A young player in a hurry, Central Manawa defender Madison Thomas is making up for lost time with a stellar campaign for the defending champions in the Synergy Hair Netball League (SHNL).
First selected for Manawa as a 15-year-old Manukura school student, in Palmerston North, a back injury subsequently forced an extended and challenging time on the side-lines. But, now on the move, the recently turned 18-year-old has made her mark this season with string of standout performances.
The rangy, mobile 1.84m defender, who plies her trade from the custodian’s position of goalkeeper, has revelled being back in her happy place, her consistent ability to pick up turnovers and staunch defence adding a strong element to Manawa’s success this season.
"The back injury was absolutely devastating and just about broke me, to be honest,’’ Thomas said.
"The main goal for this season was to get back to where I left off. I was worried coming back into the season after being injured, that my back would be dusty and that my basic skills might have left me, but it only took a couple of weeks to get back into the rhythm.
"I’m pretty happy with how I’m going but there’s always room for improvement. You never let things go to your head and I just want to keep doing what I do and put my best foot forward every game.’’
With two rounds remaining, Manawa are handily-placed at the top of the table but have the Comets breathing down their necks while Sunday’s opposition, Mainland, still have a mathematical chance of making the Grand Final after winning their last three matches.
In the last three rounds Manawa have had one match sandwiched between two byes, which can be a curse or a cure.
"A bye definitely gives you a chance to re-set but coming back into the mix can go one of two ways, either you come in firing because you’ve had a week off or you come in a bit dusty because you’ve had a week off,’’ Thomas said.
"It’s a bit hit and miss and probably depends on the individual. Personally, I enjoy back-to-back-to-back.
"We’re definitely expecting a decent tussle with Mainland. After coming off a win against them when we played them last (six-goal win, five weeks ago), I expect nothing less than a strong return from them, but in saying that, I’m confident we can get a repeat win.’’
Still travelling from Palmerston North to Wellington for training and matches after finishing school last year, Thomas is hoping to gain acceptance to Police College in the Capital next year.
For now, the aim is to nail strong performances in their last two outing to cement a place in the finale.
"They are totally must-win games for us to get into the Grand Final. We’ve played both teams that we’re coming up against, so we do know what to expect but that’s not to say, they won’t bring on a hustle,’’ Thomas said.
"I’m excited and really looking forward to the next two weeks and I’m excited that they’re back-to-back because that’s what keeps me firing is back-to-back and I’m ready to give it a crack.
"I’ve really enjoyed being back. The court is my happy place and I just want to keep growing as a person and a player and the further I can get in netball, the happier I will be.’’