Double Premiership-winning NSW Swifts captaincy duo Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley have committed to the seven-time Premiers for another two years.
The Australian Diamonds midcourters led the club to a second title in three years last month, sharing the leadership duties along the way.
Proud, who joined the Swifts in 2017 racked up her 100th elite club game this year and made up for the agony of missing the 2019 Grand Final with a sterling effort in the 2021 decider against the Giants.
A captain of the Swifts since 2019, Proud demonstrated her toughness and commitment by playing the Grand Final with a broken rib.
“I wasn’t prepared to go through that physical duress and give up the chance to run out in front of our fans in Sydney as reigning Premiers next year,” she said, smiling.
Proud added that playing for another club was never an option.
“I have loved being a part of the Swifts since moving from Adelaide and have really found a home in Sydney.
“With Briony at the helm and sharing the captaincy with [Paige], 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.
“The Swifts have also given me the platform to make the Diamonds squad and now I want to take my game to the next level. I’m up for it and the Swifts are up for it, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Hadley, a Swifts centurion who debuted in 2012, is delighted to be re-signing with 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,” Hadley said.
“I am proud to not just play with a brilliant bunch of teammates, but also represent a club which means so much to so many people all over NSW and beyond.
“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.
“The legacy of the Swifts has inspired this group and we are looking to build on it even more. The challenge for us now is to go back-to-back.
“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.”
