She’s back in the Red Dress and this weekend Maddy Proud is set to reach a career milestone of 150 National League Games.
Reaching the number places Proud among an elite group of players in Australian netball, almost a decade and a half of consistency, leadership and impact at the highest level.
After debuting for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2011, Proud made history as the youngest ever Championship player, debuting at 16 years of age.
After beginning her early elite career with the Thunderbirds, Proud made the move to Sydney, leaving behind her family and her hometown.
She has said that coming to Sydney felt like a “rebirth”, and she has loved what she has been able to achieve in Sydney.
In 2017, Proud joined the NSW Swifts for the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season and was named MVP in her first year.
Just two years later she was appointed captain and went on to lead the Club to two Premiership; the first in 2019 despite suffering a season-ending ACL injury, and the second in 2021 following her return to the court.
“Winning those two Premierships was indescribable,” she said.
“It was disappointing not being able to play on the court in the 2019 Grand Final, but 2021 made up for it and I can’t wait to see where we go this year.
“I am obviously grateful to the Thunderbirds because that’s where it started for me, but the Swifts have been my home for so long now that hitting this milestone in the Red Dress feels really fitting.”
Swifts Head Coach Briony Akle said the Australian Diamond’s leadership and dedication has been central to the Club’s success.
“Maddy is one of the heartbeats of the team. Her competitiveness, professionalism and ability to lift those around her is what makes her such a special player,” she said.
“I began coaching the Swifts just a year after she joined the Club, so it has been such an amazing journey to be a part of.”
Proud returns to play Super Netball season after taking maternity leave in 2025 following the birth of her daughter, Lily.
“It is so exciting to be back this year, especially with Lily watching now too. I hope to make her and all the returning fans proud this season and can’t wait”, she said.
The Swifts and Mavericks face off at 5pm on Sunday as part of a Round 2 Double Header with the Giants and Vixens doing battle at 3pm.
