The Adelaide Thunderbirds will welcome an additional training partner in 2025, with male netballer Aalen Davis selected for the first time.
The inaugural position was a key component of a Memorandum of Understanding between Netball SA/Adelaide Thunderbirds and the South Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association to elevate male participation in netball.
Netball SA CEO Bronwyn Klei said the position would increase exposure for men and boys in the netball community while creating another significant development opportunity.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and this position shines a light on the growth of male participation in netball,” Ms Klei said.
“Aalen will be a role model for male netballers coming through the pathways and we hope this will encourage others to engage with our sport.
“Netball is a sport for all, and we’re committed to ensuring young boys have the opportunity to not only enter our sport but to thrive and develop into elite netballers.
“The growth of the Men’s Super League is a testament to the quality of men’s netball, and I encourage everyone to come out and see these athletes in action.”
SAMMNA’s Director of High Performance Jake Taylor said the Board was thrilled to see Davis become the first male training partner for the Thunderbirds.
“Whilst our male athletes have been involved in the Thunderbirds environment in recent years, this official appointment is a historic moment for South Australian netball,” Taylor said.
“It marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing opportunities for boys and men to grow and thrive in netball.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Aalen, and we know he will add great value to the environment.”
Davis joins the Thunderbirds environment with an array of experience in the men’s netball space, having represented his state and country in recent years.
The dynamic WA/GA earned his first selection in the South Australian 23 and Under Men’s side in 2022 as a fresh 18-year-old before being elevated to the Open Men’s side in 2023.
He made his first appearance in the green and gold in 2022 when he represented Australia in the 20 and Under Men’s Side in the Trans-Tasman Cup and has been a part of the 23 and Under Australian program ever since.
As the inaugural Men’s Super League was born at the end of the 2023, he became the second-ever male player to sign with Garville Netball Club.
Thunderbirds Head Coach Tania Obst said the club was excited to welcome Davis as an official training partner in 2025.
“Aalen has been a regular invitee to our environment previously and has provided a positive point of difference during that time,” Obst said.
“We have also seen growth in Aalen’s game which is pleasing to see.”
Davis joins existing training partners Sophie Casey, Tabitha Packer, Lucy Voyvodic, Charlotte Walker and Molly Watson.
The Men’s Super League competition is hosted at Netball SA Stadium on Monday nights from November to February.
