Super Netball 2023: Maddy Proud’s focus on Swifts form driving her Diamonds World Cup dream
The fact that Diamonds candidates cannot be distracted from their Super Netball focus before the Australian World Cup team is named is a good outcome according to Swifts co-captain Maddy Proud.
Netball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Netball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Midcourt ace Maddy Proud says being forced to keep the “clubland” blinkers on while fighting for Diamonds selection is a blessing in disguise, forcing players to maintain a team-first ethos while selectors deliberate in the background.
Proud, who made her Diamonds debut against New Zealand last year a decade after first being named in the squad, is part of an outrageously deep midcourt group that will fight for just four places in the final Australian team as well as one travelling reserve spot.
Proud admitted to some nerves before the squad was announced given she initially missed selection last year before being added to the wider group ahead of the Commonwealth Games – something she reminded axed teammate Maddy Turner last week.
“You’re never you never fully out of it and if you keep performing, there is always an opportunity to get added,” Proud said of Turner.
“But for me individually, the midcourt that you see across this league is just insane and I think you could probably make four Diamonds teams with the depth that you’ve got, which is so exciting.
“There’s been so many players that missed out that are in great form but it just goes to show what exciting talent we are producing in Australia.
“So I’m never ever comfortable (about being selected) but always grateful and just so honoured to be alongside some pretty incredible names, especially in a really exciting year.”
For now though, Proud knows the only thing she and other Diamonds squad members can control is how they play for their clubs and she is determined to help the Swifts maintain their place in the four, starting with Sunday’s Inclusion Round clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Ken Rosewall Arena’s lower and upper bowls will be fitted with Pride seat covers, creating a rainbow stadium for fans, with the club having worked with Proud2Play in the lead-up to the match to gain key knowledge relating to the importance of hosting a Pride Match.
It’s a crucial game for the scrapping Swifts, who are confident consistency will come but know few things are more important to a successful season than winning.
The two-time premiers sit in third place on the competition ladder at the halfway point of the season after hanging on for three successive nailbiting victories with a combined margin of just five goals.
Having missed the finals by just a goal last year, the Swifts’ ability to hang on for consecutive one-goal victories before beating the Giants by three last week in the NSW derby was crucial.
“At least we’ve had that experience of playing in tight games and hopefully, we’ll make these round games seem like finals and then come finals, that’s where the blowouts will occur,” she said.
One of those single-goal wins was against the Lightning just three weeks ago, the Swifts finishing fast after the Queenslanders held a five-goal margin in the third quarter.
A quirk of the draw means they’ll meet again this week and while the attention will naturally go to shutting down their Diamonds shooters Steph Wood and Cara Koenen, Proud, her co-captain Paige Hadley and their fellow midcourters will have to contain their opposites, including rising Lightning star Annie Miller.
“I think Annie Miller has really added that calmness and control to that midcourt as well,” Proud said.
“But then you look down the other end and you’ve got Karla Pretorius, who is one of the best defenders in the world – and I think Kadie-Ann Dehaney as well is one of the most exciting players and someone that you never want to put the ball too much in the air for her to have a hunt at.
“So it’s one of those games where you do really just have to do all the cliches of your job first and if every individual player can beat their opponent on the day, we’ll be all right on the day.”
Originally published as Super Netball 2023: Maddy Proud’s focus on Swifts form driving her Diamonds World Cup dream
The Vixens’ ’burning desire’ for redemption after 2024 heartache
Melbourne defender Rudi Ellis says the Vixens have not been lacking for motivation during the pre-season and has opened up on the heartache from their 2024 grand final loss that’s fuelling their redemption.
‘Intensity and ferocity’: Male training partners an upward trend
As Super Netball looks to lift its “intensity and ferocity” across the league, the signing of male training partners are increasing in popularity, with West Coast Fever coach Dan Ryan leading the way.