Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Adelaide Thunderbirds captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey has her sights on what would be a “very special” Super Netball title amid her battle with post-partum depression.
Sterling-Humphrey sat out a significant portion of last year through pregnancy and returned to the Thunderbirds this season after giving birth to her son.
The 30-year-old defender has spoken candidly about her mental health struggles since making her comeback and has been a key figure for a dominant Adelaide outfit.
The Thunderbirds have lost just once all season en route to Saturday’s grand final against the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena.
“A win would just put the icing on the cake for me, being that struggling with post-partum and making my way back to netball,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
“To pick up where I left off, it would mean something very special.”
A fan-favourite, Sterling-Humphrey was the Super Netball player of the year in 2023 and featured in Adelaide’s back-to-back premierships in 2023-24.
The Jamaican international is grateful to her club for their support and said she was pleased to play a role in encouraging others with post-partum depression.
“It’s been very hard returning to netball whilst suffering from post-partum depression, but the amount of help that I’ve got from the club is something that I’m really grateful for,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
“For the netball community reaching out to me, expressing that they went through the same thing as well but was just scared to speak up, I’m glad I was able to provide a safe space at least for them to at least come and share their experience.
“So I’m really grateful and still not my best self with my mental issues, but I’m taking it a day at a time.”
Sterling-Humphrey is central in Adelaide’s plans to blunt a potent Melbourne attack led by Diamonds duo Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.
The Thunderbirds have had two convincing wins over the Vixens in the past month, including a 58-44 victory in their semi-final clash.
But they lost the first encounter this season, back in April.
“Finals is a different ball game from what you play in the season, so I think that on the day it’s whoever turns up,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
“Shutting down their attacking end is going to be key for us.”
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