The Adelaide Thunderbirds have bolstered their shooting end ahead of the 2023 season, signing dynamic and versatile English Rose Eleanor Cardwell.
The 27-year-old has made her mark on the international stage for England and was a key factor in Manchester Thunder’s premiership victory in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) this year.
The GA/GS shot 641 goals from 21 games in 2022, ranked fourth in the VNSL despite playing predominantly in goal attack, and notched up 244 feeds.
At the 2022 VNSL Awards, she took home the Fans’ Player of the Season and was named Players’ Player of the Season by her peers.
Thunderbirds’ High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said the club was excited to welcome a player of Cardwell’s calibre.
“With four VNSL Premierships and 39 international caps to her name, Eleanor brings great knowledge and experience to our side,” Bourdon said.
“Her ability to play both goal attack and goal shooter gives us versatility and she has proven her capacity to shoot from range.
“From holding shooter to a dynamic play maker, she can certainly keep the defenders guessing and we look forward to working with her next season.”
Cardwell said she was thrilled to be joining the Thunderbirds.
“I'm very excited for this opportunity to represent the Adelaide Thunderbirds - the team looks very exciting and full of talent,” Cardwell said.
“I can’t wait to get to Australia, meet the girls and get stuck in. Bring on the 2023 season.”
Cardwell will represent the England Roses at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this July/August.
She joins already contracted Thunderbirds Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Hannah Petty, Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson on the club’s list for 2023.
