Paige Hadley returns in Round 9 for Suncorp Super Netball

Paige Hadley is back in suncorp super netball. The Sydney Swifts named the 33-year-old midcourter to return in Round 9 just 10 weeks after the birth of her first child, and she is in line to face the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday.

Hadley and Tully

Hadley welcomed her son Tully in late February, then stayed close to the Swifts through pregnancy and the post-partum period. Her return gives Sydney another senior option in the middle of the court against a Lightning side that will test how quickly she can slot back in.

“The last few months have been an amazing start to a new journey for me,” Hadley said after being named to return. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear the dress again and I can’t wait to show my little guy what Mum does for a day job.”

Briony Akle on the comeback

Coach Briony Akle said Hadley kept training alongside the Swifts until Tully was born and worked with the club’s medical team to give herself the best chance of returning this year. Akle also said Hadley was “probably the most determined athlete I’ve ever coached,” and added that her balance of elite sport and motherhood was “a wonder to behold.”

“Paige still has a lot she wants to achieve in this game and with her track record of success with the Swifts we were always hoping to have her back at some stage this year,” Akle said. Gina Crampton, the temporary replacement, dropped out of the squad for the Lightning clash.

Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday

The Swifts and Lightning are scheduled to play at 4.30pm AEST at Ken Rosewall Arena. Hadley’s return arrives with a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow looming later this year, so Saturday offers the first look at how much of her old rhythm is back after a 10-week break from motherhood to matchday.