Aussie defender joins Lawson to complete Steel roster

August 26, 2024

Talented Australian defender Dakota Thomas and the steadfast Abby Lawson complete the 2025 Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel squad.

Thomas, 23, has been honing her netball skills as a training partner with the New South Wales Swifts for the past three years as a versatile goal defence/wing defence.

While she has emerged through the Australian netball pathway, she is eager to step into the ANZ Premiership environment with the Steel.

“I am still in shock to be honest. To have a club across the ditch believe in my capabilities and jump at the opportunity to have me in their squad is a dream come true. I am grateful beyond words,” she said.

“The past three years with the Swifts has enabled me to grow as a player in a very intense but professional environment. All I have ever wanted is to be a professional athlete and I wanted to branch out and have new experiences of my own in New Zealand.”

Recruitment conversations with Steel head coach Wendy Frew resonated with Thomas’ own goals.

“What drew me in was Wendy’s passion for the Steel and how she is wanting to build the club in her new position. I want to add my energy and passion and be involved in that process,” she said.

“An open mind is another thing I want to bring to take the learnings of the New Zealand style of defence while my own tools and tricks will allow me to be versatile on court.

“Off the court, I am just wanting to build relationships with my team-mates so we can connect on court. I am excited to gain experience working with new coaches and players while immersed in the Steel culture.”

Thomas was not fazed about adapting to a new style.  

“I am fortunate that my speed has allowed me to slowly lean towards the kiwi style in a different way – sitting off just enough to come through for intercepts. I’m looking forward to continuing to evolve as an athlete with the Steel and excited to learn that style in a faster pace – understanding some of the structures better to move as a unit,” she said.

“The ANZ Premiership is the next best competition in the world so I am thrilled to be involved in something with such an elite status. And I have heard the community involvement and support is like none other and I want to be a part of that.” 

Her links to New Zealand were already strong through her Māori father who was born and raised in Whangarei.

“My dad’s siblings are all in New Zealand and as a family we have flown over to visit a few times. These have been the best family holidays to date. The New Zealand scenery is unmatched and our family appreciates the outdoors,” she said.

“Having four young kids in different seasonal sports, trying to organise time to get over was hard but it was always worth it. The way our dad enlightens us, showing us places he used to run around with his cousins growing up is very special.”

As a netballer, Thomas had the chance to compete with the Swifts in Invercargill during a pre-season tournament last year, with former Steel coach and Sting legend Natalie Avellino at the helm.

“It was a makeshift team as the Swifts had Covid symptoms, so it was filled with Swifts training partners, academy athletes and some of the training partners of the Steel team. It was such a fun experience and to be versing Silver Ferns made it very memorable,” she said.

“Nat was our team mum in Invercargill, showing us the local town, attractions and people always stopping her for a chat. She showed us how friendly the town is. I haven't heard much of Nat's past with Steel, but I know when we were over there she felt very connected and had a sense of home. Natty is very pleased I have the opportunity and excited for me to embrace what Invercargill has to offer.”

For Lawson, she is aiming to continue her form after a standout return to the Steel ranks this season.

“I’m really looking forward to being back in blue and pink with the Steel next year, with a new group of players and a new coach. We have a very exciting team with a little bit of everything in the mix and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together,” she said.

“This year it was really nice to get back to the elite level of competition, making and growing connections and really just enjoying my netball again.

“It was great to get a couple of wins and bring home the Georgie Salter Memorial Trophy. There was definitely some key learning to take out of the season and we just need to make sure we hit the ground running straight off the bat next season, especially with it being a shorter draw for 2025.”

Lawson’s goals were simple.

“I just really want to keep enjoying my netball because that’s when I play my best. And I definitely want to get some wins on the board early to stomp our mark on the competition,” she said.

The confirmed 2025 Steel roster also features defender Carys Stythe, midcourters Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai’inaea and Serina Daunakamakama and shooters Georgia Heffernan, Aliyah Dunn and Summer Temu.