By Philip Jurkovsky
Just when you thought we had reached the pinnacle of madness in 2020, 2021 decided to go a step further. With constant uncertainty on where the next match would be played or what city you would be rushed off to at a moment’s notice, the sacrifices the players and coaches have made this season are unparalleled.
As captain of the Swifts, Maddy Proud has experienced first hand the difficulties and challenges that have presented themselves this season.
“It’s been a pretty crazy year to say the least. It’s funny now looking back on last year, which we thought was pretty tumultuous in terms of packing up, leaving and setting up a hub, but this year actually makes last year seem like a bit of a breeze.”
“At least last year you knew you were in the one place at the one time and there was no packing up and leaving without much notice.”
Within the space of four weeks, the Swifts were required to move and quarantine in four separate states.
Despite all of the obstacles every player, coach and official have had to make, Maddy appreciates the opportunity she has been given to continue doing what she loves so much.
“We are just so lucky, fortunate and grateful in being able to escape lockdown and being able to keep playing netball and doing what we love when so many people are unable to do so.”
“We certainly know how privileged we are so that has been the overarching theme for this whole season.
"Knowing what everyone is going through back in Sydney and all across Australia has been that extra bit of motivation and inspiration that we’ve needed. We just want to make the most of every moment that we have and know that the sacrifices we have all made and the things that we have been through can make it all worth it.”
Winning the 2021 Grand Final would certainly make all of those sacrifices worth it, but to Maddy, this opportunity might hold a little extra weight than others.
Back in 2019, Maddy suffered a heartbreaking ACL injury that ruled her out for the remainder of the season. The Swifts then went on to win the Premiership in the same year without their star midcourter and captain.
But, despite the heartbreak of missing out in 2019, Maddy’s outlook on her absence from the 2019 Grand Final is nothing short of inspiring.
“Obviously there was devastation in 2019 but still being able to be involved in that year was incredible. I think just the fact of getting to play in a Grand final in any circumstance or situation is such a blessing and such a great opportunity. I feel so many people go through their career without getting the opportunity to play in a Grand Final”
“We talked about as a team when we compare back to 2019 that you can’t try and replicate the same feeling or you can’t try to relive that same experience because every year has a new and fresh way to do it, so that’s how I’m trying to look at it.”
When coming into such a big game like a Grand Final, it’s interesting to see the different mindset players have during the buildup. Do you pretend like it is just any ordinary regular season game or do you accept that it is much bigger than that?
Well, Maddy believes you can find a place inbetween.
“We sort of said we want to keep that fine line between treating it like a normal week but also knowing it’s not a normal week and actually enjoying the differences involved in a Grand Final. I’m just trying to soak it all in because you don’t know when it’s going to happen again and you also don’t know what could happen, so to me, it’s about not taking it for granted because you know how hard it is to get into this position.”
After suffering such a debilitating injury back in 2019, Maddy is back to her absolute best. The Swifts’ captain ended her 2021 campaign seventh in goal assists (222) and seventh in feeds (374) despite missing two matches.
It’s common to see players return from such a serious injury and not be able to perform at the same level prior to injury. Whether it’s a loss of mobility or just a lack of confidence in the body, you can excuse any player who is unable to return to previous form.
But Maddy has managed to squash those impediments and is back performing at the highest standard.
“On a personal level I feel like back in 2019 I was really starting to hit my straps and finding some really good form and then obviously I did my ACL which was a pretty big set-back.”
“It probably took me a while to get back to form and I found I probably didn’t hit those straps until the last few games [of 2020] so I still felt like I had a lot to give from last year. So I felt very lucky I was able to pick up from where I left off last year heading into this season which allowed me to find some individual form.”
That incredible form ultimately led to selection in the Diamonds squad, but while Maddy appreciates the honour of being selected to play for your country, team success is what drives her.
“As a team for us to be playing so well I think it just shows that when the team is performing and everyone is jelling the rest kind of takes care of itself. So it’s been an incredible year for the Swifts and to make it into the Grand Final that definitely outweighs all the individual accolades.”
One of the key factors that the Swifts have been able to make it through such a difficult season and still perform at an elite level can be put down to the influence of coaches Briony Akle and Bec Bulley.
Coaching can be tough at the best of times, but to be able to keep a team motivated and focused through a season full of obstacles and change, is a remarkable accomplishment.
Maddy reflects on just how important Briony and Bec have been in terms of team success and keeping morale high, but also expands on the individual sacrifices both coaches have had to make this year.
“They have been incredible. I think for Bec to have her kids and be away from her husband who has been left alone in Sydney and for Briony who originally split her family in half taking two kids with her and leaving two kids at home with her husband just fuels the fire of wanting to make sure we can get this victory for all of those sacrifices that they have made.”
“The pair have just been cool, calm heads through all of this. When Briony got stuck in Adelaide and had to quarantine there for a couple of weeks, that meant Bec had to stand up and take over the reins as head coach. We had Briony on zoom for training sessions as well which just shows the kind of commitment that they have set which has then set the standard for us.”
Stories like this just go to show the courage and determination all involved have displayed to keep the season alive. Without the sacrifices every player, coach, staff and official has had to make, the season would have no doubt been cut short.
When discussing the struggles and difficulties that the year has presented, Maddy was quick to show appreciation and gratitude to the fans who might be doing it tough at home.
“With all the fans/members and everything happening all over Australia with everyone coming in and out of lockdown and with how many people have missed out on playing sport this year, I guess just for them letting them know we are playing for them and doing it for those who can’t.”
“We definitely feel their love and support and it’s definitely what motivates us and keeps us inspired throughout this time.”
Make sure you watch Maddy in action on Saturday as her NSW Swifts take on the GIANTS in the 2021 Grand Final.
