The Rose Who Led the Storm

Nat Metcalf’s time with Manchester Thunder has spanned two influential spells and has helped shape some of the club’s most successful years.

After establishing herself as one of England’s premier attacking players with Yorkshire Jets, Metcalf first joined Thunder in 2016, immediately helping the side reach the Netball Super League Grand Final. She later returned to the club ahead of the 2022 season following a highly successful spell in Australia with the NSW Swifts, bringing with her a wealth of experience, leadership and a winning mentality.

Her achievements with Thunder have been significant. On her return in 2022, Metcalf played a pivotal role in the club’s historic unbeaten Netball Super League campaign, as Manchester Thunder won the title without losing a single match. She later captained the side, guiding a new-look squad through a period of transition while maintaining Thunder’s position among the league’s elite clubs. Her influence extended beyond statistics, with her vision, creativity and composure making her one of the most respected wing attacks in the competition.

Metcalf’s development as a player has mirrored Thunder’s own growth into a powerhouse of domestic netball. Having progressed from a talented Super League player into an England captain and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, she returned to Thunder as a more complete athlete and leader. Her experience gained in Australia’s highly competitive Suncorp Super Netball competition enhanced her game management, decision-making and leadership qualities, all of which benefitted the Thunder environment and the development of younger players within the squad.

As she departs Thunder, new club after Commonwealth Games perhaps?. Metcalf leaves a lasting legacy built on excellence, professionalism and leadership. She has been instrumental in fostering the culture that has defined Manchester Thunder in recent years, helping establish standards both on and off the court. Her contribution to the club goes far beyond trophies, having inspired teammates and supporters alike while maintaining Thunder’s reputation as one of the strongest and most consistent teams in the Netball Super League.

A particularly fitting quote from Thunder Head Coach and Franchise Director Karen Greig came when Metcalf re-signed with the club in 2023:
“I could not be happier to re-sign our captain fantastic, and Nat is invaluable to us both on and off the court. On court she has the most amazing skill to sight a pass in a split second and deliver a pinpoint pass.”

“Her work ethic both in attack and defence sees her continually put out solid performances for us. Off court she was the perfect leader in 2023, and her ability to pull together a group of athletes with different personalities and really continue to grow our family culture is really precious to us.”

This quote neatly captures the impact Metcalf has had on Manchester Thunder throughout her career, both as an elite performer and as a leader within the club.

The Netball Show sponosored Nat’s last season at AO Manchester Thunder and were proud to be associated with a player that showed such commitment on a weekly basis, Who was it that said “Every Team Needs An Nat” oh yes, us!

Every Team Needs A Nat