Sunshine Coast Foundation player Maddy McAuliffe has been instrumental at Wing Defence for Lightning in recent seasons. Smart and strategic, the 25-year-old has been compared to former Lightning captain Laura Langman and Diamonds legend Julie Corletto.

The athletic midcourter is a natural-born leader. Dogged in defence, she was also highly competitive when given increased opportunities at Centre in 2020. McAuliffe has experience representing Australia at both 19/U and 21/U level.

McAuliffe was recognised with the Team Spirit Award in 2020.