'Terrible scenes': Heartbreaking moment leaves netball stars in tears
A devastating injury to captain Maddy Proud has left her NSW Swifts teammates in tears on the court.
Proud went down in agony after an innocuous incident in the third quarter of the Swifts’ clash with the Firebirds on Saturday.
Proud’s knee appeared to give way as she landed on it after jumping to take a pass.
The 25-year-old cried out in pain as she hit the floor, with teammates rushing to comfort her.
She was helped off the court by trainers amid fears the injury could be season-ending.
A number of her teammates were in tears on the court after the game after realising the serious extent of the injury.
INJURY UPDATE
Terrible scenes on court for the @NSWSwifts, with star wing attack @maddyproud going down with what appears to be a significant knee injury. #SSNFirebirdsSwifts— Suncorp Super Netball (@SuperNetball) June 9, 2019
However she was in good spirits while being interviewed towards the end of the game.
“I’m just embarrassed I cried on national TV,” she joked.
Absolute class from Maddy Proud after suffering what appears to be a serious injury. 👏
WATCH: @Channel9#9Netball pic.twitter.com/z05UOxQbHF— 9Netball (@9Netball) June 9, 2019
Oh no. 😔Thoughts with you @maddyproud. Fingers crossed this isn’t what it looks like. https://t.co/xjO5849xYH
— Nat Medhurst (@natmedhurst) June 9, 2019
Me too! 😢
— Sam Poolman (@SamPoolman) June 9, 2019
Absolutely heartbreaking, was in tears just watching it 😭😭 Hopefully it’s not serious but even if it is I know @maddyproud will kill her rehab and come back even stronger 🤛🏻
— Kate Vugts (@katev21) June 9, 2019
My heart hurts for @maddyproud, she’s an absolute star. Hopefully her injury isn’t as serious as it looked. 💙❤️
— Emma Wink (@emmawiink) June 9, 2019
Swifts win but it doesn’t feel like it. Heart breaks for Maddy Proud. #FIRvSWI
— Hannah (@HanBarry93) June 9, 2019
Oh god that’s horrible for Maddy Proud
— ash (@ashleighkatexx) June 9, 2019
Swifts on song
The reinforced Firebirds were still no match for the rampant, Swifts who demolished the hosts 68-46.
South African import Lenize Potgieter made a stunning Firebirds debut, shooting 24 goals at 100 per cent accuracy at the Queensland State Netball Centre, but could not prevent a mauling from the competition leaders.
Recent Diamonds World Cup selection Sarah Klau's outstanding season continued as she led a shutdown of Queensland's forward line.
Sam Wallace (41 goals) and Helen Housby (27) did the rest as the competition's top attacking unit rammed home their dominance.
South African imports Potgieter and Erin Burger were parachuted in as cover for injured pair Mahalia Cassidy and Tippah Dwan, and both were injected into the game in the second quarter as Queensland fought to keep the ladder leader in touch.
Potgieter made an immediate impact, shooting eight-from-eight in a seamless opening stint in the Australian national league.
The trouble for the Firebirds was elsewhere.
They couldn't lay a hand on Swifts attackers Proud and Housby who sliced through the home side's defensive lines with ease.
with AAP