Southern Steel reinforcement midcourt, signing Silver Fern Sam Winders from Magic

Experienced midcourt Sam Winders leaves the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic after nine seasons for the Southern Steel.

The 47 test Silver Fern, which was overlooked for the Commonwealth Games squad, expressed a desire to step outside her comfort zone and test herself in a new environment.

winders, 27, was called the Silver Ferns’ Player of the Year for 2021 at the New Zealand Netball Awards in Decemberbut missed selection for the Games in a crowded midcourt.

Her acquisition is a coup for the Steel, who boast one of the strongest mid-courts in the league with Shannon Saunders on wing attack, and Winders and uncapped Silver Fern Kate Heffernan, able to keep the defense in the middle and in the middle. cover wing.

READ MORE:
† Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson ready for Commonwealth Games debut
† ‘There for all the right reasons’: Aliyah Dunn embraces Silver Ferns’ fitness challenge
† Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke sets Commonwealth Games fitness deadline

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, and the Magic will always have a very special place in my heart,” said Winders.

“But I also know it’s time for me to push the boundaries and try something new, continue learning with the aim of growing my game.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter, but I also want to thank the club that gave me that first chance in elite netball.”

The Steel, who missed the top three finals this season and finished fourth with a record of six wins and nine losses, have retained nine of their ten players. Winders replace Ali Wilshier in the only change to their contracted list of players.

Steel coach Reinga Bloxham was delighted to have a player with Winders’ experience and professionalism and said she would amplify their environment with those qualities.

“Sam is a player who I believe has high standards and great professional habits. I hope she will bring that intensity and drive to our training environment to raise the bar for others. She will give an edge to our competitive midcourt Everyone will have to do their best to fight for those bibs. She is always up for a challenge and she will provide our midcourt versatility,” Bloxham said.

“If you feel too comfortable you can relax sometimes and in a high performance environment you should feel challenged and feel a bit of constant tension. So I think there will be a lot of competition in midfield.”

Gary Dawson, Magic’s general manager, described Winders as a highly regarded member of the club and said she was a legend of the club. The Magic have struggled in the ANZ Premiership, finishing at the bottom of the table, but Winders raised by Rotorua have remained loyal to the team when they could have easily left to win more games elsewhere.

“She goes with our support, aroha and gratitude for all she has done for Magic. Sam has been at the heart of the Magic over the years and she will be missed,” said Dawson.

“She will always be part of the Magic legacy, but we also understand Sam’s desire to challenge herself in a new environment and we wish her all the best.”

Winders was first signed to the Magic in her freshman year after leaving school in 2014 and landed her 100th national league appearance for the club in 2021. She completed the 2022 season with 123 appearances for the Magic.

The Magic kept their core squad for 2023 with wing defense center Charlotte Elley their only new recruit.

Elley, who spent seven seasons with the Tactix and played 96 games, was not held by the Reds-and-Blacks.

AT A GLANCE:

Squad Steel 2023: Shooters: George Fisher, Georgia Heffernan, Savior Tui; midfield: Shannon Saunders, Kate Heffernan, Sam Winders, Renee Savai’inaea; Defenders: Kate Burley, Selby-Rickit Language Group, Sarahpheinna Woulf.

Selection Magic 2023: Shooters: Amelaranne Ekenasio, Bailey Mes, Ivana Rowland; midfield: Claire Kersten, Charlotte Elley, Georgie Edgecombe, Simmon Wilbore; Defenders: Oceane Maihi, Erena Mikaere, Georgia Tong.