Traditionally, sporty siblings engage each other in fierce backyard battles that sharpen their competitive instincts, develop their skills and, occasionally, shatter windows.
Rivalry drives them closer together but every now and then, competition heats up and elbows fly increasingly close to chins.
These Firebirds twins are the best of mates and insist their sibling skirmishes were always within the rules.
“It’s always been friendly,” Maddie said. “We’re like the least competitive people you’d know.”
The pair is the youngest of four siblings but a sizeable age gap between them and their older sister and brother meant the twins were always playmates.
Tara, the taller of the two at 185cm, started her netball in the junior ranks as a shooter before switching to defence.
Maddie sampled netball as a goal attack before learning she had a knack as a midcourter.
“We were always up against each other but that’s what made us grow as players. In the backyard every afternoon we were shooting goals (and) defending together,” she said.
“That’s what made us so close. We had a playmate all the time.
“If you get angry with each other you’re alone, so you may as well make friends if there’s a tussle.”
Tara had a breakthrough Suncorp Super Netball season for the Firebirds in 2018 but Maddie has had to be more patient.
She was mentioned as a replacement when centre Mahalia Cassidy injured her knee in 2017 but is still waiting for a debut.
The 181cm wing defence or centre looked at home when given a chance during the #TeamGirls Cup and is hoping, after three years on the fringe, that 2019 will be her breakthrough.
“I’m always up for a challenge,” Maddie said.
“Learning from the past three years, I’ve grown and developed and definitely feel ready that I can do it.
“I know the girls a lot better and know they have my back.”
The Queensland Firebirds take on the Melbourne Vixens in the season opening this Saturday 27 April at 3pm AEST at Melbourne Arena. View the Fixture here.
