Paige named vice-captain for NSW Swifts ahead of new season
PAIGE Hadley says she’s looking forward to the extra responsibility she’ll have during the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season after she was named NSW Swifts vice-captain.
The Standard
Don't miss out on the headlines from The Standard. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PAIGE Hadley says she’s looking forward to the extra responsibility she’ll have during the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season after she was named NSW Swifts vice-captain.
The youngster is now one of the oldest in the side at just 24.
The St Clair netballer is leading, along with captain Abbey McCulloch, a new era in the Swifts history and is now one of the most experienced players.
“We’ve had a big change up here and I’ve gone from being one of the youngest in the squad to the third oldest,” she said.
“I’m a bit nervous about it [being vice-captain] but excited as well to see what I can bring.
“I’m not going to change who I am. That’s how I become vie-captain.”
Hadley, who has played 15 times for Australia, has some leadership experience after captaining the Australian under 19s team in 2011.
She said her first priority was to play well herself before worrying about being one of the team leaders and there have been good early signs after the Swifts played close-fought pre-season matches against team like the Queensland Firebirds.
“We’ve got a really young and enthusiastic team,” Hadley said.
“The goal of this team is to come together right now and be together for years to come. It will take time before we’re regularly winning big matches.”
The team has a few weeks to prepare before its round one match against cross-town rivals Giants Netball on February 18.
The newly-formed club boasts a string of world-class players, many who played at the Swifts earlier in their careers.
Hadley said her side must be on top of its game immediately.
“They’ll be very tough. They’ve got five internationals in their starting side,” she said
Revealed: Players you need to watch at National Netball Championships
Future Diamonds will shine on the court at the National Netball Championships. Find out which players you should be keeping an eye on during the week-long tournament.
National Netball Champs 2024: NSW unveiled, Crombie’s bid for one better
The 2024 National Netball Championships are fast approaching. While NSW reveal their new and returning names, one of Queensland’s top shooters is candid with the fact she has unfinished business on the national stage. Full story inside: