Maddie Hay is rightfully beginning to get the recognition she deserves.
The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength in her second year of wearing the wing attack bib for the GIANTS.
The former wing defence, turned wing attack, is arguably one of the most consistent and top performing wing attacks in the league.
“I’m not really a cookie cutter type wing attack,” Hay confessed.
“I’ve had to try and re-brand the position and convince Julie that it can work.
“I like to think that netball doesn’t have to be played one singular way, I think it’s really cool that any number of options can fit in to any role and make it their own.
“I like the way I play though, and I think it works for our team.”
In terms of convincing Julie – and any other selectors for that matter – Hay’s form this season speaks for itself.
Not only has she cemented her spot in the GIANTS’ starting seven, but she was also rightfully rewarded with selection in the Australian Development Squad.
“It was very exciting,” said Hay
“I wasn’t expecting it all. I didn’t even realise there was a selection happening.”
Maddie Hay’s journey has been one of a never surrender attitude and one that should inspire young netballers that may not achieve success straight away.
Two years-ago Hay was contemplating her options after three years as a Training Partner on the fringe of the squad. At the age of 24, had she missed her opportunity and was it time to move on?
“I still think I was doing the right thing [in considering her options],” she admitted.
“I felt like I was at an age where I couldn’t give more as a Training Partner and that I needed to go out and live life a little bit.
“As much as I loved being a Training Partner – and I can’t stress that part enough – I really did love what I was doing but it wasn’t really the type of career a 24/25 year-old could keep doing and still try to earn money.
“I have no regrets about the way it happened and the way I did get my opportunity and the time that it took me to get there.”
With the competition as close as it is this year, the GIANTS have had their fair share of high-pressure moments and Hay seems to be one to thrive in these moments and deliver for her team.
A tip to gain in the final minutes of the West Coast Fever match and an intercept in the final 10 seconds against the Swifts that gave the GIANTS an unconverted opportunity to win or draw the match.
“I’m no Sophie Dwyer under pressure,” she said, paying homage to the super-cool youngster.
“I do feel a lot calmer on the court than I would if I was watching.
“But I think the few times have just been flukey – I think it’s a combination of everyone knowing that we need that intercept and stepping up the defence and I just manage to be the one to pull the ball in.”
Stepping up in high pressure moments is a skill based on both talent and composure and one that you don’t usually expect from a lesser experienced player.
Experience has been a topic of discussion for the GIANTS, with five players, including Hay, playing in their first Super Netball Finals series.
“I think experience does come into play and I think that showed in our first final against the Swifts,” said Hay.
“Our problems weren’t too bad other than just a bit of nerves and bit of up tightness to release the ball and I think we showed a lot of class for the rest of the game and got ourselves out of that hole which was really exciting and a positive to take away.”
“But if any team without experience has the maturity to go all the way I think it’s this team."
