Kate Heffernan bids farewell to Steel

August 14, 2025

Making the toughest decision of her sporting career, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel captain Kate Heffernan has opted to ply her trade in Australia next year. 

The formidable midcourter has been snapped up by the Adelaide Thunderbirds for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball League.  

The move was “bittersweet” for Heffernan, 25, who has played 101 games for the Steel since joining the ranks in 2018. 

“I’m incredibly proud to play all of my ANZ Premiership games for my home team and this decision to take my netball in a new direction has not been made lightly. It will be so tough to leave my Steel family and I am grateful for everything the franchise has done for me,” she said. 

“On the other hand, I am excited to see what the future holds in a new environment with the Thunderbirds. The opportunity to experience the intensity of a new competition and different opponents can only enhance my netball even further and I’m ready to embrace the challenges ahead.” 

Heffernan remains eligible to play for the Silver Ferns after being granted an exemption by Netball New Zealand and was named in the 2025/2026 squad earlier this week. 

Steel head coach Wendy Frew was not surprised Heffernan had attracted the attention of Australian clubs. 

“I have had the privilege of both playing alongside and coaching Kate during her time with the Steel and she is such a standout player. She brings real leadership and experience, along with her defensive flair, and her signature is a real coup for any team,” she said. 

“It has been so exciting to see how she’s grown throughout her career and, as much as she is a massive loss for us as a team, I am proud to see her embark on this new chapter.” 

Steel chief executive Sonya Fleming rated Heffernan highly. 

“Kate has been an integral part of our Steel family for the past seven years and we will miss her immensely. It has been amazing to witness one of our own homegrown southern talents accomplish remarkable things and this latest achievement is no exception,” she said. 

“Right now, it feels hard to even imagine a Steel team without Kate in it and that speaks volumes about the role she has played. We wish her all the best in her endeavours and know she will always remain a valued part of our Steel family.”