextension injury.
“There is significant bone bruising in Emma’s knee and she will need rest,” Obst said. “She won’t be considered for this week (against Sunshine Coast Lightning in Queensland on Saturday night), but should be back on court sooner rather than later.
“She has done really well considering she has been going back to Melbourne and training with us only once a week. She has showed she is a target in the goal circle and we need to look at what it means for her moving forward.”
Cody Lange and training partner Charlee Hodges have been summoned into the 10-person line-up to face the Lightning as the replacements for Glasgow and Ryde.
Obst said Hodges and Lange had been immersed in the team environment and training well.
The Lightning will attempt to protect top spot on the ladder in the final round clash, while the Thunderbirds will be aiming to avoid another wooden spoon.