Kate Heffernan set to join 100 game club
July 4, 2025
Ask Kate Heffernan about her forthcoming 100th game and she will masterfully turn the conversation to chat about her team.
It speaks volumes about her leadership and humble nature. But there’s no denying it’s a milestone which deservedly shines the spotlight on the midcourt powerhouse.
On Sunday, Heffernan is set to become just the third player in the history of the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel to play 100 games exclusively for the franchise – joining fellow midcourters Wendy Frew and Shannon Saunders.
“To be on the list with them is really cool. Both are players I have looked up to from when I first started until now so that is really special,” Heffernan said.
“It means a lot doing it just for the Steel and home. 100 games anywhere is amazing but being able to do it for just one franchise that means so much to me is pretty cool. I’m grateful for everything the franchise has done for me from an 18-year-old to now. It’s definitely not something I take for granted.
“I look back at the first couple of team posters and I’m just a baby.”
It’s a significant milestone Heffernan is proud of, but first there’s a game to win against the Mystics.
“It’s a must-win scenario for us so I need to focus on getting that win against the team that’s sitting top of the table. I’m feeling excited. We’re coming off a bit of momentum the last few rounds and I feel like we’re in a good place,” she said.
“We’re growing in confidence each week in our attacking game and honestly feeling really good about it. We just need to play our game. We’ve got a really good plan and just need to execute it.
The southerners have a score to settle after losing to the Mystics by just one goal in round two.
“It could have gone either way that game. There are definitely a few things that as a team we were gutted about and we thought we could have taken that one. Instead, we took a lot of learnings,” Heffernan said.
“They have a couple of dominant players in their attacking end, especially Peta (Toeava) and her connection with all the players around her and her feeding into the circle. We need to make sure we’re nailing our unit defence and actually shutting down those connections.”
Pressure was a privilege, and the Steel appears to be thriving on it.
“We’ve had to win our last few games to be in contention for the top three. We need to approach this the same way but continue to lift like we’ve been doing,” Heffernan said.
“We’ve had the belief to take it up another notch every game. Pressure can do all sorts of things, and obviously the pressure is on us more than the Mystics at the moment, but as a group the timing is right – we’ve got belief, we’re got trust. I really feel that now and I think we will be able to absorb that pressure and do the job.”
She will share the moment with defender Carys Stythe who racks up her 50th ANZ Premiership appearance.
“I just want to win so we can celebrate it like we should given we have a couple of milestones happening,” she said.
“We don’t really care too much about them at the moment, the focus is solely on the win. Once we do that, then we can think about how awesome it is to have played so many games.”
To mark the occasion, Heffernan’s teammates shared their thoughts on their inspirational co-captain.
Kimiora Poi: “Kate is someone you want on your team. She’s Miss Reliable and has the ability to get ball on defence when you really need it. Happy 100!”
Renee Savai’inaea: “Wow, what an achievement! I was there for Kate’s 50th game, so it’s surreal to celebrate her 100th with her as well. Playing alongside her has been unreal. Her knowledge and ability to read the game defensively is something that not many people can do. She’s such a hard-working player and would do anything for the team.”
Serina Daunakamakama: “Kate is really inspiring with her competitive attitude and grit. She’s a real leader that brings a certain intensity that in turn brings out the best in the team.”
Aliyah Dunn: “What an achievement! Congrats on the hundy games. You are the epitome of Real Steel, never give up!”
Summer Temu: “Kate is such an experienced and talented player. I look up to her as my captain and there’s nobody more deserving of these 100 games than her.”
Georgia Heffernan: “Kate is one of the most hard-working and driven people. She’s someone you want on your team and someone that lifts everyone around her.”
Khanye’ Munro-Nonoa: “Kate’s a player I know who demands greatness from everyone around them. I am constantly in awe of her knowledge and dedication to the game. She’s truly been an idol of mine and I am always so grateful and honoured that I get to learn from one of the greats, as well as play alongside her.”
Abby Lawson: “Congraats on 100 games Kate. It is a huge achievement and to do it all for one franchise is remarkable. It is a privilege that I get to play alongside you and have been a small part of your journey. I look forward to seeing where the next 100 games take you and the special mark you will make.”
Carys Stythe: “Hardest worker with so much love for everyone. Even when dealing with her knee off court, Kate is always so involved and helpful.”
Dakota Thomas: “Since coming to the club, I’ve seen Kate’s smarts in real time, dedication to the team and passion for Southland. Such a momentous moment for her to achieve this in Steel colours and I can’t wait to see what her future holds.”
Liana Leota: “She’s tenacious. A never-say-die attitude. Always runs towards or through challenges and has an amazing work ethic. Very driven and self-sufficient.”
Wendy Frew: “Kate has been such a standout player for the Southern Steel – 100 games for the same franchise is an incredible achievement, and we’re all so proud of her. She brings real leadership and experience to the court, along with her signature defensive flair. She’s amazing at winning ball for the team, and her court vision and speed, hard drives on attack, is remarkable. It’s been a real honour coaching her this year. I was lucky to play alongside her back in 2018, and now being her coach, it’s been so exciting to see how she’s grown throughout her career. Being part of her 100th game is really special — for her, for the team, and for the whole franchise. We couldn’t be prouder.”
