A Celebration of Motherhood in Super Netball
Round nine of the Super Netball season was a heartwarming event, especially during Mother’s Day weekend. The league took the opportunity to honor the mothers who are shaping the sport and entertaining fans in one of the world’s premier netball leagues. With the recent baby boom, there are now eight mothers competing in the 2026 season:
- Romelda Aiken-George
- Mary Cholhok
- Gina Crampton
- Emily Mannix
- Maddy Proud
- Shamera Sterling-Humphrey
- Jane Watson
- Paige Hadley
Paige Hadley made a remarkable return to the court just 10 weeks after giving birth to her son Tully. Her swift comeback is a testament to the strength and dedication of female athletes. This week, we focus on her inspiring story, which highlights the incredible resilience and determination of these athletes.
In addition to celebrating Hadley, we also want to recognize Romelda Aiken-George, who recently tied Cath Cox’s record of 254 national netball league appearances. She is set to break this record in round 10, making it a significant milestone for the sport.
Results and Team Dynamics
The top four teams remained unchanged on the ladder, but there was movement below the finals line. On Saturday, the NSW Swifts hosted their annual Pride Bowl against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, promoting LGBTIQA+ diversity. The Swifts won the match 70-56, allowing them to move up in the standings and join the race for fourth place.
As the season progresses, some teams have struggled with consistency, leading to frustration among players and coaches. The Firebirds, West Coast Fever, and Melbourne Mavericks showed signs of tension during huddles. Two of these teams saw positive results from their coaching interventions.
Defender Fran Williams of the West Coast Fever addressed her teammates’ self-pity during a loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, urging them to stop feeling sorry for themselves. Their response led to a win in the third quarter, although they couldn’t secure the overall victory.
Queensland Firebirds coach Kiri Wills used a dramatic moment during a timeout, asking her team to take responsibility for their poor performance. They managed to win the period but ultimately lost the match to the Melbourne Vixens.
Melbourne Mavericks coach Gerard Murphy challenged his team to be more alert during a game against the Giants, resulting in a 60-41 win and their first-ever three-game winning streak as a club.
Paige Hadley’s Journey Back to Netball
Paige Hadley’s journey back to the court began last August when she announced her pregnancy shortly after playing a full 60 minutes in a preliminary final. As the then-captain of the Swifts and an Aussie Diamonds vice-captain, she had known about her pregnancy since round four but chose to keep it private.
Hadley’s decision to continue playing and return to the sport after childbirth was driven by her desire to maintain her career as an elite athlete. “In the netball world, news spreads quite easily, so that was tough in itself playing pretty much the whole season pregnant and not letting your teammates know,” she shared with ABC Sport.
She reached out to other athletes who had returned quickly after childbirth, such as Gretel Bueta and Caitlan Johnston-Green, for guidance. These interactions encouraged her to stay fit and seek professional help, including working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
After the birth of her son Tully, Hadley focused on light gym work and pelvic floor exercises before being cleared to run again. With the support of the Swifts and Diamonds, she was able to return to play.
Originally scheduled to come back in round 10, Hadley received early medical clearance and was given the chance to play on Mother’s Day weekend in front of her family and friends. Despite the excitement, she faced some online criticism questioning her decision to return so soon.
However, Hadley remains focused on her passion for the game. “My passion for the game is stronger than ever, so why should I have to choose between becoming a mum and playing netball?” she said.
Looking Ahead
Hadley is determined to continue her career and hopes to be part of the Commonwealth Games campaign in July. Although she has faced challenges in previous tournaments, she remains hopeful for a spot in the midcourt.
With the national squad selection approaching, the competition for a place in the Diamonds will be fierce. However, Hadley’s experience and determination may give her a chance to prove herself on the court.
