WITH most clubs now looking to tie up loose ends, the Suncorp Super Netball free agency and trade period has thrown up plenty of big announcements ahead of season 2022. Those announcements continued today, with the GIANTS finalising their list as Sunshine Coast Lightning confirmed the penultimate piece of its puzzle.

The GIANTS have backed some developing local talent, elevating pathways players Amy Sligar and Matisse Letherbarrow to the main squad for season 2022. Both players earned brief court time throughout the 2021 season as part of the training partner program, stepping in for injured players, and proved capable of stepping up to the plate.

Midcourter, Sligar said she is excited to be offered her first SSN contract, and hopes to contribute to the club’s further success in years to come.

“To play elite netball has been a dream of mine since I started playing netball and it is crazy to think that some of my idols are now going to be my teammates,” Sligar said. “I have loved every minute of my time at the GIANTS so far and I am excited to continue on as a full-time contracted athlete next season.

“I’m very grateful to be a part of the GIANTS family and excited to begin our 2022 season as we aim to build on the success of previous years.”

Letherbarrow was an injury replacement for much of this season, and said it is a dream to be given a chance to properly contend at the next level.

“This is every girl’s dream, and this is what you work so hard for, so to be given the opportunity in the orange dress is not only a dream come true but an honour,” Letherbarrow explained.

“Having been a part of the team in 2021 and having made the Grand Final, I definitely want to be back there in 2022 and to win.

“I just want to always put my best foot forward on and off the court and to help our team to get there.”

The Lightning have made a long-awaited announcement about the return of Karla Pretorius, with the tenacious South African defender set to pull on the dress for another season. The Lightning foundation player is pivotal to the side’s success, having played in all 80 Lightning matches since the club’s inception and proved to be one of the greatest defenders not only in the SSN, but worldwide.

“Karla is the ultimate club person and we’re thrilled that she will be back at Lightning next season,” head coach Kylee Byrne said. “Karla expects the absolute best of herself in every session and the influence on her teammates in matches to follow her lead is one of her strengths.

“While highly disciplined, she is also an approachable and caring person who has time for anyone and that makes her an invaluable asset to our team.”

The West Coast Fever also updated their list on Tuesday evening, with goal attack Alice Teague-Neeld returning to the fray for another two years. The Victorian born talent has curated her game throughout her time with the Fever, adding greater confidence and accuracy to her playmaking arsenal.

“I have absolutely loved my time here so far and cannot wait to build on what we have created as a team,” Teague-Neeld said.

“It’s an exciting time for the club with Dan Ryan signing as head coach. I’m really looking forward to working with Dan and can’t wait to get back together as a group and keep building towards ultimately getting that trophy.

“The last couple of years we have come so close as a team. I think you are going to see an extremely determined and energetic Fever in 2022 and I can’t wait to play in front of the Green Army again.”

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2021 SSN signing update: 27/9

SSN signings week one: The story so far | SSN signings week two: Clubs announce fresh faces

Picture credit: AAP / Brendon Thorne