The Adelaide Thunderbirds have finalised their list for 2026, bolstering their midcourt and defensive units with international star Kate Heffernan.
A versatile C/WD standing at 181cm, the New Zealander will add significant strength and flexibility to the side.
She also adds proven leadership skills as the 2025 captain of the Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership in her seventh season with the club.
In July of the 2025 season, she celebrated her 100th game for the Steel.
Heffernan burst onto the international stage in 2022, making her debut for the Silver Ferns and maintaining her place in the squad ever since.
In 2024, she was named vice-captain of the Ferns and now has 39 caps to her name, including appearances at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup.
She joined an exclusive club in 2023/24 when she was named Silver Ferns International Player of the Year, solidifying her place amongst the best netballers in the world.
A natural athlete, Heffernan has also represented her country for cricket, making her debut in 2018 against the West Indies.
Adelaide Thunderbirds General Manager of High Performance Jace Bode said the club was ecstatic to welcome Heffernan to Adelaide later this year.
“We’ve been following Kate closely for many years and admired what she’s achieved at both domestic and international levels,” Bode said.
“She is incredibly versatile and dynamic, with the ability to dominate across multiple positions.
“At 181cm, she brings significant height to our midcourt, with the ability to also swing into the defensive goal circle.
“Kate is a proven leader with extensive experience on the international and domestic stage, and we can’t wait for her to join us later this year.”
Heffernan said she was excited to join the Thunderbirds for the 2026 season.
“I am super excited to be joining the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the 2026 season. I have watched this team for a while now and I can’t wait to play with them,” Heffernan said.
“The opportunity to join the SSN is exciting and I think a real opportunity to push myself and see where I can grow and take my game further.
“I have loved playing for the Southern Steel, and it was a real honour to play 100 games for my home team.
“While it was a very tough decision to make, I am looking forward to a bit of a change on and off the court and can’t wait to get to Adelaide and meet all the girls and management later this year.”
With the signing of Heffernan, the Thunderbirds have now finalised their list of 10 for 2026:
- Sophie Casey (WD, C)
- Lauren Frew (GA, GS)
- Matilda Garrett (GD, GK)
- Kayla Graham (GA, WA, GS)
- Kate Heffernan (C, WD)
- Georgie Horjus (WA, GA)
- Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (GK, GD)
- Elmeré van der Berg (GS, GA)
- Tayla Williams (C, WA, WD)
- Latanya Wilson (GD, WD, GK)
