Maddie Hinchliffe has been cleared to join the Sunshine Coast Lightning side which will take on Queensland Firebirds on Monday evening.
After being elevated to the squad in the pre-season as a permanent replacement player for Ashlee Unie, Hinchliffe sustained a foot injury which kept her sidelined until now.
Head Coach Kylee Byrne said she was thrilled to give the midcourter an opportunity in Lightning’s senior side and is confident she will take the opportunity with both hands.
“Maddie came into the Lightning environment in the offseason, put in the hard work and reaped the benefits being elevated, so to now reward that with a senior position is really pleasing,” Byrne said.
“Despite the early setback, she was diligent in her rehab and continued to play a pivotal role around the Club and now our medical team have given her the all clear to return to senior netball.
“I have no doubt Maddie will apply herself with the same amount of determination out on court and her skill and talents will compliment our rotating midcourt and add further flexibility.
“I’d also like to credit Binnian Hunt who has made major strides in her development as a replacement player during the first 9 rounds and remains an important member of Lightning.”
Binnian Hunt will resume duties as a Training Partner after being a temporary replacement player for Hinchliffe so far this season.
Hinchliffe has been named as part of the Sunshine Coast Lightning squad of 10 that will take on Firebirds on Monday night at Nissan Arena.
If she takes to the court on Monday, the 23-year-old will debut in Lightning colours against Firebirds, her former side.
