A pivotal member of the Queensland Firebirds defence for a number of years now, Tara Hinchliffe has made the intriguing decision to head up the coast to the Sunshine Coast Lightning for season 2022, looking for a fresh start. Hinchliffe will bring plenty of explosiveness and depth to the Lightning defensive unit, however she also brings with her an ongoing knee rehabilitation, having torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the latter rounds of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season. Still relatively young, it is daunting just what Hinchliffe can offer the rebuilding Lightning.

That being said, Hinchliffe offers a calm head and leadership qualities, able to direct play and smother her opposition to allow her teammates to turn over the loose ball. Initially a goal defence, Hinchliffe has seamlessly transitioned to a goal keeper role over the pat few years but can still offer that run and carry and great movement in transition, and her versatility will definitely add another string to the Lightning's bow. Hinchliffe's ability to read the play, intercept passes and shut down her opposition is what makes her such an exciting talent, offering plenty of endurance, hands over pressure and quick footwork to make her a daunting prospect in the goal circle.