Emma ticks all the boxes for Lightning

Sunshine Coast Lightning has signed local netballer Emma Tickner as a training partner for the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) season.

A proud Sunshine Coaster, Tickner grew up in the region before moving to Brisbane for university.

In 2017, she was contracted to SSN rival, New South Wales Swifts but the chance to return home to family and further her career with Australia’s top club team was too good an opportunity to pass up according to the 26-year-old.

“I have worked with Kylee (assistant coach Kylee Byrne) before in Queensland underage teams and have heard about how Noeline approaches training and games and I wanted to be part of that,” Tickner said.

“They are both so genuine and they want what is best for everyone so I am excited to be involved with the club.”

A conversation with close friend and Lightning’s first-ever signing, Steph Wood, helped convince the defender her future was with the premiership-winning team.

“The way Steph spoke about Lightning and the environment at the club made it enticing and hard to say no,” Tickner said.

Comfortable at either goal keeper or goal defence, Tickner said she was looking forward to learning from Geva Mentor and Karla Pretorius.

“It will be incredible to prepare alongside two international stars who can inspire and lead me. You cannot pass up those opportunities.

“I have missed playing games and have had a fair break. If I do get the chance to take the court in a practice match it will be really good.”

The club’s latest addition is the perfect fit according to Byrne.

“There are few athletic and tall circle defenders around so it is great to have Emma on board to build for the future,” Byrne explained.

“Emma showcases exactly what you want in a high performance athlete. Her attitude, discipline and commitment off court mean she will fit in effortlessly in our Lightning environment.

“Emma is yet to show her potential and talent which were on display a few years ago in the Australian Netball League (ANL).

“The fact that she will be training against two of the best goal shooters in the world now in Steph Wood and Caitlin Bassett will only assist her return to this level."