The GIANTS would like to thank Maddie Hay for her amazing service to the club over the past nine seasons.
A training partner in the club’s inaugural season, Hay was elevated to the contracted list ahead of the 2020 season.
Since then she remained a mainstay in the GIANTS’ midcourt as she transitioned from a wing defence into one of the league’s most dangerous wing attacks.
In 2021 – the same year the GIANTS were named minor premiers and played in their second Grand Final - the Sutherland Shire District junior netballer was recognised for her breakout season, earning a spot in the Super Netball Team of the Year.
Throughout her time in the orange and charcoal, Hay became known for her composure under pressure, elite ball placement, and relentless work rate.
A quiet achiever with a team-first mentality, she embodied everything the GIANTS stand for, both on and off the court.
GIANTS Netball Executive General Manager, Tim Underwood, paid tribute to Hay’s contribution to the club.
“Maddie’s journey with the GIANTS has been one of perseverance, growth and excellence. From the very beginning, she has shown what it means to be a GIANT – humble, hardworking, and fiercely committed,” he said.
“She has developed into one of the league’s most dependable and creative midcourters and her contributions – both on and off the court – have left a lasting mark on our club and in our community.
“We’re incredibly grateful for everything Maddie has brought to the GIANTS and thank her for the significant role she has played in our journey so far.”
“While her time in the orange and charcoal comes to a close, Maddie will always be a valued part of the GIANTS family, and we wish her nothing but success in whatever comes next.”
Hay reflected on the past nine years and what this club has meant to her:
“I’m finishing up with the GIANTS a little earlier than I would have hoped for but I’m incredibly grateful for the time I've had with this amazing club,” she said.
“I loved every part of the journey – from being a training partner, the Canberra GIANTS and even the two hubs we endured.
“To my family, my partner Jock, and my friends – thank you for you being the most amazing supporters in all my netball pursuits and in life in general.
“To the members and fans, thank you for making my time so special – especially those who made an effort to say hi or strike up a conversation. I know I wasn’t the biggest or most exciting member of the team, but there was always someone who made me feel valuable.
“I like to think I did the underdogs proud and maybe inspired some quiet achievers along the way.
“But there is nothing I'll miss more than the team. These girls and the girls from past teams are almost the whole reason this job was so fun and I feel so fortunate to have shared this experience with them. I have learned so much and become a far better human for knowing them and being inspired by them. The friendships I made over the years I know I will carry for a lifetime – you can’t get luckier than that.”
