Two-time Premiership captain and Club Centurion Maddy Proud has announced she will retire from netball, bringing to a close a remarkable playing career and an unforgettable decade in the red dress.
Proud began her professional career with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2011 at just 16 years of age, becoming the youngest player to be contracted to a professional netball team. She established herself as a key member of the Thunderbirds squad for six years before making the move to Sydney ahead of the 2017 season.
Debuting for the Swifts in Round 1 of 2017, Proud went on to play 118 games for the seven-time Premiers, becoming a Club Centurion and one of the most influential and admired players of the Swifts’ modern era.
She captained the Club to Premiership success in 2019, despite rupturing her ACL during the season, before returning to lead the Swifts to another Premiership in 2021.
Her resilience, leadership and ability to overcome adversity became defining features of her career, cementing her place in Swifts history and as one of the Club’s most respected captains.
A former Australian Diamonds midcourter, Proud missed the 2025 season to welcome her first child before returning in 2026, closing her time in the game as one of the most admired players of the Suncorp Super Netball era.
The South Australian native said the decision to retire came with immense gratitude for the Club, the game and the people who had shaped her journey.
“I thought when I made the move from Adelaide almost a decade ago that I would come for a few years then move back, but it turned out far better than I could have ever imagined,” Proud said.
“In my time at the Swifts I have had some special moments. I got to win Premierships, I met my fiancé and, most importantly, I became a mum.
“Had I not made the move back then I don’t know if any of that would have happened. I have made so many lifelong friends at the Club among my teammates, coaches and wider staff, and the fans have given me so much.
“A career in professional sport only lasts for a relatively short period of time. I have been lucky enough to be part of three Grand Final campaigns and tasted success in two of them.
“Even the years when we didn’t win, we still had wonderful moments that I will always treasure. While I may no longer be running out in a Swifts dress, I will always feel part of the wider family, and getting to wear the uniform has been a privilege.
“I want to thank everyone on and off the court who has made this such a special journey for me, as well as my family who have been a constant support.”
Jeremy Butler, Executive General Manager of the Swifts, said Proud’s retirement marked the end of a defining era for the Club.
“Maddy Proud’s contribution to the NSW Swifts has been extraordinary, and her legacy will be felt at this Club for many years to come,” Butler said.
“Since arriving in Sydney in 2017, she has become a Premiership Captain, a Swifts Centurion, an Australian Diamond and one of the most respected figures in our game.
“Maddy has been central to one of the most successful periods in Swifts history. Her competitiveness, creativity and composure helped drive two Premiership campaigns, while her leadership set a benchmark for the players, coaches and staff around her.
“What has always stood out about Maddy is the way she has carried herself beyond the court. She has represented the Swifts with warmth, humility and authenticity, building a genuine connection with our Members, fans and the wider netball community.
“She has also been an outstanding ambassador for the sport. Through her media work, writing, community presence and the example she has set for young athletes, Maddy has used her platform thoughtfully and positively throughout her time with the Club.
“On behalf of everyone at the NSW Swifts, we thank Maddy for everything she has given to this Club and to the game. She has helped create some of the great moments in our history, and while we will miss seeing her in the Red dress.
“Maddy will always be part of the Swifts family and we look forward to discussing new opportunities as she plans her next chapter.”
