The 2020 season will see Maddie Hay finally get to step up to being a full-time GIANT.
Hay is now a fully contracted player after three years of being a training partner within the GIANTS Netball program with an opening in the squad becoming available after the retirement of fellow Sutherland Shire netballer Kim Green.
GIANTS Head Coach Julie Fitzgerald said Hay was one the hardest working training partners in 2019.
“Maddie’s hard work and patience during her three years as training partner has certainly been recognised.
“She’s improved immensely and has more than earnt her place in the team this season.”
Hay has been an avid participant throughout pre-season, working hard and making the most of every opportunity, particularly impressing in the practice matches against other clubs earlier this year and the more frequent intra-club match play on a weekly basis.
“Maddie has focused a great deal of work in the off-season on her foot speed and acceleration and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this on court in 2020,” said Fitzgerald.
The newest member of the team has already received a GIANTS playing number, after debuting for the GIANTS in round one of 2019 due to other players’ injuries and unavailability.
Playing throughout the midcourt, Hay will use her range of experience within the GIANTS Netball program to earn as much court time as possible this year, with rolling substitutions likely to assist the younger and less capped players like Hay.
“This year we will really benefit from Maddie’s ability to play all three centre court positions,” Fitzgerald said.
“A strong defensive presence and the ability to read the play has always been a feature of Maddie’s game.”
The season is set to start on the 1st August, with the league still yet to announce a fixture.
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