By Henry Alt
When Abigail Latu-Meafou went down with a serious knee injury in 2023, it threatened to derail not just her season, but her netball journey.
However, true to her resilient nature, the experienced Samoa international has emerged stronger than ever and with a new outlook.
"I did my ACL, meniscus and MCL, I had a full knee reconstruction," Latu-Meafou said.
"Getting back on court was quite nerve-wracking, just because I hadn't really done much for the whole year."
The year-long absence from that injury meant Latu-Meafou missed the entirety of the TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets’ premiership campaign in the HART Sapphire Series, but she used the time to reset both physically and mentally.
"It was probably one of the best things to ever happened to me," Latu-Meafou said.
"It forced me into a period of rest, which I really needed. It made me re-evaluate my life and where I put my energy."
Named as a training partner for the Queensland Firebirds ahead of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, the 27-year-old has been appointed to a three-strong leadership group in the Firebirds Futures alongside Jessie Laga'aia and Danielle Taylor as they begin the 2025 Super Netball Reserves season this Saturday against the Melbourne Mavericks.
Having debuted in the 2017 Suncorp Super Netball season with the Firebirds, Latu-Meafou brings a wealth of high-level experience, having also represented the Adelaide Thunderbirds and New Zealand's Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
Born in New Zealand, she proudly captained Samoa’s national team, the Tifa Moana, in 2023.
Latu-Meafou also caught the eye earlier this year at the Suncorp Team Girls Cup in Adelaide, forming a dynamic combination in the goal circle with Firebirds’ star recruit Mary Cholhok.
"She’s exciting to play with and really agile for someone so tall," Latu-Meafou said of the 201cm Ugandan international.
Heading into the Futures' first match for 2025, her mindset is focused on simply enjoying the moment.
"I just want to have fun," she said.
"I want to finish on a really great note."
But make no mistake Latu-Meafou still has the drive to compete at the elite level. With her sights firmly set on a potential return to the SSN, she’s embracing her new role as both a playmaker and mentor.
"I’m definitely looking to develop my game," she said.
"I want to see how creative I can get; how smart I can play. Less is more sometimes."
"I also want to develop my leadership on court helping others play with freedom and creativity."
With a young squad surrounding her, the 27-year-old acknowledges the opportunity she has to help guide the next generation. It’s a group that she believes will turn heads this season.
"It’s a very young group. We haven't worked together very long, but with new faces come new challenges and some surprising results. I think that’s a positive," she said.
Latu-Meafou is eager to set the tone for their season opener against the Mavericks who are making their debut in the Super Netball Reserves.
"It’s very important," Abigail said.
"It’ll set the tone, not just for confidence but for success and success comes in many forms."
Beyond the court, Latu-Meafou has also noticed a shift in the professionalism and intensity of the training environment this year.
"Kiri (Wills) and Paula (Stuart) have created a very professional high-performance environment. It’s been amazing having Bryn (Abad), our strength and conditioning coach, he’s really got a method to his madness, which I appreciate."
The Firebirds Futures face the Mavericks from 6.30pm on Saturday at Waverley Netball Centre, Melbourne.
FUTURES SQUAD vs Mavericks
Elsa Sif Sandholt
Abigail Latu-Meafou
Kirra Tappenden
Jayden Molo
Sasha Flegler
Jessie Laga’aia
Danielle Taylor
Jess Milne
Lily Gribble
Lillyana Rennie
