In the space of just five succinct words, grand final-bound Maddy Turner summed up her crucial role as a defender for the NSW Swifts.

“I am there to annoy,” the 23-year-old said as she prepared for Sunday’s Super Netball decider against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Brisbane.

Maddy Turner is primed for Sunday’s grand final against the Lightning.Credit:AAP

“You have to [get in the opponent’s face] because that’s our job as defenders.

“All of the pressure is on [the players who take shots at goal]. We’re not meant to get the ball back – but we can.”

Swifts skipper Paige Hadley describe Turner as “loyal”, “calm-headed” and the “backbone of the team”. Her playing record notes she’s also durable because Turner hasn’t missed a game since joining the 2016 Swifts as an unheralded rookie from South Australia.

Her 61 consecutive matches makes Turner, who is originally from Adelaide’s Henley Beach, a veritable ironwoman. Adding to her remarkable tally is it’s no secret she throws herself into the game.

“I’ve been very lucky, touch wood,” she said of her unblemished run. “Extremely lucky.

“I’ve had pre-season injury niggles but we’re so lucky to have a staff here that gets on top of everything. They’re a massive part of the reason why I haven’t missed a game.

“I guess I also work hard [during the pre-season]. Every year I’m getting a lot stronger and faster; hitting more goals that I set off the court.”

Turner, who, like her teammate Natalie Haythornthwaite, is a qualified speech therapist, prefers to employ strong, bold body language rather than words to state her intent in the heat of battle.

“I do a very good poker face,” she says with the endearing giggle that punctuates some of her sentences. “Body language is massive.

“Our culture at the Swifts has instilled how important body language is. We all know the way you stand could influence your teammates when they look at you from the other end of the court.”

Turner also admits she’s been fortunate to guard the Swifts circle in league with Sarah Klau, who made her international debut for Australia during the recent World Cup.

“I love working with Sarah, we grew up playing in state teams together,” she said. “A lot of the understanding between us is telepathic.

“Briony [coach Akle] wants us to get louder on the court, but I think it’s great to have the awareness – and the trust – that the player behind you will do what you think they will.”

Hadley, however, praised Turner as a player who’ll always find ways to lift her teammates.

“She has this drive to win, and her loyalty to the Swifts is phenomenal,” said Hadley. “She’s very passionate about the club that gave her a start and believed in her.

“Maddy is doing everything she possibly can to give back to it. I love the ‘mongrel’ she plays with but [her poker face] means she gives nothing away; you never see whatever she might be experiencing during a game because you can’t read her.

“Her game has gone up another level this year. I’d love to see her in the Australian team.”

As for Sunday’s grand final against the Lightning, the 2018 and 2017 Super Netball champions, Turner acknowledged the Swifts know what will bring the premiership to NSW.

“We need to bring ‘it’ on the day,” she said. “We need to keep calm heads; stick to the game plan. We have to give each other 60 minutes, and we must give our all during that 60 minutes.

“Sixty minutes is all we have. But, it’s pretty exciting to say the Swifts are in the grand final.”

Source: Read Full Article