THE fourth day of Suncorp Super Netball signings opened with a bang, with a number of premiership players returning to the fray while Melbourne Vixens continued their daily re-signs.

The first big call of the day saw NSW Swifts announce the return of double premiership co-captains Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley, with both committing for another two seasons. The midcourt duo have led the charge over the past few seasons, leading the Swifts to two premierships in three seasons.

“I have loved being a part of the Swifts since moving from Adelaide after Suncorp Super Netball replaced the ANZ Championship and have really found a home in Sydney,” Proud said.

“With Briony at the helm and sharing the captaincy with Paigey, I have learned so much about the Swifts teams of the past and I think we’ve given ourselves a great shot to continue their legacy.

“It’s a bloody great club with top people on court, off court, in the stands and wherever people tune in from around NSW and further afield.”

Hadley also touched on the family aspect of the club, explaining how proud she is to represent and lead the club she grew up supporting.

“I love the Swifts and I am passionate about what we have created over the past number of years, and where we can go in the coming seasons,” she said. “2022 will be my 11th year with the Swifts and having been on the road for so much of the last two years I can’t wait to play at home again in front of my family, friends and of course our Swifts fans.

“This is a very special club, and to have had the honour of captaining the Swifts makes me immensely proud and excited for challenges that lie ahead.

“As a NSW junior I am thrilled to be a part of a team that inspires the next generation of talent coming through the pathways. I can’t wait to go again.”

Continuing the grand finalists trend, the GIANTS have re-signed star defender April Brandley, confirming the goal defence would be part of the team for the next two seasons in an exciting look to the future.

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the court with the GIANTS again next season and I get really excited looking at what’s ahead for our team,” Brandley said. “The club have been incredible with the support they’ve shown my family and myself in making the transition from motherhood, to getting back on court.

“I feel grateful to be in a place where I’m really enjoying my netball, so I’m very much looking forward to what we can continue to build in 2022.

“Hopefully that looks like some more home games and a home finals series.”

The Vixens’ steady trickle of player signings has continued, with Emily Mannix joining fellow returnees and Melbourne stalwarts in Kate Moloney, Liz Watson and partner in crime Jo Weston.

“Playing for the Vixens is such an honour, and I’m really excited to have signed again, and to be part of this next phase and group that we’re building,” Mannix said. “This year was obviously frustrating for me personally with injury, but it’s given me even more motivation to play my role next year and hopefully take it all the way as a team.

“I love playing with Jo down back. The two of us know each other’s game really well and I can’t wait to continue building our partnership out on court.”

Finally, Queensland Firebirds made their long awaited first announcement, confirming gut-running centre Kim Ravaillion will return again in 2022 and 2023. Head coach Megan Anderson is excited by Ravaillion’s decision to sign on with the club for two more seasons.

“Kim Rav is an absolute professional, she brings so much energy, accountability, and drive to the team,” Anderson said.

“She’s always wanting the best from herself and her teammates and is continually pushing to learn and grow as a player and a person.”

Ravaillion echoed that sentiment, explaining her excitement about the potential to grow from the past few seasons and achieve some success after a big rebuild.

“I signed on because I believe this club has so much potential,” Ravaillion said. “I feel we showed glimpses of what we were capable of which is exciting for what’s ahead.

“In 2022 I want to be holding that trophy up with my team.”

The West Coast Fever also named their third signing, with key midcourter Verity Charles confirmed for the next two years. The Fever are another club with unfinished business and high hopes for 2022, with Charles looking to better their finals form and claim that elusive maiden club premiership.

“I am really excited and my gratitude and appreciation to be a part of this club is super high right now,” Charles said. “We’ve got unfinished business. It was a tough year this year. We’ve learned, we’ve seen what we need to do, and I think now we’ll put the goods through. “It’s really exciting times at Fever.”

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Picture credit: Getty Images