ONE of Australian netball’s most promising talents has secured a contract with the Queensland Firebirds for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Sheer hard work and unwavering commitment has seen 22-year-old Macy Gardner return to the Firebirds senior playing list after impressing this year in her role as a training partner.
Gardner entered the Firebirds nest as a training partner in 2018, made her on-court debut in 2019, before being elevated to the team in 2020.
Receiving the phone call to inform her of a 2023 contract with the Firebirds team was incredibly exciting, she said.
“It’s such an honour to get a contract in the Firebirds 10 as there aren’t many spots in the SSN league,” Gardner said.
“I’ve grown up playing with Mia (Stower) and Ruby (Bakewell-Doran) so to be teammates on the Firebirds is really exciting, and having those combinations since underage is always helpful too.”
After already experiencing both the highs and lows of professional sport, Gardner was happy to share some advice for any young athlete going through a tough patch.
“Focus on your own journey and don’t compare yourself to where others are at your age as no two paths are the same,” she said.
“It’s important to be true to yourself, find out what motivates you, and if you want it badly enough then you’ll get it. Be resilient, stay persistent. You’ll miss out on things but don’t let those moments define you, as those same moments will lead you to where you want to be. Finally, work hard because your dreams won’t happen if you don’t work for them.”
Originally from Victoria, Gardner has been a dominant midcourter on Netball Queensland’s development pathway having represented at both under-17 and under-19 levels, named under-19 MVP at the National Netball Championships, and secured selection in the Australian development squad.
Under the tutelage of new Firebirds coach Bec Bulley, it will be exciting to see Gardner shine even brighter in 2023.
