On a night when West Coast Fever etched their name in Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) history, Kadie-Ann Dehaney hit a personal milestone that was just as meaningful.
As the final buzzer sounded in Fever’s 73–56 win over the Giants—their record-breaking 11th straight victory—the Jamaican defender stood tall, as she marked her 100th game in the league. It was a moment of reflection, pride, and quiet triumph for a player who has built her legacy one hard-fought game at a time.
"Reaching 100 games honestly makes you pause and reflect. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process, knowing that I didn’t play a lot of games in the beginning. I remember the excitement of my debut like it was yesterday, but from that moment to now, I’ve grown not just as a player but as a person," Dehaney told SportsMax.Tv from her base in Perth.
"There have been highs and lows, but every experience, whether it was sitting on the bench or making a game-saving play, has taught me to be patient and back myself. That lesson sticks with me every time I step on the court," she added.
While Dehaney celebrated her personal achievement, the bigger picture was impossible to ignore. Fever’s 11th win pushed them further into uncharted territory and closer to a historic season finish. After losing their first two games of the season, the Dan Ryan-coached team, which also boast two other Jamaican stalwarts in Shanice Beckford and Jhaniel Fowler-Nembhard, roared back with class and determination to be named Minor Premiers as they sit at the top of the standings on 44 points.
"To hit 100 games on the same night we made history as a team, it’s surreal. But what makes it even more special is being part of a team chasing something bigger than individual success. This streak is a testament to our unity, consistency, and backing each other every week, so I just want to do my part and make sure my milestone contributes to something even greater," Dehaney shared.
Since her SSN debut with Melbourne Vixens in 2017, Dehaney has become one of the league’s most respected defenders. Her timing, positioning, and game sense have made her a core piece of Fever’s backline and a leader in her own right. The 28-year-old has so far tallied 55 deflections and 20 defensive rebounds in 13 games played this season.
"The SSN is one of the toughest leagues in the world, so you can never afford to stay comfortable. Every season, the competition steps up as new talent comes in, teams shift, and styles evolve. That pushes me to keep improving not just physically but mentally to be better. So I’ve had to adapt, evolve, stay sharp, and keep showing up with purpose. I’m also motivated by my teammates; they inspire and push me daily," Dehaney noted.
Dehaney’s journey from the Vixens to Sunshine Coast Lightning and now the Fever has included stints with and against some of netball’s elite, from fellow Sunshine Girls to world champions. Those experiences, she says, have shaped her style—on court and off.
"Playing alongside and against world-class players has been one of the best parts of my career. You pick up so much from their work ethic, the way they handle pressure, and how they lift others around them. From the day I entered this environment, that was evident," she declared.
"It has made me more confident in my own voice. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest but about being consistent, supportive, and accountable. I’ve taken pieces from all three captains I have had in my journey and shaped that into my own style... someone who leads with action, heart, and honesty," Dehaney reasoned.
Looking back, Dehaney had one powerful message for her teenage self—the young Jamaican girl chasing a dream that now spans a century of games in the world’s toughest league.
"Keep going. Even when it feels like you’re stuck, you’re building something solid. Don’t rush the journey; embrace it. Your roots are your strength. Stay grounded, stay hungry, and know that you belong at the top," she ended.