ADELAIDE Thunderbirds midcourter Emily Beaton brought a unique brand to wing attack.
Considered tall for the role, she also had pace and the veteran was able to create damage with her instinctive feed into the goal circle.
For the eight years Jane Woodlands-Thompson coached the team, Beaton was trusted with the responsibility of being her attack line general.
And while she has been very much her own person, Beaton has always been a devoted team player. The veteran has always enjoyed the team environment.
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READ NOW“I’d like to be remembered as a good team person and put the team first,’’ Beaton said. “When I’m not going well myself I still try and do the best thing by the team.
“I’ve been a one-club player and I’m also proud of that. I’ve always preferred to take a couple of risks on court and to play that boring type game is just not me..’’
Friday, Beaton, 29, announced this season would be her last. That was all but decided in her mind at the end of last season when she told family and close friends she was pretty sure 2016 would be her swansong.
Tomorrow’s game against the Mainland Tactix at Priceline Stadium, Mile End, will be farewell appearance in front of home fans and mum Cathy, dad David, brother Jason and sister Joey. The finale will be the clash against the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton on July 3.
The only remaining member of the Thunderbirds side from the inaugural ANZ Championship season in 2008, Beaton was a vital cog in the premiership teams in 2010 and 2013 with her speed and height at wing attack.
No person has played 100 games for the Thunderbirds in the trans-Tasman competition. Beaton has been on 99 for the past two games, only to sit on the bench.
“Maybe I’ll be like Don Bradman and retire on 99,’’ she said. “While I love netball, I’m ready to start the next phase of my life and for the first time I’m getting more excited by other things now.
“I’ve always said I’ll stop doing it when it isn’t as enjoyable for me and that’s not a reflection on this season, it’s just in general. Netball has always been my number one and I’ve felt that changing over the past year and a half.’’