The Adelaide Thunderbirds have re-signed midcourt star and New Zealand international Kate Heffernan.
One of the biggest coups of the 2026 signing period, all eyes were on the experienced C/WD as she made her Super Netball debut in Round 1.
Her impact was immediate as she made her mark in the best netball competition in the world.
She was awarded Player of the Match twice and fan-voted MVP three times, including in Round 14 where she recorded 141.5 Net Points, 35 feeds, 24 goal assists, and two gains.
Heffernan finished the season with the fourth highest Net Points in the league with 1333.5, the fourth-highest goal assists with 244, and a shared fan-voted MVP nod in the Grand Final.
At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she became a gold medallist for the first time as she represented New Zealand.
Thunderbirds Head Coach Tania Obst said the club was pleased to welcome Heffernan back to Adelaide.
“Kate’s impact on this group was immediate, both on and off the court,” Obst said.
“She brings incredible drive, determination and experience, and is a natural leader.
“She slotted into our environment seamlessly and we’re excited to continue what we started.”
