The GIANTS have signed their 10th and final player for the 2021 season, locking up veteran defender April Brandley for the club's fifth year.
Brandley joined the GIANTS for season 2020 as a nominated training partner prior to the team relocating to the Queensland hub.
The mum of one - to eight-month old Clay - made her return to elite netball earlier than originally anticipated when she became GIANT #19 and went on to play 11 games for the GIANTS in 2020.
The 185cm agile defender started her career in New South Wales with the Swifts and has since had stints with the West Coast Fever and the Collingwood Magpies before signing with the GIANTS last season.
“Returning to netball always appealed to me, but the plan was to just see how I felt,” Brandley said.
“I really enjoyed being back around the game and the girls and I’m excited for what next season can bring.
“I was surprised with how well my body adapted back to netball mode in my quick return, but I’m looking forward to 2021 as I’ll have more time to prepare my body and get netball fit.”
Brandley will be one of a few athletes juggling the mum and athlete life with young kids next season following the announcement of Kim Ravaillion’s return and the anticipated return of Gretel Bueta, who is currently pregnant.
“Playing netball while being a mum is a completely new experience for me and I have a whole new appreciation for the word tired, but I enjoy the challenge,” Brandley admitted.
“It’s reassuring that as a sport we are on the right path in supporting women who wish to return to the elite environment after having kids.
“We still have a way to go, but I found it encouraging seeing players before me and now after returning after having a baby.
“It is empowering to be given the opportunity to continue to do what you love doing. You can do both and be supported, and to be honest so you should be.”
Brandley will continue to have the opportunity of a carer or support person present for Clay as per Netball Australia’s pregnancy and parental policy.
With the final spot filled and the GIANTS’ squad finalised for the 2021 season, the GIANTS farewell Teigan O’Shannassy after four years with the GIANTS as both a training partner and contracted athlete.
O’Shannassy debuted for the GIANTS in 2019 before missing this season with acute glandular fever.
