Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Southern Steel have been dealt a huge blow with international shooter George Fisher officially ruled out of a second ANZ Premiership season.
Fisher, who has 22 Test caps for the England Roses, joined the Steel in 2021 and proved to be a lynchpin for them in the shooting end.
But she missed last year's ANZ Premiership after rupturing her ACL and fracturing her knee during a pre-season match.
Fisher told RNZ last week that setbacks had hindered her progress and she wasn't sure if she would get on court for the Steel.
The Steel said despite the best efforts of Fisher and her medical teams in both New Zealand and England, she would not recover in time.
Fisher said it was heart-breaking.
"It's something that's really hard to process and try and get your head round. I'm just trying to take everything day-by-day at the moment and work on what I can work on which is my rehab," she said.
"Sometimes it's harder - knowing that you tried everything when it comes to recovery and rehab - and your body just sometimes feels like it's failing you, which is a strange process, but one I'm still working through.
"I'm hoping to arrive back in New Zealand in a couple of weeks and I'm super excited to see the team. I've been missing them loads and really miss being in the environment. I feel like my role this year will be very similar to last year, just helping out in whatever way I can and supporting the team."
Steel shooter Jennifer O'Connell Photo: www.photosport.nz Photosport Ltd 2018
Steel chief executive Sonya Fleming said Fisher had the unwavering support of all involved at the franchise.
"George was tracking so well and excited about the prospect of being back on court for Steel in 2024. Our team and management are all absolutely gutted for her and naturally really feel for their team-mate," she said.
"Prioritising George's health and well-being is paramount and it's essential we take the necessary steps now to ensure a strong recovery for her future in the sport.
"Our entire franchise is 100 percent behind George and supporting her through this rehabilitation to get her back on court. She has had, and will continue to have, the best medical care, including a consolidated period of intensive rehab now underway in England before she returns to Invercargill."
Fisher will continue with the franchise, albeit in an alternative role off the court.
The Steel, who had to scramble for a late replacement last year, languished at the bottom of the table after failing to pick up a single win.
This year the franchise had more time to find cover for Fisher when it became apparent her recovery was taking longer than expected.
"It is fantastic to have a local player of Jen's calibre available to step up as such a crucial member of the team. We appreciate her enthusiastic approach and are eagerly anticipating her return to netball's elite ranks," Fleming said.
The Steel's pre-season preparation continues as it hosts five ANZ Premiership teams for its inaugural Southern Showdown tournament in Dunedin, which starts today.
