A much-loved GIANT has called time on her netball career, with former Australian Diamond, April Brandley, announcing that the 2023 season will be her last at all levels.
The Sutherland Shire junior has had a National League career spanning 13 years, five clubs and 153 matches at the conclusion of Sunday’s final match of the season.
Brandley’s elite netball career began in 2011, signed as a replacement player with the Queensland Firebirds at the age of 21.
She went on to represent the NSW Swifts, West Coast Fever and Collingwood Magpies, earning the status of one of Australia’s premier defenders and making her Diamonds debut in 2013.
The 33-year-old played 39 games in the green and gold, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 Netball World Cup.
In 2019, Brandley stepped away from the game after 95 matches to become a mum to her beautiful son Clay.
Returning to the game and her home state, Brandley joined the GIANTS for the 2020 season, committing to back-to-back hubs in Queensland with her son Clay and husband Jason to resume her career as a professional athlete.
Brandley was awarded the GIANTS’ Players’ Player in 2021, a significant contributor to the GIANTS’ second grand final appearance.
“Even though it’s closing the chapter of a book that has had a huge impact on my life, I'm very excited and ready for this next phase in my life,” Brandley said.
“I feel really content looking back on my career, knowing that I gave it my all.
“I feel so grateful for all the things this incredible sport has given me.
“Thank you to everyone for all your support over the years and a big thank you to GIANTS Netball who have been incredible these past four years to support me to live my dream of being a mum and playing the sport I love.
“I am and always will be, proud to be a GIANT.”
Coach Julie Fitzgerald paid tribute to Brandley’s career and her resilience.
“It’s been an absolute honour to call April a GIANT for the past four seasons,” said Fitzgerald.
“As a talented NSW junior, she was someone I had admired and wanted to coach for a little while, so it’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to coach her.
“April has brought so much to this team both on and off the court and has helped shaped the standards and culture that help make the GIANTS who we are.
“April, Clay and Jason’s presence will be deeply missed, but we wish the Brandley family all the best in the next chapter.”
The GIANTS’ 2023 season will come to an end this weekend at the conclusion of the home and away season. They host the Melbourne Vixens at Ken Rosewall Arena on Sunday at 4pm.
GIANTS members and supporters are encouraged to join the GIANTS for their last home game of the season to celebrate Brandley’s brilliant career.
