After eight very successful seasons holding the shooting circle for Central Coast Heart, Madeleine Taylor has announced her retirement from Premier League Netball.
The Opens Vice-Captain was the very first signing for the Heart franchise and was the first Premier League player to notch up 100 appearances.
Her eight years in the Premier League were highlighted by significant personal success.
She received the Netball NSW Nance Kenny award, was awarded an OAM and was the Premier League Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019.
She was also named Central Coast Heart Athlete of the Year in 2021 and Central Coast Heart Player’s Player in 2016 and 2017.
Taylor co-captained her sides in 2020 and 2021 and was vice captain and co vice captain in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
These accolades were topped with significant team success, with Taylor on teams including Netball NSW Premier League Opens Champion in 2018, NSW Premier League Grand Finalist in 2019 and 2022 and Central Coast Sports Awards Team of the Year in 2018.
The Hunter Netball junior will be remembered for her significant contribution to Central Coast and Hunter netball and her unwavering commitment to Central Coast Heart.
Taylor said it had been a “long eight years” in the sport.
“I have had great fun playing with the younger girls as well as the more experienced players,” she said.
“But it is my time to stop.
“Playing is a big commitment physically and my body is telling me it’s time.
“Also, there are new, young shooters emerging and they should have their chance to take that spot on the court.”
Taylor is doubtful that coaching is in her future.
“I will take a year off before I decide what comes next,” she said.
Terry Collins