Swifts welcome Paige Hadley back

Swifts welcome Paige Hadley back for crunch Lightning clash

NSW Swifts and Australian Diamonds champion midcourter Paige Hadley will return to action for this Saturday’s vital Round 9 Suncorp Super Netball clash against Sunshine Coast Lightning at Ken Rosewall Arena (5pm).

A double Premiership winner with the Swifts and a Club Centurion, Hadley sat out the start of this year’s campaign after welcoming her first child in February.

Her return means Temporary Replacement Player Gina Crampton drops out of the squad this weekend. She remains part of the Swifts’ senior training group.

Head Coach Briony Akle said Hadley’s commitment and dedication played a huge role in her quick return to the court.

“Paige is probably the most determined athlete I’ve ever coached and the way she balances her professional career with motherhood is a wonder to behold,” she said.

“She continued to train alongside us right up until she welcomed her beautiful son Tully to the world and has worked closely with our medical team to give herself the best opportunity at coming back this year.

“Paige still has a lot she wants to achieve in this game and with her track record of success with the Swifts we were always hoping to have her back at some stage this year.

“I want to make a special mention of Gina Crampton, herself a new mum, for being such a wonderful athlete in our group and providing world-class cover in Paige’s absence.”

The Swifts and Lightning go head-to-head at 5pm on Saturday at Ken Rosewall Arena.